You have no items in your shopping cart.
Tips for Buying a Used Forklift
When should you buy a used forklift instead of a new one? What should you look for in a used lift truck? Who should you buy a used or reconditioned forklift from? It’s a bigger subject than you might imagine, but these tips will help you get started in the right direction.
Image courtesy of iStock by Getty Images – Photo by Petro Bevz
When to Buy a Used Forklift
If you’re debating between buying a used or a new lift truck, ask yourself these questions first:
• Is it for full-time or occasional use?
• Can I afford a new lift truck?
• Are parts available for the used forklift?
• Can I afford depreciation expenses on a new vehicle?
• Are monthly payments (lease or buy) justified?
A new forklift may be worth the money if it is for full-time use, but a good quality reconditioned forklift might be a better idea if your budget is tight and/or your potential profits don’t justify purchasing or leasing a new forklift.
What to Look For in a Used Forklift
Before you buy a used forklift, you need to know what you’re looking for:
• If you are not mechanically inclined, get a service technician to help you choose the vehicle.
• Write down a list of your requirements. What will the lift truck be used for? Do you have other jobs you can use it for? Asking yourself questions like these might make the difference between looking for an electric or IC forklift.
• Does the forklift’s appearance matter? If the buying public is going to see your forklift, it’s a good idea to buy a fully reconditioned forklift.
By “fully reconditioned” we mean a forklift that has been reconditioned inside and out. It’s no good buying a so-called “reconditioned” vehicle that has just been given a pretty paint job. A fully reconditioned forklift will come with a performance warranty.
Who to Buy a Used or Reconditioned Forklift From
Some argue that you should only buy used or reconditioned forklifts you can physically inspect first. Doing this can help you avoid ripoffs, but may limit your choices. If you do your homework first, you can safely buy a used vehicle online. These are some tips for looking for used lift trucks online:
• Avoid buying directly from the owner unless the seller is in your area and you can inspect the vehicle in person.
• Avoid buying from online lists. These are usually taken at random, without inspecting the vehicle or verifying the source first.
• Buy from a company with a long history of selling from a physical location.
You should buy from a company that established its reputation long before the internet existed. A materials handling company that can also supply you with parts and even accessories and other material handling needs are ideal.
Reconditionedforklifts.com.au is part of the Bahrns family of material handling experts. Established in 1966 in Effingham, Illinois, Bahrns built a reputation for integrity, service, and value long before the internet made it possible for them to expand their market. The fact that they are also a certified reconditioned Toyota forklift dealer is further proof that when you buy a reconditioned or used forklift from us, you can trust that the forklift that is delivered to you is as good as or better than a forklift you buy directly from a seller after physically inspecting it.
