Refurbished & Used Forklifts

Out of all of the industrial equipment available on the today's market, forklifts happens to be one of the primary machines for many business owners across industries. Forklifts have proven to be the among the most highly used piece of industrial equipment within companies ranging from large organizations to small businesses. Business owners can attest to the fact that the equipment is a very versatile tool with the capability of lifting smaller items on pallets to even materials weighing thousands of pounds. In a nutshell, the forklift is an indispensable piece of equipment in both manufacturing and warehousing operations, and a must have for any business that wishes to expand its operations.

Improving the services of your business, may it be in the industrial, construction or any other industry is very crucial to the satisfaction of your clients. By making use of efficient tools and equipment, businesses can finish up their daily task, provide better benefits to their customers and improve the overall reputation of their company. So, if you're in the manufacturing or industrial sector, you may need to opt for either new or used forklift.

Now, the issue here is that going for a new forklift can be super expensive. The cost could go as high as $15,000 or even more. It's also important to note that a variety of factors increase the cost of a forklift including the size, capacity as well as any attachments needed based on the way a company plans to utilize it. So before spending a lot of cash on acquiring a brand new forklift with all the bells and whistles, it might be an excellent idea to consider buying a used or refurbished forklift instead.

Why Choose Used Forklifts Instead of New Ones

In most cases, choosing a used forklift is way better than getting a brand new one. Here are a few reasons to consider;

• Assurance - Since you are opting for a used forklift, you are sure that the equipment is working properly. Other than that, by choosing reliable companies that offer used forklifts, you are rest assured that parts, accessories and even the overall engine are taken care of properly. Moreover, in case you are in need of parts for damaged forklifts, it is easier to find those parts from reliable companies. Owners are also sure that parts and accessories are authentic for better features and performance.
• Performance - With regard to performance, suppliers know that giving the best product to their customers is vital. So, you are resting assured sure that the performance of your heavy equipment is excellent. This is very possible since they will replace parts, remove damaged items and also repair it to ensure that the engine and the other functions are working properly for you.
• Cost - As for expenses, business owners can surely cut down substantial costs by opting for used ones rather buying new forklifts. Hence, owners can purchase other equipment or devices to improve their services immediately.
• Features - When it comes to features, used forklifts also present the same features found in new ones. As a result, business owners can surely accomplish their tasks efficiently and safely to enhance their overall reputation in their respective industry.

How Used Forklifts are Refurbished

For starters, every machine is completely broken down or dismantled and all damaged or worn out parts are replaced including lift chains and tires. Afterward, the trucks are cleaned inside and out and repainted to look good. Finally, the entire machine is reassembled and tested for safety. So you can see that refurbished forklifts are more like new ones, or even better in most cases.

What To Consider When Buying Used Forklifts Things to take note of before making the plunge

It's pretty obvious that the purchase of a used forklift can be a very smart financial move. However, you need to be more cautious when purchasing used than you would when buying a brand new forklift. Here are a few points to consider in order to buy a used forklift that's perfect for your business:

Consider your business needs

When it comes to buying used forklifts, there's no doubt that you'll come across a few perfect deals during your journey. However, you should know that things aren't always what they seem. Irrespective of how fantastic the deal may appear, the forklift you're about to buy can turn out to be entirely worthless if it doesn't fit your business' handling needs. So be sure to put this into consideration!

Inspect the equipment!

It's also crucial to take a closer look at the machine and thoroughly examine its parts. Here are some important things to examine:

Forks, Fork heels, mast and lift chains

Take a closer look at the fork for dents, cracks, and bends that may likely be caused by overloading. Minor bends are not problematic as you can easily straighten up the forks. However, significant bends and deep cracks are red flags. It's simply a sign that the fork is no longer safe to load and lift at full capacity.

You should also inspect the thickness if the fork heels as well. Generally speaking, there should be a slight difference between the fork heels and that of the part of the fork that's secured to the hanger.

Lastly, inspect the mast for cracks or welds. You should check if the mast pins are secure and be sure that the mast rollers show no sign of wear and tear (they should be more round than oval). Also, verify if the lift chains are in good condition or it it's missing any links or anchor pins.

Chassis and Bodywork

Inspect all sides of the body for signs of damage. Be sure to pay particular attention to the canopy as a damaged canopy may not be able to protect an operator in the event of tip overs or dropped loads. Remember to check out the chassis as well. Are there any obvious crack, welds or signs if repairs?

The engine

You should also inspect the engine for possible cracks, dirt buildup as well as worn hoses and belts. Moreover, if the forklift is electrically controlled, then be sure to check and confirm if all the battery connections are in good condition.

Test drive the forklift

Okay, now that you're done with physical inspection, it's time to start it and take it for a test drive. Start the engine and be sure that there are no cranking noises. Drive gently and continue to listen for strange noises. Test the brakes at different speeds and repeat the same in reverse. And last but not the least, try to test the forklift's rated load capacity.