Buying a used forklift is a great way to get the machinery you need without spending more money than necessary. Many used forklifts are in excellent condition so you can still get many years of use out of them. But you have to know what to look for before you make your final decision. Here are some things to consider before making your used forklift Hawaii purchase. Amount of Use If you are purchasing a forklift that is a few years old, it’s important to be realistic about how much you are going to use it. Most used forklifts shouldn’t be used constantly on a daily basis. If that’s what you’re going to do, a new forklift is better suited to your needs. A used one should only be used for one shift per day and it shouldn’t exceed more than 25 hours of use each week. Lift Capacity Another important consideration before making your used forklift Hawaii purchase is the lifting capacity. Are you going to be using the forklift in the warehouse? Or is it going to be used at construction sites? You should know the types of things you will be lifting before you make your purchase so you can decide on the one that will be most beneficial to your needs. If you get a used forklift that has a lower lift capacity than you need, you risk damaging it and injuring your workers. If the lift capacity is too high, you could be overspending for something that you’ll never use to its full potential. Maintenance Records When choosing a used forklift, you should ask to see the maintenance records before you make your purchase. The maintenance records are very important because they show if the forklift has been maintained properly, including hydraulic fluid exchanges and any major repairs that needed to be done. If there aren’t any maintenance records available, you should have a professional mechanic evaluate the machine before making your purchasing decision. Research the Dealer The dealer that you purchase the forklift from is another important factor in your decision. You should always purchase from a reputable dealer that has been in the business for many years. This helps ensure that the dealer will be around in case you have a problem shortly after purchasing your used forklift. If they haven’t been in business that long, there is no guarantee that they will be around when you have an issue with your purchase.
