Have you wondered how buying a secondhand forklift compares to buying a new one? This article will cover all of your questions about the used vehicle marketplace, the benefits it can bring to your business and what to check for when buying one.
Pros to buying a used forklift
Whilst the word “secondhand” might evoke thoughts of receiving something which is tired and damaged, there are actually many pros to adding a preloved forklift to your fleet. Firstly, buying a preowned vehicle is not only healthier for your wallet but also for the environment, as you will be saving companies from the production of a new forklift which contributes to the carbon footprint we are leaving on the globe.
Also, buying a forklift which is preexisting means that you can get started on your job immediately, without the delay of waiting for it to be made.
Businesses and industries might benefit from quicker finishing times for projects, and the cheaper overall costs of used vehicles will save your team plenty of money when bringing new additions to your fleet.
Cons to buying a used forklift
Despite there being many positives to buying a secondhand forklift, there are some aspects to look out for.
A used vehicle will naturally have a shorter lifespan than that of a new one thanks to the hours it ran doing previous jobs. Even though preloved forklifts are predominantly in excellent condition, you cannot expect to have a machine that functions just as good as it did new on the secondhand market.
The lift might also lack a warranty, in which case you will not be covered for any damage or malfunctions. Maintenance will be costly and you will ultimately have to replace more parts sooner than you would expect from a forklift that is newly manufactured.
Factors that affect the price of a used forklift
The price range of used forklifts can greatly vary depending on several factors. These include:
Manufacturer
Buyers want something they can guarantee will be up for the job, which is why well-known forklift brands can often fetch higher amounts of money than others. This is because they are renowned for their great technology and have reliable features, whereas those of lesser-known manufacturers are more questionable.
Load and lift capacity
If a vehicle can carry higher capacity loads, it can be used in more strenuous and specialist tasks, so it makes sense that a forklift which can carry heavier, and more, objects can be sold for bigger sums than others.
Number of hours used
The cost of a used forklift is predominantly categorised by how many hours they have been used on previous jobs. If you want a forklift for a task which involves heavy lifting and lots of hours, it is a safer option to buy one which has only been used for a short amount of time before being resold. A forklift that has been used for long periods of time might be less expensive but it will likely require maintenance shortly after you receive it, adding to an accumulation of unnecessary costs.
What to look for
When you see your forklift in person, check for any tyre wearing, fork damage or cracks and gaps in the link chains. If you see anything noticeably suspicious, like leaking or an issue with any safety features, you might be tempted to reconsider the purchase.
Sourcing your forklift from a reputable seller will save you lots of hassle when it comes to checking for any faults and wears.
Now that you know the basics of shopping for secondhand vehicles, we hope that you will consider the market for yourself!
Contact us today to talk about how a secondhand forklift could add value to your fleet, or check out our used forklift search here.
