Complete Powerpoint slide presentation for forklift instructors. Ready made training course
buying a second hand forklift truck
The following feature is a fifteen to twenty minute read.
Buying a used forklift truck can save you a lot of money but unfortunately it can also cost a lot of money when things go wrong. When I was on the road training operators I used to get asked about buying second hand forklift trucks and the advice I gave is repeated here. (Credit also to Mitsubishi forklift trucks for a lot of information on this subject).
Before I go any further it is worth remembering that, whether the forklift truck is second hand or new, if it's not suitable for the application then it should not be purchased. With that in mind, a whole section of this website is devoted to establishing if any given forklift truck is suitable for the job. Check out this section for more details. (Opens in a new window).
Assuming the truck is fine for the application what next? Like buying a used car, the seller may not want to tell you everything and repair bills could cost you thousands, so it’s up to you to choose a reputable supplier and to check the truck thoroughly before you buy.
If your business depends on a particular type or specification of forklift, (as described in the buyer's guide above), then you should probably not take a chance on a used truck. Choosing a used truck increases your risk of breakdown, so before buying, ask yourself the following questions:
- Will your business lose a great deal if the truck fails
- Is the truck’s application demanding?
- Will you be using the truck for more than four hours per day?
If the answer to any of the above is yes, a new truck should be strongly considered for reliability. Equally, if the truck you use currently is vital to your operations, you may wish to buy another second hand truck and keep it as a spare to support your operations. Whatever your needs, use the following checklist to help you come to the right decision.
Application, Reputation and Paperwork >>
Disclaimer. The legislative information contained on this web site is my interpretation of the law based on many years in the health and safety business. A definitive interpretation can only be given by the courts. I will therefore not be held responsible for any accident/incident/prosecution arising as a consequence of anyone using any information obtained from this web site.