Why Should You Buy Used Fork Trucks? The Pre-Buying Checklist!
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Published on: 27 May 2022
Last Updated on: 20 September 2024
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Warehouses store different kinds of goods and items of all shapes and sizes. One is pallets, transportable wooden structures that allow you to move, stack, and store items with a forklift.
But moving goods, particularly huge ones, is arduous without a fork truck. Also known as reach trucks, narrow aisle, and truck forklifts, they have two prongs on the front to lift pallets and other items.
A new industrial vehicle is expensive and would cost you between 20,000 USD and 40,000 USD. The best alternative is buying used forklifts, as you could save plenty of money while getting the same benefits.
These used vehicles will provide the same functionality and efficiency while costing less. However, you must check its engine and forks for damage, mast operation, leaks, gaps in lift chains, and battery life.
If you’ve never bought one of these things, here’s some information to help you.
What Functions Do These Vehicles Perform?
They can lift and transport heavy goods from one place to another with their steel prongs quickly and efficiently. The same work would require much time and effort if done manually.
These vehicles work incredibly well in aisles with limited spaces. Most warehouses use them to load and collect pallets in racks, as they can handle multiple pallets simultaneously.
These small trucks are much stronger than conventional forklifts and can reach higher heights than the latter. From large-density storage to fast storage and retrieval of goods, warehouses use them for various purposes.
They are instrumental in tight passageways in storage facilities and warehouses. By loading items at greater heights, you can optimize the storage space.
How Do Prongs or Scissors Work?
All forktrucks have a set of prongs or scissors in front, which you can operate by pressing a button. They are powerful and can withstand heavy loads at once.
Because the prongs extend forward, you must avoid bumping the lower level of racking to prevent them from falling over because of an imbalance.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Forklift
It is advisable to consider various factors while buying a forklift to ensure you receive a product that fulfills your requirements.
What Loads will you be carrying?
What is the heaviest load in the warehouse you will carry with this fork truck? You should check that carefully, as it will help you assess your required lift capacity.
You should avoid buying a forklift that can barely handle the heaviest weight because it might collapse or cause various problems. Overbearing the lift might also damage it entirely.
Checking the Lift Height
Your forklift should have sufficient reach to lift the loaded pallets to the required height. One way of checking the ideal lift height of your truck is finding the top deck’s size in your warehouses and then adding six inches to that.
The amount that comes up is the desirable height your vehicle should have.
Can it Turn Comfortably in Aisles?
The lift should turn quickly and comfortably within aisles for speedy work and convenience. A standard-sized fork truck requires at least a 12-foot width to turn, while narrow-sized ones need only 8 feet for movement.
You will also come across highly narrow-sized ones that operate well in 6 feet wide aisles. Whether single or double-reached, most reach trucks turn well between 8 feet to 9 feet.
How to Select an Equipment Supplier?
You should buy the vehicle from a trustworthy equipment supplier who supplies the forklifts in good condition. They should test, clean, and inspect the forklift before shipping.
Choose a supplier that offers you a 30-day guarantee on used lifts since that way; you won’t be spending money on repairs shortly after purchase. You could also read the customer testimonials on their website to see what their clients say.
Used fork trucks are as good as new ones, handle the same loads, and perform equally well, costing less money.
These vehicles are indispensable for moving and storing pallets and other items in warehouses. It is wise to do adequate research before buying them.
Key Takeaway: Pros and Cons of Buying A Used Forklift
Before diving headlong and procuring used forklifts at reduced prices, you must have a clear idea about the pros and cons of owning and operating a used forklift.
This section would help you with that. Here, we will discuss the biggest pros and cons of using forklifts simultaneously. This should help you understand the overall essence of the discussion.
Here we go!
Pro
Pricing is why more and more people are slowly gravitating towards used forklifts. In other words, buying a second-hand forklift is cost-effective and easier on the pocket.
Therefore, buying used forklifts can reduce operational costs. As a result, used forklifts can be the answer if you are currently on a tight budget.
Not only that but used forklifts allow newer technicians to have that space to learn. This is something a newer model would limit.
Con
A used forklift usually comes with a lowered price tag. However, it also comes with a limited warranty. We believe that this is a significant downside. Limited warranty or no warranty makes the product a liability.
Meanwhile, newer forklifts generally come with a full warranty and other coverage. Therefore, if your business deals with heavy products, you must go for newer, more efficient forklifts.
Warranty also allows businesses to have some sort of cushioning. If damages do take place, they can be fixed easily. Therefore, newer products can be used more rigorously.
And it’s A Wrap!
In summation, these are some of the most prominent factors you must consider while you are filing to buy used forklifts. However, when you buy used products, you must remember that the possibility of getting duped exists. Therefore, be very careful.
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