Checklist: What’s important to consider when buying a used forklift?

In certain situations, a previously owned forklift truck may be a prospective buyer’s first choice. Used vehicles can be an attractive alternative, for example for start-ups, fledgling and growing companies, businesses where they would be deployed only occasionally, or for fleets that, for cost reasons, comprise a mixture of new and pre-owned vehicles. 

Before buying a second-hand vehicle, it is crucial to conduct a thorough inspection of documentation and the forklift itself. In addition to the typical things to watch out for, it is important to take a closer look at common forklift issues. Our checklist provides some practical advice for this process.

APPEARANCE

  • An overall impression provides an indication of how well the forklift was cared for.
  • Are there any dents, scratches, defects or rust?

DOCUMENTATION

  • Proof of ownership and any valid warranties
  • Operator manual
  • Proof/documentation of forklift operating hours (i.e. hour meter reading), of any attachments, special or optional equipment, maintenance and repair records, safety/accident-prevention testing (e.g. UVV inspections in Germany, Certificate of Thorough Examination in line with LOLAR and PUWER regulations in the UK, etc.), CE certification/mark
  • On the vehicle itself: nameplate with serial number, load capacity diagram, labels and warnings provided in the relevant language(s)

 THE VEHICLE

  • Where powered by combustion, cold start the engine: are there any unusual noises, smoke, leaks?
  • For electric forklifts, examine the battery: any green and white residues on the terminals (sulfation)? Any buckling of the casing (battery life exceeded)?
  • Mast: is there any space or give between the mast profile and the fork carriage? Any noticeable bending or buckling when loaded?
  • Forks and mounts: any cracks? Are all locking pins present and in good working condition? The average thickness of the fork heel should be at least 90% of the thickness of the fork face or shank. In other words, wear of the fork heel should not exceed 10%.
  • Steering: smooth, normal? Forklift holds its course, i.e. does not veer to the left or right on even floors, including when the steering wheel is not held firmly?
  • Brakes: defined pressure point? Same effectiveness on both sides? Does the emergency brake work?
  • Electrical systems: are all lights, including headlights, in working order? Are cables and other connections clean? Is there any moisture inside any housing?
  • Tires: is the tire worn down to the tread wear indicator bars? Are there any cuts, chunking, abrasions or other damage?

TEST DRIVE 

  • Ideally, a final check of all functions should be made at the site where the forklift will be deployed.
  • Are all controls and levers ok? Are there any unusual, conspicuous noises? Are accelerating and braking smooth? How is the general feel of driving the forklift? How stable does it seem both with and without a load?

Does the vehicle you are inspecting tick all the boxes? Congratulations – you are on your way to acquiring a second-hand forklift, and with peace of mind. Or perhaps the forklift met most requirements, but falls short on certain counts? Then the checklist and inspection have provided you with important insights that can be used to evaluate the truck’s value for money – and, if necessary, provide a basis for renegotiating the price.

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