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Five Things to Look for When Buying a Used Forklift

Nina Patel • November 15, 2022

When it comes to used forklifts, price is usually a big factor, however, it’s important to inspect any forklift before committing to a purchase. Here are five things to look out for when shopping for used forklifts:

Check the Forks for Damage


This is a great place to start when inspecting a potential forklift, as it will give you a clue as to whether the forks might need replacing. By looking out for any cracks, bends or signs of wear, you’ll see if they’re worn and be able to make an informed decision about whether that truck is right for you.

Determine the Battery Life of Used Electric Trucks


Up to 40% of the value of an electric forklift can be based on the battery. So you need to ensure that the battery is in good condition. 


To check the potential battery life you need to know its run time. The average battery will have around 1200 charges. These charges will last roughly 5 hours of operational time. So for a rough estimation, if you take the operational hours of the truck and divide it by 5, you can estimate how many charges the vehicle has left. To accurately determine the battery life, consult the owner’s manual or your engineer. Additionally, it’s worth checking for any exterior acid corrosion on lead-acid batteries.

Ensure the Warranty is in Order


The warranty is the most important document you’ll have when it comes to purchasing your second hand forklift truck, so ensure that your warranty is a good length and to check what is covered, and what is not.


Fortunately, Welfaux understands the importance of a reliable warranty for used forklifts. This is why we offer varied warranties dependent on both the forklift and battery, to ensure you have an extra level of security knowing that should there be an issue, it can be resolved quickly and easily.

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Check the Hours of the Truck


It is important to take note of the number of hours of usage a used forklift truck has accumulated. Check over the hours to see if it’s low, also taking into consideration that the lifespan of the forklift depends on the manufacturer. It’s also a good idea to make sure the lifting mechanism still works efficiently and smoothly.


Check the Certificate of Thorough Examination


This is another vital document when looking at used forklifts for sale, as a Thorough Examination inspection is what assures you that the vehicle in question complies with all UK regulations. Therefore, you can’t be sure that the truck is in working order without this. It’s important to make sure that this document is up to date, as it is a legal requirement for all forklifts to have. 


Welfaux have extensive experience in carrying out exceptional Thorough Examination inspections. Any used forklifts bought from us will have a 6 or 12 month current and well-executed record of Thorough Examination. You can find out more about this
here.



Read About Our Thorough Examinations Service


Welfax have almost 4 decades of experience in used forklift dealerships. To find the right used forklift truck for your warehouse, discover our stock now.

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