For those of us in the construction industry, or anyone who has a warehouse of sorts with large items or pallets that need to be moved, forklifts are an essential piece of equipment.  Most warehouses have at least one that needs to be operated to help ensure that everything stays on track. 

Naturally, the problem is actually acquiring one in the first place. Heavy machinery and equipment are expensive, after all.  Even though forklifts aren’t one of the biggest ones, or even the priciest, most of us would still prefer to save some money if possible. 

That’s where secondhand retailers can come into play.  Admittedly, some folks may be nervous about getting heavy machinery used.  However, today we’re here to explain why you don’t need to worry about that, especially if you find a seller that offers quality and savings.  Before we dive in, consider reading an article like this one to get familiar with some of the regulations surrounding their use.

Are Used Forklifts Safe to Operate?

The biggest worry that most folks have if they choose to purchase used machinery is whether or not it will be safe to use.  After all, no matter what purpose it’s for, there’s always risk with using them even if they’re brand new.  Adding in another potential danger might seem like it’s more trouble than it’s worth.

However, the important thing to keep in mind here is that as long as you find a retailer that offers a quality and safety guarantee, then there’s very little to be concerned about on this front.  Additionally, you can usually visit the physical location to inspect any pieces you’re considering buying, or you can request more photographs to be taken.

What we’re really getting at here is that when you purchase used forklifts from a reputable seller, you don’t have to be concerned about it breaking or being poor quality.  Think of it instead as a way to save some cash on what would otherwise be a very large expense.

Marks of High-Quality Forklifts and Heavy Machinery

Since we’ve talked so much about how it’s a big deal to find a retailer that offers high quality equipment, let’s delve into what actually qualifies.  For one thing, whether you’re buying used or brand new, the minimum expectation should be that the seller inspects the equipment before selling it.

No one wants to buy a forklift only to find that it’s got defects or is damaged somehow, after all.  Even new ones can sometimes get damaged in transit or shipping, so we should always ask the seller if they’ve done an inspection.  In a similar vein, but specifically related to used ones, you may also want to inquire about the refurbishment process.

Each company will probably handle things a bit differently, which is why it doesn’t hurt to ask for specifics.  There’s an example of what the process could look like here, https://ehsdailyadvisor.blr.com/2014/09/keys-to-forklift-maintenance/, if you’re up for some reading.  The gist of it is that we should look for a company that refurbishes their used forklifts so that they’re at least on-par with the newer models and options out there.

Some additional options to look for include the ability to customize and/or get some guidance and recommendations for certain upgrades based on what you’ll be using the forklift for.  Depending on your own business needs, you might need your forklift to be specially tailored to fit into more dynamic and tight spaces, as just one example of changes you could request.

Ideally, you’ll be able to find a refurbished forklift option that will suit your needs just as well as a brand new one would, saving yourself some money in the meantime.  Frugality isn’t a bad thing, certainly not in these circumstances.  Why not spend less to get the same results, right?

On a final note, something else to watch for is how quickly the companies you’re considering buying from can ship the forklift to you.  Sure, in some cases we can go pick them up directly, but this isn’t always possible.  Not to mention the ability to have it brought to us can save some time and effort on our end.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions throughout the process of buying a used forklift.  Considering how many options we have available; the customer service agents aren’t going to be surprised or annoyed that you have inquiries.  Rather, they’ll be able to provide you with the assistance and expertise that you need.

While it may seem like it’s not worth getting a refurbished forklift as opposed to a brand new one, remember that the technology here isn’t changing that quickly.  Older models that have been fine-tuned and cleaned up can perform just as well as the new, shiny options – all while sparing your wallet!