Before you invest in a used forklift, it's a good idea to follow some used forklift inspection tips to ensure it's in good condition. There are a few things to check before buying a used forklift to verify everything works appropriately and lasts a long time. When you inspect the forklift appropriately, you raise the chance you buy a forklift worth your money.
These are our top inspection tips for used forklifts:
One of the first things to check on a forklift is the condition of the lift chains attached to the mast. These chains are responsible for lifting or lowering the forks, along with any loads on them. Since they play such an essential role in the forklift, it's crucial to take care of them.
To inspect these lift chains, you can start at the bottom and work upwards, looking for any cracks in the chains that could cause the chain to break. You'll also want to search for welding marks indicating the cracks were repaired, as a bad welding job could harm the mast's structural integrity. Additionally, you can inspect the middle of the mast, ensuring it doesn't have any corroded or missing pins and links.
Another major inspection practice is to check the forks for damage. Forks are one of the most vital parts of a forklift, as they provide a stable platform for lifting pallets and other loads. To begin the inspection process, look closely at the forks to see if there are any signs of wear, such as bends and cracks. You'll need to pay special attention to cracks, as they're a major sign you'll need to replace the forks soon.
Another important step is to check the thickness of the fork blade's heel. You'll want to compare the heel's thickness to the upright fork shank's thickness. If you notice that the heel doesn't have the same thickness as the upright fork shank, it's a big sign the forks have experienced wear.
Forklifts need their battery to operate, but the hours left on the battery aren't tracked. Before you make a purchase, you can ask the previous owner how long the engine has been in operation and how many shifts it was used for during the day. Since standard batteries last around five years when used for only one shift a day, you can calculate how long the battery's power has left based on the previous owner's usage.
You'll also want to look at the battery's general condition, looking for signs of damage such as acid leaking and corrosion. You can open up the battery's cells to see if they have enough water. Check the battery's data plate to ensure it has the weight and size necessary for the lift it's installed in.
To check the engine's condition, begin by starting the forklift and having it run for a few minutes. Next, switch off the forklift and open up the engine compartment. Look at the hoses, seeing if they have any cracks or leaks. After the previous steps, check the engine oil by pulling the dipstick out, with a low oil level potentially indicating the engine has a leak.
Inspect the belts to ensure they're well lubricated and tight, without any cracks or wear on them. You'll also want to ensure the engine has clean air filters. For electric forklifts, it's important to ensure the battery connection are secure and in good condition. If you have a propane-powered forklift, check the bolts and tank brackets' integrity.
The mast needs to be in good condition to safely raise and lower materials from the forklift. Begin by having the seller raise the forks to verify the mast's condition. If you notice that the forks have issues raising, the link chain could be damaged, or the mast rollers may be worn down, with lopsided mast rollers being a major sign of wear. Additionally, you might find that the previous owner hasn't properly maintained or lubricated the mast rollers.
Any leaks around the forklift could be a sign of damage. Check for leaks around the radiator, mast cylinders and transmission. If you notice leaks, make a note of them as they will result in extra repairs for you if you make a purchase.
A forklift's tires should be in good condition, as replacing them could result in extra costs after purchase. Begin by looking for signs of chunking, where the tire looks like a bite has been taken out of it. Additionally, cracks or punctures in the tires are signs of damage.
Next, you'll want to ensure the tires have lots of tread left on them, as low tread will mean you'll have to replace the tires soon. Check each tire's safety-line or wear line to see if a tire's tread has gone past them, indicating they need replacement. When the tires don't have wear lines, you can look at the sidewall's lettering to see if the tread has reached the top of the lettering. If it has, the tires need to be replaced.
It's crucial to check a used forklift's odometer reading, as the number of hours on it can give you a rough estimate of how long it'll last after you purchase it. Alongside looking at the hours used and comparing them to information about how long the forklift typically lasts, you'll also want to verify the odometer hasn't been reset. If you notice lots of wear on the main components and the body, but the odometer shows a low reading, the previous owner may have tampered with the odometer.
Before you purchase a used forklift, you should keep your operator's safety in mind. Inspect the forklift to ensure the seat adjustments, levers, brakes, horn, seatbelt and lights all work. You can also look at the overhead guard frame, checking for damage that could put an operator in harm's way.
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