Second-hand forklifts: red flags to look for before you buy
Buying a used forklift is a smart way to get more truck for your money – but buying blind can end up costing more than buying new. We’ve been inspecting, refurbishing and selling used forklifts for over 35 years, and our engineers know exactly what to look for on a used truck. Here are the second-hand forklift red flags to check for on every truck, so you know what to look out for before you hand over a deposit.
If you want a more structured starting point, see our used forklift inspection checklist.
Why buying a used forklift can go wrong
The problems can come from a couple of places: private sellers with no inspection history and no comeback if something’s wrong, and dealers who clean a truck up without actually looking after what’s underneath. Neither is obvious from photos or a five-minute test drive, which is why it pays to know what you’re looking at.
Red flags to look for before you buy
No service history or gaps in the records
A forklift with no maintenance records is a gamble. Ask to see the LOLER inspection certificates and service logs and check the dates line up. A gap of 12 months or more is worth asking about directly – what happened to the truck during that time, and why wasn’t it looked at?
Worn or mismatched forks
Forks should match in length, width and thickness. If they don’t, loads sit unevenly and that’s a genuine safety risk.
- Check heel wear – if the base of the fork blade is noticeably thinner than the shank, it’s past safe use
- Any visible cracks mean it’s best to walk away
Damaged or stiff mast operation
Raise the forks during the test drive. They should move up steadily, without any hesitation or rough patches.
Hydraulic leaks
Have a look under the truck and around the mast cylinders as part of your daily forklift checks. Any sign of leaking is worth asking about, and it’s always best to get it looked at properly rather than guess how serious it is.
Hydraulic fluid should run clear amber. If it’s dark, it hasn’t been changed in a long time and that tells you something about how the rest of the truck’s been looked after.
Bad engine fluids
Black, gritty oil means it’s overdue a change, and it could already be causing wear internally.
Battery condition (on electric forklifts)
On an electric truck, the battery is the single most expensive part. Ask for its age, charge history and a recent test report.
- Look for terminal corrosion – a white or green build-up
- Check water levels in the cells
- Battery age isn’t everything. A well-maintained battery can last 10 to 15 years, and a low-hours truck may still have plenty of life left
Related reading: See our guide on forklift battery maitenance
Tyre wear and damage
Look out for chunking, cracks or flat spots, as these can affect safety and performance. Check the tyre wear indicator line on cushion tyres to see when replacement is needed.
Structural damage to the frame or overhead guard
Minor dents and scratches elsewhere on the truck are common, but any damage to the overhead guard is a major red flag. If it’s bent, cracked or has been repaired, it’s best to walk away.
Check the frame and overhead guard carefully, as structural damage can affect the truck’s safety and be expensive to put right.
Safety features that don’t work
Test the horn, lights, backup alarm, seatbelt and brakes before you agree to anything. This isn’t optional. A truck without working safety features isn’t legally operational under HSE and LOLER regulations.
Questions to ask the seller
- How many hours are on the clock, and does that match the physical wear?
- Has it been LOLER inspected, and when’s the next one due?
- Is there a full service history available?
- Has it come from a rental fleet, single-site use, or passed through several owners?
- Does it come with a warranty?
Dealer or private seller: what’s the real difference?
A private sale can be cheaper on paper. But it often comes without a LOLER certificate, without a warranty and without anyone to call if something goes wrong a couple of weeks later.
At Moorgate, every used truck we sell has been cleaned, serviced and LOLER-inspected by our engineers before it goes anywhere near a customer. It means you can buy with a bit more peace of mind. See our used forklift finder tool to see the latest stock.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours is too many on a used forklift?
Generally, under 10,000 hours is considered good condition for a well-maintained truck. Over 20,000 hours and you should expect more frequent maintenance and parts replacement. Context matters more than the number on its own – a 6,000-hour truck that’s never been serviced is likely a worse bet than a 12,000-hour truck with a full history. See our benefits of buying a forklift second-hand guide.
Do second-hand forklifts need a LOLER inspection?
Yes. Any forklift used at work in the UK needs a current Thorough Examination under LOLER (the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998), carried out at least every 12 months, or every 6 months if the truck lifts people. Always ask for the certificate before you buy.
Is it safe to buy a used forklift from a private seller?
It can be, but the risks are higher. Private sellers are less likely to provide a LOLER certificate, warranty or service history. If you do go down this route, budget for an independent inspection and plan for a LOLER examination before the truck goes into operation.
Talk to us before you buy
If you’re weighing up our used forklifts for sale against a private listing, it’s worth a conversation first. Our engineers check every truck that we sell and we’re happy to talk you through what’s available and what’s right for your operation. Book a free site survey to get the full picture of what your business needs.
Take a look at what we have available and feel free to get in touch with any questions.
