The benefits of buying a forklift second-hand
Thinking of buying a new forklift truck? Maybe you’re wondering if it’s worth buying a used forklift instead? Buying a pre-owned forklift truck can be a smart move for businesses, saving you money while being kinder to the environment. Today, we’re exploring the key benefits of investing in a used forklift truck, including what to look out for during the buying process, the potential cost savings and even how it can help your business be more sustainable.
Inspecting a used forklift: what to look for
Inspecting a used forklift is important to ensure you make a wise investment. You should always follow a checklist for buying a used forklift. This should include:
- The number of hours the forklift has been used
- Maintenance records
- The condition of the truck’s major parts
- General wear and tear
Before buying, it’s a good idea to have someone qualified inspect the forklift and identify any potential problems. Always ask the seller for detailed maintenance records so you can get a sense of the service history and overall condition. Alternatively, opt to buy your used forklift truck from a trusted company. At Moorgate, our team know exactly what to look for so you can be confident in the quality of our used trucks.
Common problems with used forklifts to watch out for include:
- Damage to forks, like heel wear (thinning) or bending
- Wear and tear to the mast
- Hydraulic fluid leaks
- Battery issues leading to reduced run time
- Wiring problems
- Worn-out tyres
- Worn brake pads
- Corrosion
Looking for more advice on inspecting a used forklift? Check out our blog on ‘5 things to check when buying a used forklift’.
A smart and cost-effective option
Used forklift vs new forklift cost
When considering the used forklift vs new forklift cost, the differences can be substantial. One of the biggest reasons people choose to buy a used forklift truck is the significant cost savings compared to investing in a brand-new model. The initial investment for a pre-owned truck is much lower, making it an attractive option for small businesses or anyone on a tight budget.
The potential cost savings go beyond the upfront purchase price, too. Aspects like lower depreciation rates, lower insurance premiums and better financing options all help contribute to a lower total cost of ownership for used forklifts.
In many cases, buying a used truck is a great option – especially for businesses that use materials handling equipment occasionally or for light work. However, even if your operations are more demanding, a well-maintained and properly inspected used truck can still be a reliable option that delivers fantastic cost savings.
The environmental benefits of buying a truck second-hand
Buying a used forklift truck isn’t just a financially sensible decision, it can also help contribute towards a more sustainable future. Opting for a used truck means extending the lifespan of existing equipment, in turn reducing the demand for new manufacturing and the environmental impact that comes with that.
By giving a new lease of life to pre-owned equipment, your business can significantly reduce waste and help conserve valuable resources. All of this translates into a reduced carbon footprint for your warehouse – minimising the energy and raw materials needed for manufacturing and ultimately being a kinder choice for the environment.
FAQs for buying a used forklift
How many hours are too many for a used forklift?
Generally, forklifts with under 10,000 hours are considered to be in good condition. For trucks with over 20,000 hours, they may need more frequent maintenance and replacements. At Moorgate, we never sell a used forklift truck without knowing it has lasting capacity.
What should I look for when buying a used forklift?
Key things to look out for when buying a used forklift include maintenance records, hours of use and the condition of the main components, like mast, forks, tyres and electrical parts.
Is it worth buying a used forklift?
Absolutely! Buying a high-quality used forklift from a dealer like Moorgate can be a worthwhile investment for many businesses, offering cost savings and environmental benefits.
At Moorgate, we guarantee the quality of each and every used truck we sell. Every truck has been cleaned, serviced and LOLER inspected. And, our customers have peace of mind that we’re only a phone call away should any issues arise.
We hope this helped answer your questions about the benefits of buying a forklift truck second-hand. If you’re looking for a used truck, please take a look at what we have available and feel free to get in touch with any questions.
