A Guide to Buying Used Electric Forklifts

If your business has never bought a forklift, you may wonder what to look for in the research process. In this article, we’ll explain why used electric forklifts are an excellent choice for the price, what questions to ask before buying, and provide a checklist for consideration before purchasing. Here’s everything you need to know about buying pre-owned forklifts.

Quick Hits on Used Electric Forklifts

How Much Does a Used Forklift Cost?

Used electric forklifts are a great cost-saving option for companies on a budget. Pre-owned machinery can be acquired at half the price, and quality used electric forklifts with warranties can be purchased for around $20,000. Cheaper pre-owned forklifts with a substantial operational history can be bought for $10,000 to $15,000.

Compared to new models with the latest technology costing between $25,000 to $45,000, used forklifts can deliver intended goals at a fraction of the price.

Pointers for Used Electric Forklifts

  • Do research: Business managers should conduct as much research as possible on the components of prospective used forklifts. Businesses should also monitor relative pricing due to inflation.
  • Purchase from reputable manufacturers: Quality and experienced manufacturers have existing connections to provide reliable, preowned pieces of equipment. These manufacturers typically offer unique deals with warranties for used electric forklifts.
  • Never buy online: It can be tempting for businesses to purchase forklifts online. E-commerce over the last decade has simplified how most companies operate. This is not the case with industries that need forklifts. Always inspect and test drive machinery onsite.

Benefits of Used Electric Forklifts

Inflation has skyrocketed in 2022. Many commercial businesses may not be able to afford the cost of the latest version on the market. There’s good news—with thorough research and inspection, companies can acquire quality used electric forklifts at a fraction of the cost.

Easy Maintenance

Most forklifts require little maintenance over time. Older, less complex models have less attachment technology that need upkeep. If you need replacement parts for pre-owned forklifts, more components across various models are easy to find on the market.

Reduced Cost

A reduced cost is a top factor for purchasing a pre-owned forklift. Businesses can instead allocate a bigger portion of their savings to equipment maintenance or other areas of the operating budget. Companies can even get two for the price of one with careful research; oftentimes, pre-owned forklifts are half the price of new models.

Proven Performance

Older models have already been put to the test. With occasional maintenance, operators know what they have with their trustworthy, ol’ reliable forklift. Businesses can still use older models for additional support or backup help if you have recently acquired a newer model.

Familiarity

Operators can expect to use older systems without additional training thanks to prior years of experience. Companies can save time and money by decreasing training with familiarized equipment.

 

Don’t waste valuable business assets buying fancy, expensive equipment when used electric forklifts do the job. Contact HTX Material Handling for quality and reliable pre-owned forklifts.  

Questions to Ask Before Buying Used Electric Forklifts

Your company may be looking to purchase a used electric forklift. Pre-owned machinery has cheaper up-front costs with proven and reliable performances. Used forklifts are an excellent option to reduce operating expenses.

There are many pros to acquiring pre-owned forklifts, but that’s only after businesses conduct thorough research and inspection. We’ll walk you through the most important questions to ask manufacturers and other parties before making a purchase decision below:

Can You Explain the Work History?

Many interested parties only think to ask about operational time usage during the process of buying a used forklift. Think much deeper about the overall work history when considering purchasing a pre-owned forklift. Different forklifts for specific projects carry various ranges of weight. One pre-owned lift may have been utilized in significantly hotter or colder environments than another, wearing down components quicker. Be sure to get a full-detailed analysis of performance history in the research stage.

Can You Explain the Maintenance and Service History?

Obviously, you will be looking for a forklift in good condition. Asking manufacturers and third parties about maintenance and service history confirms the upstanding condition.

What Attachments are Available for the Used Forklift?

Potential buyers surrender the ability to acquire custom-made components on forklifts when buying pre-owned models over the latest technology. That’s why asking about potential attachments on used electric forklifts from the seller is valuable to get closer to your project requirements.

Does the Used Forklift Come With a Warranty?

Buying machinery with a warranty is wise to avoid unexpected repair and possible replacement costs. Always ask about warranties from the third party before purchase.

Can I Test Drive the Used Forklift?

Another obvious point, but a must. Ask the seller to test driver pre-owned forklifts to see the machinery in action.

Buying a Used Forklift: Additional Considerations

Asking manufacturers and third parties all the questions above is a great start to buying the optimal pre-owned forklift. Prospective buyers also have to ask themselves questions to make sure they have the right piece of equipment for the intended project use:

Applications

There are different versions available for specific project uses. Be sure to acquire the right forklift for your environment and avoid spending unnecessary costs on fancy equipment.

Equipment Age and Condition

Businesses and operational managers must define an ideal lifespan of a potential forklift for the intended usage. Managers must target equipment that will get the job done- nothing more, nothing less.

HTX Material Handling Is a Leading Provider of Quality Used Electric Forklifts

HTX Material Handling consistently provides Texas with high-quality used equipment. Since opening our doors in 2019, our top priority has been our service; our interest is your interest. Reach out to our team of experts for the best-used electric forklifts today.

 

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