Are you looking for significant investment for your production or warehouse facility? Perhaps you want to improve safety, increase efficiency, and reduce the time to complete a task. If so, then purchasing a forklift may suit your needs.
But wait, have you thought about buying a used forklift in Greensboro? Depending on your specific needs, a used forklift could be what you are looking for. It will offer you all the benefits and features of a new forklift, but at a much lower price.
Whether you want to move bundles of materials at a construction site, retrieve pallets in a warehouse, or unload crated cargo from containers, a used forklift can get the job done. However, a used forklift will also be a significant investment.
You want to purchase equipment in the right condition to enjoy high ROI for years.
To achieve this, you must be clear-headed and understand what to look for when purchasing a preowned forklift in Greensboro. While the task can be overwhelming, knowing what to look for can make it as easy as buying a new one.
Tips when Buying a Used Forklift in Greensboro
Conduct a Visual Inspection
Before buying a used forklift, you need to inspect it with a critical eye. You will want to check if the forklift has any visible damage that could impede its operation. When conducting your inspection, you might want to pay attention to the front.
Carefully check for cracks, bends, and any sign of wear and tear to the carriage and load backrest. If there are any gaps, keep in mind they are troublesome, and you may have to replace the forks soon.
While most people forget to check on the heel of the fork blade, don't make a mistake. Check on its thickness and compare it to the upfront fork shank. If there is a difference in thickness, this may be a red light; the forks are not in proper working order.
Evaluate Gaps in Lift Chains
When inspecting the forks, always check for cracks and welding marks. Be keen as poor welding will affect the reliability of the mast. Also, don't forget to check on the lift chains.
Is there any corrosion or missing links in the middle of the mast? If there are, this may affect the operation of your forklift.
Lift chains are designed to raise and lower the mast as well as whatever is on the forks such as pallets and other materials. Forklifts are sometimes shipped in sections and assembled after delivery. During re-assembling, it's necessary to make sure the forklift will achieve the maximum height possible.
If there is an issue with the lift chain, consider replacing it now to avoid costly damages in the future.
Check on Mast Operation and Condition of the Tires
Before you purchase a used forklift, check on the mast. Ask the dealer to have the forks lifted to the second or third mast. In case any problem is encountered, then the chains may need to be adjusted or replaced.
Also, check for signs of tire chunking which resembles a bite taken out of the tire. You also need to determine if the tires are in good shape by checking on non-existent or low treading. These signs may indicate the need to buy new tires to guarantee the safety of the operator.
Consider the Life of the Battery
The number of hours on the forklift battery cannot always be tracked. However, ask about the number of shifts it has during operation and how many years it has operated. Normally, a forklift battery will last for about five years if it operates on a single-shift operation.
If the forklift uses lead-acid batteries, check for any acid corrosion on the exteriors.
