What to Look for When Buying a Used Forklift
A good used forklift can offer excellent value — but a bad one can cost more in repairs than a new machine. Knowing what to inspect before you buy, and what questions to ask the seller, makes the difference between a smart investment and an expensive mistake.
Why buy used?
Used forklifts typically cost 30–60% less than a comparable new machine. For businesses with budget constraints, irregular usage, or applications where specification matters more than age, a well-maintained used truck is often the most sensible choice.
Key checks when inspecting a used forklift
1. Check the forks
Forks are a safety-critical component and expensive to replace. Check for:
- Cracks or fractures — especially at the heel and the blade/shank junction
- Wear at the fork heel — should not be more than 10% below original thickness
- Bending or twisting — lay the forks on a flat surface to check they are level
- Fork tips — should be level and within a specified tolerance of each other
2. Inspect the mast and chains
- Look for cracks, welds, or previous repairs on the mast
- Operate the mast through full extension — movement should be smooth and even
- Check chains for wear, corrosion, stiff links, or missing locking pins
- Look for chain stretch — a stretched chain is a warning sign of age or overloading
3. Check for hydraulic leaks
Oil staining around cylinder seals, hose connections, or the control valve indicates leaks that will need attention. Some minor seepage is common on older machines, but significant leaks are a red flag.
4. Assess the tyres
Solid tyres are costly to replace. Check the depth of the wear indicator grooves and look for chunking — pieces missing from the tyre contact surface. On pneumatic tyres, check for cuts, sidewall damage, and inflation.
5. Test the brakes and steering
Drive the truck and test both the service brake and the parking brake. The service brake should bring the truck to a smooth, straight stop. The parking brake must hold the truck on an incline. Test the steering — it should feel responsive with no excessive play.
6. Check the engine or battery
For engine-powered trucks, start the engine cold and listen for unusual noise. Check for smoke from the exhaust — blue smoke indicates oil burning, black smoke indicates fuel issues. For electric trucks, check the battery age and condition, and ask for a battery discharge test.
7. Ask for service and inspection records
A truck with a documented service history and up-to-date thorough examination certificate is worth considerably more than one without records. Ask for all paperwork.
8. Check the hours
Forklift engine/motor hours are the most reliable indicator of wear. A well-maintained truck at 8,000 hours may be in better condition than a neglected one at 4,000. Use hours as a guide, not an absolute measure.
Questions to ask the seller
- Has the truck been subject to any accidents or overloading incidents?
- Are there any outstanding repair requirements?
- When was the last LOLER thorough examination and can you see the certificate?
- Is the truck on a service plan — and are records available?
- Why is it being sold?
Buy a used forklift from Davison Forklift
All used forklifts sold by Davison Forklift are inspected, serviced, and prepared to a high standard before sale. We can provide thorough examination certificates and service histories, and our team will match you to the right machine. Browse our current stock or call 01952 915 060.