In some ways, buying a used forklift is more complicated than buying a new one. If you can find a machine that’s right for your operational needs that’s been well-maintained, you can save a lot of money compared to buying a new forklift. But if you buy the wrong one, you’ll soon be upside down on your investment.
With so many different brands and sizes of used forklifts for sale, it can be hard to compare one used forklift to another. So how do you find the best used forklift for your operation? We’ve got you covered. Read on for used forklift buying tips from our team of experts including:
How Long Does an Average Forklift Last?
Forklift “age” is measured in hours. For a single-shift operation with an 8-hour work day, the average forklift runs 2,000 hours/ year.The average lifespan of a forklift is 10,000 hours, but this depends on the manufacturer. Above-average machines, such as Toyota forklifts, commonly last more than 20,000 hours.
It’s possible to have two lift trucks that are the same age (in years) with vastly different life expectancies. A truck used mostly indoors in clean conditions will last a lot longer than one exposed to extreme temperatures or heavy loads. Learn more about factors that contribute to rapid “aging” and how to measure the age of an electric lift truck. Read More...
Used Forklift Warranties
When buying a used forklift, you want to get a reliable machine for a good price, right? The best way to find quality used equipment is to start with a trustworthy seller who's willing to offer a warranty. A reputable seller will offer at least 30 days parts and labor - minimum. Be careful of buying used equipment from an individual who may have little interest in your business long-term. Read More ...
What to Look for When Comparing Used Forklifts
When choosing a used forklift, too many buyers just look at the price and how many hours the equipment has. There are other factors to consider when comparing one used forklift to another. Including:
- How this equipment been well-maintained?
- Does the equipment come with a warranty?
- Is the manufacturer known for long-lasting equipment?
How We Refurbish Used Forklifts
When you buy a used Toyota forklift from TMHNC in Northern and Central California, you get a pre-owned forklift that’s been inspected and refurbished to be as close to new as possible. For electric lifts, we also include a charger.
Our factory-trained technicians complete a 200-point inspection on all our used forklifts. We take care of any necessary repairs so you can put your equipment to work without worrying about any surprise problems. Read more about our used forklift restoration process, or watch the video below.
How to Get the Maximum Trade In Value for Your Forklift
When it’s time for a new forklift, you naturally want a high trade-in value for your old equipment. If you plan on trading in your forklift, maintain it well and prepare to let it go before the 10,000-hour or 10-year mark. Older forklifts aren’t worth much as they typically don’t meet EPA standards and may be considered a safety risk. Get a tune-up before your forklift is evaluated, and ensure the machine looks as nice as possible. Read more
Should I Buy a New Or Used Forklift?
As a general rule, it makes sense to buy a pre-owned forklift if it will be used less than four hours a day in a single-shift operation. That said: this rule only applies when the used forklift is in good shape. Check out our Used Forklift Buyers Guide eBook for a complete list of questions to ask and things to look at before buying a used forklift.
At TMHNC, all our used equipment includes a 30-day parts and labor warranty AND a six-month powertrain warranty. We think you’ll find that’s a very competitive offer. Browse our current inventory of used forklifts and contact us with any questions. You can also reach us by phone:
East Bay - Livermore (510) 473-8151
Fresno (559) 834-9500
Sacramento (916) 376-0500
Salinas (831) 757-1091
