A used electric forklift can deliver reliable performance and significant cost savings if you know what to look for.
Before we share our tips, did you know we rebuild, repair, and re-power electric forklift motors and industrial batteries? If you’re looking for a used electric forklift because the one you know and love has electrical issues, we may be able to fix it.
Without further ado, here are our top tips for how to buy a used electric forklift with a lot of life left in it.
Make sure the lift truck’s rated capacity and mast height match your operational needs. This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you don’t double-check these details, you could end up with a forklift that’s too big for your space or not strong enough for your heaviest loads.
Lower service hours typically mean the forklift is “younger” and healthier than a forklift with more hours. But don’t buy based on hours alone. The forklift’s maintenance history and past work environment are just as important.
If the seller can’t or won’t show you the forklift’s service history, that’s a huge red flag. Walk away.
Once you have the service history, confirm the truck received all the manufacturer-recommended maintenance. Also, compare the forklift's hour meter to the most recent service record. If the numbers don’t match, the hour meter may have been tampered with.
NOTE: many of the used electric forklifts we sell are from our rental fleet and were maintained to the highest standards.
Find out how and where the forklift was used. Was it exposed to dust, chemicals, saltwater, or extreme temperatures? A forklift that operated in a harsh environment will require thorough reconditioning.
Quite honestly, if you have the choice between buying a used forklift from clean environment with a few hundred hours more than one that worked in a dirty environment, choose the forklift that wasn’t exposed to extreme temperatures or a corrosive environment.
Ideally, the forklift should either have a brand new battery or a battery that's less than a year old. That said, if you find a truck you like and the battery is a few years old, forklift battery reconditioning can restore up to 85% of the battery’s capacity.
Reputable dealers, such as Mid Columbia Forklift, will provide a detailed inspection report conducted by a factory-trained forklift technician. If you’re not buying from a certified forklift dealer, have an experienced forklift technician perform a full inspection.
A few things to check include:
Insufficient lubrication can cause premature wear and lead to costly repairs down the road. It’s a sign that the forklift may not have been well-maintained.
A test drive can reveal performance issues that aren’t visible on paper or during an inspection.
At Mid Columbia Forklift and MidCo Material Handling, we have a large inventory of professionally-maintained, expertly reconditioned, reliable used electric forklifts (including used Toyota forklifts) in a wide range of models and capacities.
Here are a few reasons to buy a used forklift from the friendly folks at MidCo Forklift:
Mid Columbia Forklift proudly serves businesses throughout Washington state and Idaho. For more than 45 years, our forklift experts have matched buyers with high-quality used forklifts that fit their exact needs. Let us know what you’re looking for, or download our used forklift buyer’s guide for more helpful tips.
Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137
Related Reading
When to Buy a New Vs. Used Forklift and Used Forklift Buying Advice
Common Misconceptions About Buying a Used Forklift
Is a Rebuilt Electric Forklift Motor Right for You?
Rebuilt Electric Forklift Motors FAQs
Forklift Battery Repair in Washington State