An expert who doesn’t understand your business isn’t much of an expert at all.
Knowing part numbers and specifications is one thing—knowing how those parts fit into your operation is another. A local material handling partner isn’t just a supplier; they’re someone who understands the equipment you rely on and the way you work. That knowledge makes all the difference when it comes to keeping your forklifts running.
At Mid Columbia Forklift, we’re more than a parts provider—we’re your neighbor. We take the guesswork out of ordering forklift parts by combining deep product knowledge with firsthand understanding of your fleet and operational needs. Whether you’re farming apples, building airplanes, or roasting coffee, we help you get the right parts at the right time.
Read on to discover six reasons why buying your forklift parts from a local dealer is the smartest choice for your business.
As one yourself, you know that local business is the lifeblood of any community.
Like you, we're a local business. We're your neighbor and have roots in the community just like you. A good neighbor is always there to help out. Our expert team knows the ins and outs of the local material handling community. We understand the seasonal shifts in business and help you plan for them. We can and do tailor our solutions to your unique business.
Support us by letting us support you.
Ordering online also assumes that you know precisely what you need.
But unless you have a certified forklift technician on staff, that’s not always the case. When you buy from a local dealer, you’re not on your own. Our team of experts is here to answer your questions, verify compatibility, and ensure you get the right part the first time.
If there’s any uncertainty, we’ll help you figure it out—before you place the order, not after.
Your equipment isn’t a stranger to us.
Every forklift has a unique history. Online retailers can’t access and assess that history to make recommendations on the fork truck parts you might need.
However, our team can review your lift truck’s service history—especially if you already have a service contract with us—to determine which parts you need right now and what forklift replacement parts you should keep on hand for future quick fixes. For example, we know when your oil filter was last changed and can give you a heads up when you might need one in the near future.
AI can guess what parts you want, but our experts can tell you what you need.
You need a specific part and want to get exactly what you need.
That sounds so obvious that you might think it goes without saying, but it's a fundamental flaw in ordering parts from a big box, online retailers. With online retailers, you're really only taking your best guess when ordering a part because you're basing that decision on incomplete information.
The big online sellers don't know what part you need. So, all they can do is provide a list of specifications that may or may not be totally correct. You then must interpret these specifications and hope they match your desired part. That's the luck of the draw, at best. Often, it leads to ordering a part, discovering it's the wrong one, and having to return it only to start the process all over again. That kills your uptime and productivity.
With a local supplier, you’re dealing with an expert.
When you order forklift parts from Mid Columbia Forklift, an expert reviews your order to ensure you get the right parts. If there are any questions, they contact you to sort out the confusion and ensure the part that arrives is what you need, regardless of what you originally ordered.
A local supplier gets you the correct part the first time, every time.
Not all forklift replacement parts are created equal.
It might look like you can get the best deals online, but there's a colossal swing in part quality to be aware of. Often, cheap parts are made of inferior materials. This keeps the price per unit down, but these parts wear out much faster than OEM forklift parts.
Worse still, cheap parts can void your warranty. Your lift truck's warranty is contingent on a certain level of maintenance, which extends to the parts you use. A cheap part might save you some money in the moment, but it becomes very expensive if your forklift breaks down with an invalid warranty. Your best choice is always to use OEM parts or approved replacements in your equipment.
In addition to being of superior quality, all our parts come with a warranty. These warranties vary by manufacturer, but even the most stringent warranty is better than no warranty, which is often the case with online parts.
Quality parts purchased locally protect your machine and bottom line by keeping your warranty intact.
Our local team will make sure you receive the best parts for your equipment at competitive prices, all while keeping your warranty intact. Don’t let inexpensive internet parts jeopardize your business.
To learn more about the value of buying local or to order new parts, contact us online or visit one of our locations.
Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137
Further Reading
Most Commonly Replaced Forklift Parts
Forklift Rental Seattle: Why the Local Guys Do It Best
Dirty Hydraulic Oil: The Silent Forklift Killer