How to choose a second-hand lift truck with confidence
A used forklift can be rewarding investment – as long as you pick the right one. Find out how Cat® Lift Trucks and its dealers take the worry out of pre-owned materials handling equipment.
The used forklift market is growing, along with the demand for forklifts in general. The rise of e-commerce is one factor driving this growth. Others include increasing costs and intense competition, which are forcing everyone to look for savings.
Used forklift vs new forklift
A used forklift’s lower purchase price preserves capital, which can be invested elsewhere in your business. Having said that, you should always look at the total cost of operation (TCO) as well. For example, a new lift truck may be expected to need fewer repairs, give greater energy efficiency and perform more productively. But while a new forklift’s updated technology may offer advantages, a less advanced model with a lower price tag may be enough to meet your needs.
Not all materials handling tasks and applications require a new forklift. For instance, a used truck may be sufficient if you only need the forklift as an occasional back-up. You may have a task which is only carried out a few times each day or week. Or your application may not be harsh, intensive or critical enough to require the performance and peak condition of a brand-new forklift.
When it comes to sustainability, there are arguments for and against used forklifts. A new lift truck may offer lower energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint. On the other hand, second-life trucks contribute to the circular economy.
Michael Laursen, Director of Denmark’s Cat® Lift Trucks distributor ProTruck, picks up this point.
“Used machines are a very important part of our business. They are amongst our long-term strategic focal points, as we specialise in rental and subsequent sale of forklifts into second, third or further lives. In this age of focusing on sustainability and the circular economy, this model is becoming more and more advantageous. Used lift trucks account for about 30% of our total sales. This figure is increasing – and we expect it to continue growing in the future.”
At ProTruck, most new forklifts are first supplied to customers under rental contracts. After 5-10 years, the first customer usually seeks a replacement. The truck then goes to another customer, either for rental or as an outright sale. After two rental periods, when the truck is around 10-15 years old, it’s sold off to a third customer. Often forklifts go on to a fourth or fifth life with different buyers – particularly in the case of larger models.
The oldest used forklift handled recently by ProTruck was a Towmotor – the brand which became part of the Cat Lift Trucks family in 1965.
Top tips on choosing a used lift truck
In making the decision between new and used, you should seek the advice of a trusted forklift dealer who offers both. Cat lift truck dealers, for example, will make a site visit and fully assess your needs. They will determine whether a used truck makes most sense. If it does, they will also find the right used forklift for you – in terms of its age, the number of hours it has worked, and its specification.
When choosing a used forklift, go for a brand with a reputation for durability and quality. Look for assurance that the truck has been well maintained and refurbished to a high standard. And don’t buy a used forklift without a warranty. These factors will add to the price, but you will save on TCO and your truck will retain a good resale value.
Dealers advertise used forklifts on their own websites and also use online stores such as Forklift International and Mascus. For more advice on choosing a second-hand forklift, the UK and Ireland’s Cat Lift Trucks distributor, Impact Handling, offers a free downloadable top tips e-book.
Refurbished forklifts
Used forklifts sold or rented by Cat lift truck dealers are often described as ‘refurbished’. A refurbished forklift is one which has been restored in various ways to a near-original condition.
At its highest level, that involves:
- An extremely rigorous inspection of its mechanical systems, consumable components and bodywork
- Thorough stripping and cleaning of all parts
- Replacement or repair of all defective components with OEM parts
- Stripping, repairing and repainting of bodywork
Impact describes a seven-step refurbishment programme on its website. Its services include refurbishing of customers’ existing forklift fleets. They can be collected, refurbished and returned, looking as good as new, with minimal downtime.
Both Impact and ProTruck offer a choice of refurbishment packages at different price levels. These come with a choice of warranties.
Why choose a Cat® lift truck dealer for used forklifts?
As the information above suggests, authorised Cat lift truck dealers are highly specialised, skilled and trusted in the used forklift market. They have priority access to our famously durable, high-quality Cat forklifts, which give many years of reliable service. With large rental fleets and a comprehensive range of models, they will find the ideal used lift truck for your application.
In the case of forklifts serviced under rental contracts or maintenance programmes, especially, the dealer will have detailed knowledge of a truck’s past use. That includes its full service history, hours worked and applications. You can be sure that the truck has been treated well and properly maintained.
You can also rely on Cat forklift dealers to keep your truck in action. Their after-sales support includes rapid-response mobile service teams and the fastest parts supply in the business.
For further practical guidance on a wide range of topics relevant to materials handling, warehousing and logistics:
