Buying a Used Forklift: What to Check Before You Buy

A forklift is one of the most useful machines a yard, farm, warehouse or builders merchant can own. It unloads wagons, stacks pallets, moves bags and feeds production all day long. Because forklifts are so common, there are plenty of used ones about, and the difference between a tidy truck and a worn out one is not always obvious from the photos. This guide covers what to check on a used forklift before you buy, so you can spend your money on a machine that will keep working.

Choose the right type of forklift

Start with where the forklift will work and what it will lift, then look for machines that suit.

• Diesel or LPG counterbalance: the all rounder for yards and outdoor work. Diesel suits rough ground and long days outside. LPG is often used where trucks go in and out of buildings.
• Electric counterbalance: quiet and clean for indoor use, but the battery and charger are a big part of the value, so check them carefully.
• Rough terrain forklift: bigger tyres and more ground clearance for building sites, farms and timber yards.
• Reach trucks and warehouse trucks: built for racking and smooth floors, not for yards.
• Truck mounted forklift: carried on the back of a lorry so the driver can unload at the delivery address.

Check the rated capacity, the lift height and the load centre on the data plate against what you actually handle. A truck that is rated for your heaviest load at a short lift height may not be rated for it at full height.

Paperwork and history

Ask for the service history, the serial number and proof of ownership, and check the serial number on the data plate matches the paperwork. Ask whether any finance is outstanding. Find out what the truck has been doing. A forklift that has worked three shifts a day in a distribution centre has had a very different life to one that has unloaded a few deliveries a week at a farm.

In the UK, forklifts used for lifting need regular thorough examinations under LOLER. Ask for the most recent thorough examination report and read it, because it will list any defects found. If there is no current report, budget for one before the truck goes to work.

Check the hour meter looks original, and that wear on the pedals, seat, steering wheel and controls fits the hours shown.

Mast, chains and forks

The mast is the part that does the lifting, so give it most of your time.

• Raise the forks to full height and lower them again, slowly and then at normal speed. The movement should be smooth with no jerking, juddering or sudden drops.
• Tilt the mast fully forward and back. Look for play or knocking at the mast pivots and tilt rams.
• Look at the mast rollers and channels for heavy wear, scoring or damage.
• Check the lift chains for rust, stiff links, stretch and damaged pins, and that both chains are evenly tensioned.
• Look at the forks closely. Check the heels for wear, the tips for bends and cracks, and that both forks are level. Worn or cracked forks need replacing, not welding.
• Test the side shift and any other attachments, such as a fork positioner or rotator, through their full movement.

Lift a load if you can, raise it to height and leave it for a few minutes. If it creeps down or tilts forward, the lift or tilt rams may be leaking internally.

Hydraulics

Look for oil leaks around the rams, hoses, valve block and pump. Check hoses for cracks and chafing, especially where they run up the mast. Look at the hydraulic oil level and colour. Listen to the pump while lifting. Whining or a slow, weak lift with the engine at normal speed points to pump wear or other problems.

Engine or battery

On a diesel or LPG truck, ask the seller not to start it before you arrive. It should start cleanly from cold without heavy smoke that does not clear. Listen for knocks and rattles, check for oil and coolant mixing, and make sure the radiator is not packed with dust. On LPG trucks, check the gas bottle bracket and pipework and smell for leaks.

On an electric truck, ask how old the battery is and whether it has been looked after. Check the cells for corrosion and that the charger comes with the truck and works. A battery that will not last a full shift is an expensive replacement, so try to see the truck working for a while rather than just a quick lift.

Drive, brakes and steering

Drive the forklift forwards and backwards, with and without a load. Direction changes should be smooth with no harsh clunks or slipping. Test the service brakes and the parking brake on a slope if there is one. Check the steering for excess play, and look at the steer axle pins and bushes for wear. Inching should be smooth and controllable, as that is how the driver places loads accurately.

Tyres, chassis and safety equipment

Solid and pneumatic tyres both wear, so check for chunks missing, flat spots and wear down to the line on solid tyres. Look over the chassis, overhead guard and counterweight for cracks, welds and impact damage, which can point to the truck having been dropped or rolled. Make sure the seat belt, horn, lights, beacon, reversing alarm and mirrors all work.

Buying from a dealer or privately

A dealer will usually have checked the truck over and may offer some after sales support. A private sale can be cheaper but carries more risk. Either way, see the forklift working before you pay and never pay a deposit on a machine you have not seen. If you are unsure, pay an independent engineer to inspect it.

Find your next forklift

Browse used forklifts for sale from UK and Irish dealers on Plant And Tractor Trader. If you need extra reach or rough ground ability, have a look at our used telehandlers and our guide to buying a used telehandler. For forks, side shifts and other add ons, see our used attachments. You can also sign up for new stock alerts to hear about new forklifts as soon as they are listed.

Dealers: if you have forklifts or other machinery to sell, you can advertise on Plant And Tractor Trader with unlimited listings for £500 + VAT for 12 months. Call or WhatsApp us on 07470 093663 to get started.