So you have a forklift. It’s not doing the job anymore. You want a new(er) forklift and you’ve done your homework, you know what you want. So what can you do with the old forklift? Read on for some great advice on selling or trading in your old used forklift.
Without doubt the biggest innovations and improvements in the last 20 years in materials handling have been in the electric equipment industry. While LPG and diesel forklifts remain a mainstay in factories and loading facilities Australia and world-wide, electric lift equipment has increasingly become a mainstream choice. But to many people, even industry insiders with extensive experience, electric forklifts remain a mystery. We’ll try to explain here what to look for when purchasing, what sort of equipment to buy to meet your needs and the common pitfalls to avoid.
What is important to remember is that the right forklift for you is the one that does the job you need, reliably and at a minimum of expense. For 90% of buyers this will be a general purpose, LPG powered forklift with a capacity of 1.5 to 3 tonnes. These are the most common types of units available in Australia, and with good reason. Think of them like a Holden Commodore, reliable and flexible, able to be used in a wide variety of applications. But by no means are they the only type of units available.
Forklifts are (generally) driven by internal combustion or electric engines. These engines power a large hydraulic pump, which pumps oil to the lift and tilt valves which control the mechanisms of the same name on the mast of the forklift. Because of the design of the hydraulic system, the ability to add several additional valves exists. These valves can tap into the existing power of the forklift and use it’s existing power to drive other functions, usually related to modifications or additions to the tilt or raise mechanism to enable more specific applications. Examples include sideshifts, rotators, bale clamps and fork positioners.
When purchasing a used forklift, many buyers worry about getting stuck with a lemon. It’s unfamiliar territory, nearly everyone knows what to look for in a car, but what about a forklift? It’s an expensive purchase that you need to be reliable for years to come. The following is a basic checklist you should look for when shopping for a used forklift.
Please note: This article covers physical inspection of a forklift. For advice on choosing a forklift size and type, please see this article. Read more →
It’s a question that comes up a lot. Buy, rent or lease your new (or used) forklift. Each approach offers specific advantages and disadvantages. It comes down to what is right for the forklift purchaser and what is appropriate for the price and model being purchased. This is a summary of the available options that will hopefully help you to make the decision that is right for your business.
The simplest and most popular method of purchasing a forklift. You choose your unit, give the dealer a cheque and they deliver your new unit. Appeals to many people, particularly those with no business credit rating. For many lower priced units it is the only feasible purchasing method, most lenders will not lease anything but a brand new forklift, even if purchased from a reputable dealer.
Not everyone wants to use their hard-earned cash to pay for machinery. We now offer a flexible weekly repayment schedule finance solution that allows you to pay down the capital cost over 12 months. Then you can return the forklift, purchase it at a much reduced rate or continue to rent at a discounted rate and own it outright after 3 years. The best part is fast approval and no financial history requirements - perfect for those just starting their business.
We also offer conventional finance solutions through vehicle and equipment finance. They specialise in the industrial equipment industry and can guide your company through to the other side with the forklift you need to get the job done.
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