Buying a used forklift can be a smart way to expand your fleet without the cost of new equipment. You can find used forklifts in Dallas-Fort Worth at half the cost of new models. But is a used forklift worth the investment?
A low upfront price from a used forklift dealer won’t mean much if the truck comes with maintenance issues or poses a safety risk. Before you buy used material handling equipment, it is important to inspect more than just the paint and hour meter.
Some issues are easy to spot, like worn tires or visible leaks. Others are easier to miss until the equipment is already in operation. A good inspection should cover the major wear points and systems, including:
- Tires and chassis
- Safety and controls
- Mast and lift assembly, including checking hydraulic cylinders for signs of leaks
- Brakes, steering, and mechanics
- Battery or engine condition
- Maintenance records and service history
Make sure you test how the truck operates, too. Unusual noises, inconsistent lifting, or excessive play in the steering and controls can point to larger maintenance issues that may not be obvious at first glance.
What to Look for in a Used Forklift
When you’re ready to buy a used forklift in DFW, look for a material handling equipment dealer with a rigorous process for ensuring quality. Ask what kind of work they perform on used equipment before resale. Is it cosmetic only, or does the forklift dealer have documented refurbishment and inspection procedures? Does the used forklift come with a warranty period, or does the dealer sell equipment as-is?
To preview the process Shoppa’s technicians follow, download our Used Equipment Inspection Checklist.
At Shoppa’s, used forklifts go through a refurbishing process that involves multiple Toyota-certified technicians and a more than 100-point inspection. Quality checks for used forklifts are tracked using an inspection checklist in our in-house service management system to help ensure consistency from evaluation through delivery.
See what’s available. Browse our used equipment inventory to compare available equipment, specifications, and configurations.