Skip to content 
Introduction
- Buying a used forklift can be a daunting task, especially when you need to balance price versus reliability. Whether you need a forklift for low hours or you have a low budget, the idea of spending less money upfront is very enticing. I want to give you 9 tips to help make sure you get a used forklift that will work for you and not cause you any problems. Also, we will touch on new forklifts from China as a possible alternative.
Bullet Points Summary to buy a used forklift
Absolutely, here are the bullet points:
- Inspect forks for damage.
- Check lift chains for gaps and corrosion.
- Test mast operation for smoothness.
- Examine tires for wear and chunking.
- Estimate battery life and check for corrosion.
- Assess engine condition for leaks and oil levels.
- Look for leaks in common areas like the mast and radiator.
- Verify functionality of safety features.
- Confirm odometer accuracy.
Main Content: A Detailed Guide to Buying a Used Forklift
- Check the Forks for Damage
- Start at the front and check the forks for cracks, bends, or wear that would require you to replace them early. Pay close attention to the heel of the fork; if it’s not as thick as the fork’s shank, it’s worn.
- Check the Lift Chains
- Move up from the forks and check the lift chains on the mast. Look for any missing or corroded links. Also, look for any bad welds or repairs that could affect the integrity of the mast.
- Check the Mast Operation
- Ask the dealer to run the mast up and down to see if there are any problems. If there are, it could be worn mast rollers or the mast may need some maintenance.
- Check the Tires
- Look at the tires for chunking or excessive wear. Make sure they haven’t worn past the safety line. You can do a penny test to check the tread depth.
- Check the Battery
- Ask about the battery hours because they don’t keep track. Get an idea of how much life is left in the battery. Look for external signs like acid corrosion on lead-acid batteries.
- Check the Engine
- After the forklift has run, look for leaks or cracks in the hoses. Check the oil level and the belt tension as an indicator of the overall health of the engine.
- Leak Check
- Look for leaks around the mast cylinders, the transmission, and the radiator. Also, check the emissions. You don’t want to see a lot of carbon buildup, especially on a diesel.
- Safety Check
- Test the horn, the seatbelt, the lights, and the brakes. Also, inspect the overhead guard for damage.
- Odometer Check
- Make sure the wear and tear on the forklift match the odometer reading to make sure nobody has tampered with it.
Other Factors to Consider
- Where to Buy: Buy from local dealers to save on freight and make sure you have local support. Plus, you can go see the forklift in person and it’s easier to resolve any issues.
- Auctions: Be careful with auctions. They are riskier because you have less information about the history and maintenance of the forklift.
Why You Should Consider a New Forklift from China
- Although used forklifts can be a good value, you should also consider buying new forklifts from China. They come with warranties, the latest technology, and no hidden maintenance costs. Here are some new forklift prices to give you an idea of the great value you can get on new forklifts of various makes and capacities:
- Diesel Forklifts: $6,492 for a 1.5-ton model up to $112,662 for a 32-ton model.
- Gas/LPG Forklifts: $8,023 for a 1.5-ton model with a Guangqing engine up to $11,139 for a 4-ton model.
- Electric Forklifts: $10,779 for a 1.5-ton model with a lead-acid battery up to $40,558 for a 5-ton model with a lithium battery.
Let’s look at a specific example from my catalog. This is a 3-ton, brand-new diesel forklift from our Chinese factory. A new forklift costs $6,930 FOB Qingdao, China. It’s a great blend of cost and performance. Also, if you need to customize your forklift, price is around 7000-8000＄, check more pricing as below:
Diesel forklift price:
| Capacity | Model Description | Price (FOB China) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 ton | Diesel Forklift | $6,492 |
| 2 ton | Diesel Forklift | $6,587 |
| 2.5 ton | Diesel Forklift | $6,875 |
| 3 ton | Diesel Forklift | $6,930 |
| 3.5 ton | Diesel Forklift | $7,598 |
| 4 ton | Diesel Forklift | $7,952 |
| 5 ton (Mechanical) | Diesel Forklift | $13,248 |
| 5 ton (Automatic) | Diesel Forklift | $13,975 |
| 6 ton | Diesel Forklift | $17,886 |
| 7 ton | Diesel Forklift | $19,120 |
| 8 ton | Diesel Forklift | $23,342 |
| 10 ton (Standard) | Diesel Forklift | $27,952 |
| 10 ton (Container) | Diesel Forklift | $32,874 |
| 12 ton | Diesel Forklift | $33,060 |
| 15 ton | Diesel Forklift | $43,253 |
| 16 ton (Standard) | Diesel Forklift | $44,795 |
| 16 ton (Big) | Diesel Forklift | $69,094 |
| 20 ton (Small) | Diesel Forklift | $69,134 |
| 20 ton (Big) | Diesel Forklift | $89,172 |
| 25 ton | Diesel Forklift | $107,786 |
| 32 ton | Diesel Forklift | $112,662 |
Gas/Propane forklift price:
| Capacity | Forklift Type | Engine | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 ton | LPG & gasoline forklift | Guangqing engine | $8,023 |
| 2 ton | LPG & gasoline forklift | Guangqing engine | $8,169 |
| 2.5 ton | LPG & gasoline forklift | Guangqing engine | $8,001 |
| 2.5 ton | LPG & gasoline forklift | Nissan K25 engine | $10,869 |
| 3 ton | LPG & gasoline forklift | Guangqing engine | $8,297 |
| 3 ton | LPG & gasoline forklift | Nissan K25 engine | $10,940 |
| 3.5 ton | LPG & gasoline forklift | Guangqing engine | $8,749 |
| 4 ton | LPG & gasoline forklift | Guangqing engine | $11,139 |
Electric forklift price:
| Capacity | Type | Battery Type | Lifting Height | Price (USD) | FOB Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 ton | Three Wheels | Lead Acid | 3m | 11,989 | NINGBO, CHINA |
| 1.8 ton | Three Wheels | Lithium | 4.5m | 18,812 | CHINA |
| 2 ton | Three Wheels | Lead Acid | 6m | 15,884 | NINGBO, CHINA |
| 1.5 ton | Four Wheels (Lead Acid) | Lead Acid | 3m | 10,779 | QINGDAO, CHINA |
| 1.8 ton | Four Wheels (Lead Acid) | Lead Acid | 3m | 11,055 | NINGBO, CHINA |
| 2 ton | Four Wheels (Lead Acid) | Lead Acid | 3m | 11,292 | QINGDAO, CHINA |
| 2.5 ton | Four Wheels (Lead Acid) | Lead Acid | 3m | 12,575 | CHINA |
| 3 ton | Four Wheels (Lead Acid) | Lead Acid | 3m | 15,062 | CHINA |
| 3.5 ton | Four Wheels (Lead Acid) | Lead Acid | 3m | 16,030 | CHINA |
| 5 ton | Four Wheels (Lead Acid) | Lead Acid | 3m | 30,470 | CHINA |
| 1.5 ton | Four Wheels (Lithium Battery) | Lithium | 3m | 13,821 | QINGDAO, CHINA |
| 2 ton | Four Wheels (Lithium Battery) | Lithium | 3m | 16,583 | CHINA |
| 2.5 ton | Four Wheels (Lithium Battery) | Lithium | 3m | 16,583 | QINGDAO, CHINA |
| 3 ton | Four Wheels (Lithium Battery) | Lithium | 3m | 18,655 | QINGDAO, CHINA |
| 3.5 ton | Four Wheels (Lithium Battery) | Lithium | 4.5m | 22,556 | QINGDAO, CHINA |
| 5 ton | Four Wheels (Lithium Battery) | Lithium | 3m | 40,558 | QINGDAO, CHINA |
Summary and Next Steps
- Buying a used forklift requires a lot of inspection and knowing what to look for. You also need to consider the cost of ownership, including repairs and downtime. If you want something that’s reliable, that will last you a long time, and that you won’t have to spend a lot of time maintaining, then buying a new forklift from China is an excellent option. Contact us for more information or to talk about your specific forklift needs, whether you want to buy used or new.
- That’s how you can buy a used forklift and some of the reasons why you might want to buy a new one instead. Now you have all the information you need to make an educated decision.
Related Links for Further Reading:
- Forklift Safety – Wikipedia
- How to Inspect a Used Forklift – Plant Services
- Understanding Forklift Capacity – Warehouse IQ
- Forklift Maintenance Tips – Reliable Plant
- Choosing the Right Forklift – Material Handling Network
- Forklifts – How They Work – Explain That Stuff
- Forklift Types – Logistics & Materials Handling Blog
- Used Forklifts: What to Look For – MMH
