Whether it’s a warehouse or a construction site, a forklift has gained immense traction and become an indispensable part of a heavy machinery fleet. It makes load lifting and lowering hassle-free and much safer for the operators. Transportation of materials from one location to another no longer needs manual work. To top it off, businesses can store merchandise in different-sized shelves in a more organized manner. Having so many benefits, every business must invest in the right type of forklift.

However, purchasing a brand new one straight from the manufacturer’s hands is not always feasible. Budget constraints, unavailability, shipping delays, and many other interim problems can arise. These will cause disruptions in business operations and reduce the overall work efficiency. This is where you can choose another workaround, i.e, buying used forklift! Having said that, let’s explore what you need to be aware of before proceeding with the purchase deal to eliminate error margins.

Why Buying a Used Forklift Can Be a Smart Move?

Are you not sure whether buying used forklift will be a wise decision for your business? If that’s a yes, here are some of the benefits this decision can bring to the table.

Cost savings: Buying a new forklift will require a lump sum upfront investment. It can lead to a financial crunch, forcing you to compromise with the funds allocated for critical operations. That’s why it’s better to buy a used forklift since it will be much cheaper and won’t create a hole in your pocket.
Immediate availability: New forklifts have varying waiting periods. Sometimes, you may have to wait for weeks till the product gets delivered to your warehouse’s doorstep. Rather than this, you can opt to buy a piece of used machinery since it will be easily available and won’t cause any operational disruption.
Proven performance: Most used forklift dealers only sell products with a proven track record in terms of their performance. With proactive and timely maintenance, you can rest assured that their functionalities won’t be compromised.
Model versatility: You can choose from a wide array of models for used forklifts. These will include both the older and the newer machinery units, which is why aligning their configurations with your business needs will become easier.

Zenith Canada is your trusted partner in Canada for purchasing used forklift for sale. Our diverse inventory will help you find the best equipment unit that can help overcome the current pain points and enhance the overall efficiency. To top it all, all our products are maintained in their optimal conditions, ensuring no compromised functionality or safety.

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What to Check Before Buying a Used Forklift?

Step 1: Know Your Application Requirements First

Indoor VS Outdoor Use

The first thing you have to decide is where the forklift is going to be used the most. For indoor operations, you can go ahead with an electric forklift since it is quiet and has zero emissions. On the other hand, for outdoor use, an LPG or diesel forklift will be best. Its pneumatic tires are best for rugged terrain. In addition, such models come with the benefit of more power delivery and extended durability.

Lift Capacity, Height Requirements, and Aisle Width

Your warehouse’s layout will have a huge influence on the forklift choice you make.

Check the maximum load that the machine can handle. Overloading it will create safety hazards and may cause irreversible damage.
If you need to stack items on higher shelves too often, check if the chosen forklift model comes with the desired lift height capacity or not.
Identifying the load center will help you capture accurate capacity readings when lifted to different heights.
Most warehouses have tight, confined spaces. For such cases, you need to carefully check the used forklift’s turning radius and the overall dimensions.

Type of Forklift Needed

With different types of models available, be very sure about the category you want to have while buying used forklift. The following are some of the options you can explore.

Counterbalance: Ideal for lifting heavy items and general docking operations
Reach trucks: Stacking at a height in a narrow aisle
Pallet jacks: Perfect for light-duty, low-lift operations
Order pickers: Help pick individual order items in a warehouse

Step 2: Check the forklift’s condition thoroughly

Hours of Operations

Always evaluate the total operational hours before buying used forklift. It’s better to look for models having operational hours less than 10,000 as they tend to have less wear and tear.

Maintenance History and Repair Records

The detailed logs of past repairs and maintenance routines will help you determine the condition of the used forklift easily. Here, you should look for details like filter replacement, oil change consistency, and part replacement.

Hydraulics, Tire Conditions, Mast, and Forks

Check the hydraulics for any signs of leaks.
Tire inspection will help you assess the degree of wear and tear and cracks.
Verify if the mast has issues like jerky movements, misalignment, or rust.
Forks should be mounted securely and must not have any bends or cracks.

Battery Health (electric forklifts)/Engine Performance (LPG Forklifts)

If you choose an electric used forklift for sale, check its battery capacity, voltage consistency, and charge cycles. On the contrary, you need to assess the acceleration, engine startup, and exhaust emissions for an LPG used forklift.

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Step 3: Verify the Brand and Model Reliability

Always look for reputed brands, like Toyota, Raymond, Nissan, and Crown, while buying used forklift. Their products usually have longer durability and rugged construction, which will help you get quicker ROIs. Do not invest in models that are currently outdated or have parts that won’t be easily available in the market. To top it all, evaluate the dealer’s reputation and check if the company is reliable and certified or not.

Step 4: Ask About Warranty, Support, and Return Policies

You also need to verify if there is a limited warranty on the used forklift model or a continuing service guarantee. Investing in a product that’s not within the warranty will incur huge operational costs later on. Also, check if the dealer has all the parts or not in case you need a repair. Verify the return or exchange policies for the forklift model you plan on buying.

All Zenith Canada used forklifts are quality-checked and come with service support.

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Step 5: Consider Trade-In or Financing Options

If the cost of the used forklift for sale is beyond your budget limit, opt for a trade-in. Here, you can exchange the old forklift you have and offset the initial cost quoted to you. In addition, ask if the dealer can offer you a flexible payment scheme or a financing option.

Why Ontario Businesses Trust Zenith Canada for Used Forklifts?

Zenith Canada has become one of the leading used forklift dealers in Ontario. Our dedication and service commitment allow us to cater to our clients’ needs till the very end. Here are a few benefits that collaboration with us will put on the table.

We have a vast inventory of used forklifts, including electric, LPG, and diesel models. So, finding an equipment unit as per your business needs won’t be stressful.
Our company extends local service to different parts of Ontario, ensuring we can help as many businesses as we can. In addition, we maintain quicker delivery timelines as we understand the necessity of a used forklift.
Being one of the best dealers, we offer in-house repairs, expert advice, and trade-in options.
We have a decade-long reputation amongst different businesses in Ontario, including manufacturers, warehouses, and logistics firms.

Make the Right Used Forklift Purchase Decision

Although buying used forklift comes with numerous benefits, you need to make an accurate selection. Otherwise, your investment won’t return the expected revenue. Begin by checking the forklift’s conditions, including the battery, engine performance, hydraulics, tires, and mast. Never settle for a model that’s already outdated and is no longer manufactured. If you have any doubts, do not worry and connect with your expert consultants. They will identify your business’s requirements and propose the most feasible option for a used forklift.

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Buying Used Forklifts in Ontario: What to Check Before You Commit