When looking at a used diesel forklift for sale, how can you tell what condition it’s in? Here are a few helpful guidelines to make checking a forklift easier.

When it comes to forklift trucks, diesel forklifts are the sturdiest and most hard-wearing type, being suitable for use outdoors and on rough terrain. As with most other vehicles, regular inspections should help you keep an eye on the condition of your diesel forklift and give you ample time to schedule check-ups and repairs as needed.  

Checking that the brakes are working, that important fluids are topped up, and that the forklift can be driven and maneuverer easily are just a few things you should do when checking whether it’s in good condition or not. But what if you have yet to buy a said forklift?  

If you’re getting a new one, there wouldn’t be much to inspect; you’ll just have to remember to follow the maintenance schedule like you would for any vehicle. A used forklift, however, would be a different story. Maybe you don’t see your business needing it very often, or you aren’t too convinced that you really need a new one. Whatever your reasons for considering a 2.5 ton diesel forklift for sale, there are certain things to keep in mind so you can inspect it thoroughly.  

Here's what to check when looking at a used diesel forklift

Check the Forks

When looking over a diesel forklift for sale or even other brands, the most logical place to start is with the forks, since without those, the forklift won’t be of much use. Be on the lookout for cracks, bends, or other signs of wear and tear that may show that the forklift may not be in good shape.  

Of the signs of damage you might see, cracks are the most worrisome; if you spot one or two, you can expect to have to replace the forks sometime soon. Check the heel of the fork blade, too; The thickness of the back of the blade has to match that of the upright fork shank - the part that connects to the carriage. If it doesn’t, that means the forks are worn and, as with cracks, will soon need replacing. 

Inspect the Lifting Mechanism

Once you’re done checking the forks, it’s time to move along the mast and check for cracks or welding marks that indicate repairs were done. If the repairs weren’t done properly, that can affect the mast’s structural integrity. Check the lift chains, too, and see if there are any corroded or missing links or pins; these can affect how smoothly the lifting mechanism operates.  

Speaking of operating the forklift, don’t be afraid to ask the seller or dealer to raise the forks high enough to engage all mast stages. Optimally, the additional masts should extend as smoothly as possible. Any delays or signs of difficulty in this process can indicate that the link chains need to be fixed or that the mast rollers are worn or haven’t been maintained properly.  

Take A Peek at the Tyres

If you’re satisfied with how the lifting mechanism operates, it’s time to check out the tires. Look at them or feel them to make sure they’re still nice and round. If a tire looks or feels like something took a bite out of it, that’s what’s called chunking.  

That’s not the only thing to look out for, though. Check the wear line or safety line, since tires that are worn past said line - or close to it - will definitely need replacing. If you don’t see a wear or safety line, look for lettering on the sidewall of the tire. If the tire reaches the top of the lettering, that’s another sign it needs to be replaced. 

Keep an Eye on the Engine and Battery

Have the dealer or seller run the forklift for a few minutes, and then open the engine compartment so you can check for leaks and any cracks on the hoses. You’ll also want to ensure belts are secured in place as well as lubricated well. Once the engine is cool enough, don’t forget to pull out the dipstick to check the engine oil, since a level that’s too low may indicate a leak somewhere that isn’t readily obvious. 

Other places to check for leaks of a Toyota or Hyster diesel forklift for sale include the mast cylinders and along the mast itself; the transmission; and around the radiator. Smell the air, too, while the forklift is running. If the air smells like it contains a lot of carbon dioxide, there may be something wrong with the regulator or the catalytic converter, which means you’ll need a mechanic to look at the engine, just in case.  

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to track the number of hours left on a forklift’s battery. A regular battery will last about five years of single-shift operations. So if the diesel forklift for sale was in a double-shift and the battery is two years old, it may have just a year or two of life left.  

Inspect the Safety Features

Last but not the least, you’ll want to check that the forklift’s safety features work, since these are all geared toward keeping the operator safe. Ensure that the seat can be safely adjusted and that the horn, seatbelt, lights, brakes, and levers all function like they’re supposed to. Check the overhead guard frame, too, for any damage; if there is, then it needs to be repaired or replaced before your operator - or operators - can safely ride the forklift.  

As you can see, there are a number of things to keep in mind before buying, say, a Nissan diesel forklift for sale. Diesel forklifts may be the sturdiest kind of forklift, but that doesn’t mean you should take that sturdiness for granted, both before and after you make the purchase. Fortunately, as far as maintenance goes, once you have the forklift, the focus will be on making sure the engine operates efficiently so that you can use the forklift for as long as possible.  

Overall, just remember the guidelines outlined above when inspecting the one you’re thinking of buying. Once you do that, you’ll be able to tell, roughly, what kind of condition the forklift is in. Depending on what you find, you might even be able to use its overall condition or the need for repair or replacement soon after buying to negotiate with the seller for a lower price.