Among many construction machinery and equipment, second-hand forklifts have attracted the attention of many companies and individuals due to their high cost-effectiveness. However, in order to choose a suitable equipment in the second-hand forklift market, you need to master the following key aspects.
First of all, it is very important to clarify the purpose of the forklift. Understanding the previous usage scenarios of the forklift is of great significance for judging the quality of the forklift. For example, forklifts used in flat warehouses are usually less damaged due to the relatively stable working environment and standardized operation; while forklifts used in outdoor construction sites face complex terrain and harsh environments, and their damage may be more serious. Brand is a factor that cannot be ignored when purchasing second-hand forklifts. Forklifts of well-known brands are often of good quality and have a relatively high value retention. Imported forklift brands such as Crown and Clark have a high level of design, manufacturing process and component quality. These brands of forklifts are usually more easily recognized by buyers in the second-hand market.
Inspecting the condition of the forklift is the core link in the entire purchase process. Conduct a systematic inspection, including the control system, power system, etc. When starting the forklift, listen carefully to the engine sound. The normal engine sound should be smooth and without obvious abnormalities. Give the forklift a few long throttles and then release it to observe whether the engine responds sensitively to identify the engine's performance. At the same time, the appearance inspection should not be ignored. Pay attention to whether the forklift has signs of collision and scratches, which may be signs of abuse of the forklift. In addition, check whether the vehicle identification number (VIN) plate is clean and clear, and make sure that the serial number is consistent with other locations (such as on the cab window). Lift the front and rear ends of the forklift to check whether there is any clearance between the axle kingpin and the pivot point of the rear axle center, and check the wear of the steering bushing. For telescopic forklifts, raise the main arm and shake the extension to check for sideways and front and back movement, and whether the wear pads that prevent such movement are worn; ensure that all up, down, extension, crowding and tilting functions are working properly, and there are no obvious hydraulic leaks or working pipes that need to be replaced; check whether the pins and bushings have signs of cracks or wear. In addition, if the load sensor switch is damaged or tampered with, it may indicate that the boom is overloaded and needs to be handled with caution.
Repair costs are also an aspect that needs to be considered. Second-hand forklifts with different degrees of damage have different repair costs. When purchasing, carefully measure the degree of damage to the forklift and make a reasonable estimate of the required repair costs, which can effectively save resources and avoid the subsequent economic pressure caused by excessive repair costs.
When observing the appearance details of the forklift, you can check whether the paint of the forklift is original paint. If it is original paint and the factory year is relatively recent, it means that the forklift may not have been refurbished or overhauled; if the paint is very beautiful but the factory year is early, the forklift may have been refurbished. Also check the forks and masts. If these main working parts are bent, deformed or severely damaged, it means that the forklift was in poor working condition before.
For the core components of the forklift, such as the engine or battery, pay enough attention. For diesel or gasoline forklifts, the engine is the core component. Each engine has a nameplate to check its factory date. If you don’t know how to check, you can ask a professional for help. For electric forklifts, pay attention to the brand of the battery, the length of use, and the time it can be used after one charge, etc., to judge the battery performance. Choosing a reliable purchasing channel is also an important way to ensure that you buy a high-quality second-hand forklift. It is a good choice to buy a second-hand forklift through a reputable dealer. They usually conduct a comprehensive overhaul of the forklift, provide a certain warranty period, and ensure that the source of the forklift is legal, so as to avoid buying fake forklifts or forklifts with safety hazards. For example, professional second-hand forklift trading platforms such as Haoyunwang will have professional appraisers to strictly control the source and prohibit the influx of fake forklifts and scrapped refurbished vehicles.
Finally, don't be greedy for cheapness when purchasing a second-hand forklift. Too low a price may mean that there is a problem with the forklift or there is a risk of fraud. If you don't know about forklifts, you can ask an experienced master or let him accompany you to buy.
In short, when buying a second-hand forklift, it is recommended to compare different forklifts, carefully inspect and test, and if possible, conduct trial operations to ensure that you purchase a second-hand forklift with good performance, in line with your needs and at a reasonable price.