- Materials Handling Made Easy
-
-
-
-
-
-
Buying refurbished forklifts can be an ideal solution for businesses that do not have the capital to buy new machinery. Opting for fully refurbished second-hand machines can actually be better for your business for a number of reasons.
Firstly, they are obviously cheaper than buying new machines, but our refurbished trucks are delivered in near perfect condition. It is often hard to distinguish whether they are in fact brand new or second-hand. This is due to the thorough checking and refurbishment process that we put all of our trucks through before they are delivered to your business.
When people think about buying second-hand machinery, they generally think they will be purchasing well-used and worn equipment, but this isn’t the case when it comes to buying a refurbished truck from Fork Truck Direct.
There are several other benefits of choosing a refurbished forklift, over a brand new one, for your business.
Refurbished forklifts are significantly cheaper than new ones and this is the main reason that many businesses choose them. Furthermore, forklifts depreciate in value as soon as they start being used, just like cars, so it is worth considering the depreciation costs associated with purchasing a fixed asset.
Depending on the specification of forklift you need, buying refurbished machine can also be quicker than you would if you ordered a new truck. New trucks that aren’t held in stock in the UK by the manufacturers typically take 10-12 weeks to be delivered from the date of order. At Fork Truck Direct we stock a wide range of second-hand forklifts that are sat waiting to be refurbished. It typically takes us between 2-4 weeks to fully refurbish a forklift, depending on the condition of the machine and the length of refurbishment you require. This is obviously very important if you require a forklift for a specific job with a deadline.
Buying refurbished also means that you may be able to access models that are no longer available on the market to buy new. For example, you may have previously had a specific model of forklift that may have been discontinued, buying refurbished means you’re more likely to be able to get hold of one again in great condition.
Some companies may buy refurbished forklifts based on their needs. For example, if forklifts don’t play a huge role in your operations but are a necessary investment for casual use, then spending a large sum out of your budget on new machinery can seem extravagant.
Many people choose refurbished forklifts because of the nature of the checks that are performed on them before they are sold. Often, a refurbished model will go through a checking process that is over and above the quality control checking process applied to new machinery. At Fork Truck Direct, we put our refurbished models through a rigorous testing and servicing process including a 135 point check. We also have three fully equipped spray booths meaning we can re-spray our refurbished machines, making them look brand new! The forklifts are also checked and approved by CFTS accredited inspectors who will issue a LOLER certificate indicating that the machine has passed thorough checking and meets CFTS standards. The forklift will then be put through a pre-delivery inspection before it leaves our premises. After this, a warranty certificate will be issued. Customers will also be provided with a report that details all of the work that has been carried out to get the forklift to its new condition, meaning the entire process is transparent and customers know exactly what they are buying.
Forklifts can be a beneficial asset to many different types of business and are used in a number of different industries. Although the construction industry is a major user of forklift trucks, the manufacturing and warehousing industry also rely on forklifts to ensure smooth operations. Forklifts can be used to transport goods from high shelving with ease. This is particularly important in the warehousing industry where heavy consumables are stored on large pallets to be delivered to retailers. Forklifts can often be found in retail establishments that provide heavy goods to customers, such as garden supplies like soil, pebbles, plants and other goods. Forklifts can be a useful addition to any business that frequently moves heavy goods from one area to another. They allow businesses to speed up operations and not have to rely on manual handling which can be both time-consuming, and detrimental to the health of employees.
When buying a second-hand forklift there are several key factors that need to be considered. Some companies or individual sellers may not sell reliable machinery, so it is important that look for a supplier who is a member of the Fork lift Truck Association (FLTA).
Knowing what to look for when you’re considering buying second-hand is paramount in the operating longevity of the truck and the value of the investment to your business. It can be easy to purchase machinery that isn’t up to a good standard if you don’t know what to look for. Here are a few pointers to consider when looking to buy second-hand forklifts:
The reputation of the seller is a very important aspect of buying second-hand machinery. It generally isn’t a good idea to purchase second-hand machinery from an individual seller. Look for a company that has a history of selling second-hand machinery to a variety of businesses, and if possible try and get references from some of their customers who have purchased refurbished equipment from them in the past.
It can be easy to be attracted by the reasonable price of a piece of second-hand machinery, but it is important to consider whether it is in fact the right model for your needs. If the forklift doesn’t meet your operational needs, then it is essentially useless to you. Make sure that you take into account the clearance space needed for the forklift to operate in your premises. Any Salesman worth his salt would request to conduct a site survey before selling you a truck to ensure that it is a perfect fit with your site and your operational requirements.
You should choose a company that will provide you with a transparent record of the history of the used forklift that you are looking to buy. This means including details of any parts that have been replaced prior to purchase. An accurate record that details all service history, replaced parts, and any other important information is essential if you want to keep your forklift in good working order so that it keeps its value for many years.
Warranty is a hugely important part of buying a second-hand piece of machinery, as without it, if anything goes wrong shortly after purchase, you will be fully responsible for any costs that are incurred. A reputable seller will offer a warranty period on any refurbished machinery that is sold to you. Be wary of any company that refuses to give you a warranty or states that an item is “sold as seen” as this is a red flag that there are hidden issues with the machinery that were not addressed before the sale.
Test drive the truck at the point of purchase to ensure that it functions correctly. With a forklift, this doesn’t mean simply driving it around. Make sure that you test all functioning parts including the brakes, lift mast, steering, levers, lights, and engine. It is important to know what you are buying, even when the truck comes with a service history you should have a trained forklift driver test it out.
Adding a refurbished forklift to your fleet can be a valuable decision for your business. It is important to consider how a refurbished truck will help increase your business profits. Seeing the machinery as an investment will help to justify the purchase, and the return on investment is easily measurable when it comes to machinery that makes operations easier and more efficient. Buying a refurbished forklift will mean using less of your budget than you would if you choose to buy new. Consider the value of the truck to your business. For example, does it speed up processes that may have taken much longer if using manual methods? Does it mean that more time is available to focus on other areas of the business? These are questions that will help you determine how important adding a refurbished forklift to your fleet is.
If you have decided that a refurbished forklift is the right option for you, or if you require more advice before you commit to this decision then please feel free to contact us today. We specialise in selling refurbished forklifts to customers from all industries and have done so for the last 25 years. Our unique checking process and refurbishment programme sets us above the rest. We believe in full transparency, especially when it comes to buying refurbished machinery, so you’ll always know exactly what you’re getting if you buy from us.
We have had many happy customers that often comment on how our refurbished forklifts look brand new. This is because we recognise how important it is to have a thorough refurbishment process that provides quality, long-lasting equipment.
