Need advise buying Forklift Truck - Used

[IATM]

Hi All,

I am looking for some advise on buying a used forklift truck, I tried to look for a specfic forum for such a topic but didn't have much luck in my search.

Cars I know a lot about, forklift trucks not so much. Firstly my requirements.

Will be only occassional use - maybe one a week at most for 30 minutes approx.

I know you can get electric, Gas and Diesel. I know Diesel is overkill and so may be the Gas possibly and electric may be ideal.

Electric scares me a little due to the battery and maintenance.

I have to hold my hands up and say I have no idea on what to look for. I looked into a pallet stacker and some sort of other alternative but for the use I require and reach I require I feel I need a forklift truck. Lift weight required is around 1500kg and height 3.5m

Any advise would be helpful. I have a max budget of around 2-3k (I know its not huge at all for a forklift truck) but I hope I can get something fairly reliable and easy to keep for occassional use.

Thanks

[951TSE]

There are quite a few other questions that you need to answer. Are you going to only use the truck indoors on a smooth surface? Or will it need to go outside? How much space do you have to operate in? Are you intending to unload trucks now or in the future? If inside only then you will need electric as diesel and gas produce fumes that will cause problems. You will probably need a 3-phase electricity supply to run the charger.

Who will be driving it? Who ever it is will need training. My only experience is as a driver and there are so many aspects to their safe operation that understandably there are industry regulations that must be adhered to.

I'd suggest that you first port of call should be the Fork Lift Truck Association https://fork-truck.org.uk/

The only other problem you may have is your budget. With the amount quoted you'd be looking at a slightly higher spec of something like this:

http://www.used-forktrucks.co.uk/used-pallet-stack...

There are several on Ebay with the required capacity.

Personally I'd not like to raise something weighing 1500KG to 3.5m with one of those but I'm sure with the correct training and a good deal of care they're perfectly safe.

Otherwise hire might be an option http://www.forktruckrentals.co.uk/ as one example of a company that's respected in the industry.

[jaytee1]

IATM said:

Hi All,

I am looking for some advise on buying a used forklift truck, I tried to look for a specfic forum for such a topic but didn't have much luck in my search.

Cars I know a lot about, forklift trucks not so much. Firstly my requirements.

Will be only occassional use - maybe one a week at most for 30 minutes approx.

I know you can get electric, Gas and Diesel. I know Diesel is overkill and so may be the Gas possibly and electric may be ideal.

Electric scares me a little due to the battery and maintenance.

I have to hold my hands up and say I have no idea on what to look for. I looked into a pallet stacker and some sort of other alternative but for the use I require and reach I require I feel I need a forklift truck. Lift weight required is around 1500kg and height 3.5m

Any advise would be helpful. I have a max budget of around 2-3k (I know its not huge at all for a forklift truck) but I hope I can get something fairly reliable and easy to keep for occassional use.

Thanks

This is my line of business. There are lots of variables. If you are using inside/outside, and only a few times a week, an electric truck would suit you better, IC engined trucks don't like short, infrequent bursts of use, tends to lead to flat batteries. Do you have a warehouse with smooth floors or a rough yard? PM a me and I may be able to help?

[richardxjr]

Once a week for 30mins? Do a deal with a neighbouring business?

[anonymous-user]

richardxjr said:

Once a week for 30mins? Do a deal with a neighbouring business?

This, if possible. Electric fork lifts, like most machinery, like regular use. Regularly charging an discharging the battery will keep it healthy. If this is not an option, and depending on your needs, then there are little glorified pallet truck type forklifts which might fulfil your needs and will no doubt be cheaper.

If you do go ahead and need training, then look round at the options. We found a local company who trained our guys for free as part of an NVQ, as they were linked with the local college.

[red_slr]

Most pallets don't like much more than a tonne - what are you lifting?

I run 3 FLTs and all diesel, 2 standard and 1 all terrain (Moffett).
For normal indoor use I would avoid diesel - LPG is much better these days.

[IATM]

I have been thinking quite a bit about what I actually NEED and I think a forklift truck if overkill.

I have also checked and the heaviest pallet I have ever got has been 800kg but this was only once.

I think something like this would be ideal but they are thin on the ground and at the age I am seeing them I was advise the battery is a must to be replaced.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321647102604?_trksid=p20...

Anyone know any other sites I can check for similar equipment.

Thanks

[honestbob]

I was in a similar situation and bought a used Komatsu 1500 kg LPG forklift for £1500
It is used mostly for unloading a steel lorry once or twice a week. Also very nimble
around the workshop to move things about. Can't fault it.

[IATM]

honestbob said:

I was in a similar situation and bought a used Komatsu 1500 kg LPG forklift for £1500
It is used mostly for unloading a steel lorry once or twice a week. Also very nimble
around the workshop to move things about. Can't fault it.

How long have you had it and has it been reliable for you.

[honestbob]

Had it now for two years and yes, touch wood, is very reliable.
As it's part of my factory kit it undergoes a six monthly safety
inspection and apart from "rear tyres worn but remains serviceable"
on the report, there's nothing else to do.

[IATM]

honestbob said:

Had it now for two years and yes, touch wood, is very reliable.
As it's part of my factory kit it undergoes a six monthly safety
inspection and apart from "rear tyres worn but remains serviceable"
on the report, there's nothing else to do.

Thanks for the reply. Do you have a specific model code.

[Davel]

Our trucks are contract hired in, so include servicing and annual mast checks etc.

As someone else said, do you have anyone neighbouring who might give you a hand for a few quid as and when.

Could you specify a vehicle delivery or collection on a vehicle with a rear mounted FLT?

[rich888]

Very coincidental this post because I've been considering which forklift to buy and have been looking at these models:

https://shop.toyota-forklifts.co.uk/used/UK_/power...

I think the thing to bear in mind is that the forks sit on the ground so you can't actually lift a pallet unless you can get the forks under it, and the same goes if you have a lorry delivery and the pallet is over the wheels, otherwise it's perfect.

[matjk]

Just got one of those , and regret it now! It’s doing the job (just) but it’s turning circle is a nightmare, you HAVE to pull the handle down so get the wheel motors to engage, so it ends up being long (longer than a forklift) , it’s gets stuck on everything other than smooth floors ! The forks are thick , almost a perfect fit on a pallet , and you can’t adjust the angle , so getting anything or a truck unless you have flat Ground is almost impossible and if the pallets have a bottom rung you can lift or lower ! It’s great if you just shift pallets in a big warehouse

[matjk]

Just got one of those , and regret it now! It’s doing the job (just) but it’s turning circle is a nightmare, you HAVE to pull the handle down so get the wheel motors to engage, so it ends up being long (longer than a forklift) , it’s gets stuck on everything other than smooth floors ! The forks are thick , almost a perfect fit on a pallet , and you can’t adjust the angle , so getting anything or a truck unless you have flat Ground is almost impossible and if the pallets have a bottom rung you can lift or lower ! It’s great if you just shift pallets in a big warehouse