If you’ve ever looked through used forklift listings, you’ll know how it goes. Every machine looks tidy in the photos, every seller says it runs well, and the prices can vary a lot for trucks that seem much the same.
A good second hand forklift can save your business a fair bit of money. A poor one can cost you more in repairs than you saved on the purchase. The difference usually comes down to what you check before you hand over any money.
So, in this guide, let’s walk through the service history you should ask for, the paperwork that needs to come with the truck, and the red flags that tell you to keep looking.
Why Service History Comes First
A forklift’s service history tells you how it’s been treated. Regular servicing at set hours is a good sign. Long gaps, or records that only show repairs after something broke, suggest it was run hard and fixed when it had to be.
Look at what work was done, not just when. Have the mast chains, brakes, and hydraulic hoses been checked or replaced? On an electric truck, has the battery been looked after? On a diesel or LPG truck, have oil, filters, and coolant been changed on schedule?
Then compare the records with the hour meter. If the hours and the service dates don’t line up, ask why.
The Paperwork You Should Ask For
The right paperwork protects you as much as the truck does.
Ask for proof of ownership, such as the original invoice or a sale receipt, so you know the seller has the right to sell it. It’s also worth running a check on the Personal Property Securities Register, known as the PPSR, to see whether there’s any finance still owing on the machine.
Make sure the data plate is on the truck, readable, and matches the mast and any attachments fitted. If an attachment has been added, the capacity rating should reflect it. Ask for the operator manual too, along with any recent inspection or repair reports.
If a seller can’t produce much of this, that’s worth noting before you go any further.
Red Flags to Watch For
Here’s a quick rundown of the warning signs that should make you slow down.
A fresh coat of paint might be nothing to worry about, but it can also hide cracks, welds, or crash damage. Look closely at the mast, the overhead guard, and the counterweight.
An hour meter that looks new, has been disconnected, or shows very low hours on an older truck needs an explanation. Worn pedals, seats, and steering wheels can tell you more about real use than the meter does.
Oil or hydraulic fluid leaks, blue or black exhaust smoke, and jerky or slow lifting all point to work that will need doing soon.
Forks deserve a close look. Cracks near the heel, bent tips, or uneven wear mean they may need replacing.
And if a seller won’t let you test drive the truck, or rushes you through the inspection, treat that as a warning sign on its own.
Taking It for a Proper Test Drive
Never buy a forklift without driving it. Lift a load to full height and watch for drifting, shaking, or noises from the mast. Check the brakes, steering, and tilt. Drive it forward and in reverse and see how it handles a tight turn.
If you can, bring along someone who knows that make and model, or ask for an independent inspection.
Where Forklift Hire Fits In
Buying used doesn’t have to be your first step. Forklift hire is a handy way to try a particular type or size of truck on your site before you commit to buying one.
It also helps while you’re shopping around. Instead of rushing into the first machine you find, short term forklift hire keeps your work moving until the right truck comes along.
Buying a Second Hand Forklift in Melbourne
Every business is a bit different, so the right truck comes down to a few simple questions. How heavy are your loads? How high do you need to lift? Will it work indoors, outdoors, or both? And how many hours a day will it run?
Melbourne based Heavy Lift Forklifts sells new and used forklifts, offers hire, and looks after servicing and repairs. Buying a second hand forklift from a supplier who services and checks machines before sale takes a lot of the guesswork out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours is too many on a used forklift?
There’s no single number. A well serviced truck with higher hours can be a better buy than a neglected one with fewer, so look at the service history alongside the hour meter.
Should I get a used forklift inspected before buying?
Yes, if you can. A qualified technician can spot problems with the mast, hydraulics, and engine or battery that are easy to miss.
Is forklift hire better than buying used?
It depends on how often you need a truck. For short term or seasonal work, forklift hire often makes more sense. For regular daily use, buying a quality second hand forklift can work out better over time.