A material handling equipment is like an investment for your organization. It is essential to perform well-versed research with the help of a sales consultant having vast expertise in sales of the lift truck. But there are various factors to keep in mind before buying a new lift truck for carrying out the operations of your business that requires moving of material from one place to another. There are some essential things to keep in mind before you buy the second-hand forklift. As the leading supplier of Used Toyota forklift, we have listed critical factors to keep in mind before buying the used forklift.

Toyota Forklifts Houston TX

Stage 1: Learning The Basics

A common-sense general tip for starters is to get your hands on as much quality information as you can and absorb as much detail as possible. After you have reviewed a bit of content you should have a good working knowledge about forklifts as well as the overall Toyota Forklift Market.

Stage 2: Narrow Your Requirements

Financial plan

Have a reasonable spending plan at the top of your priority list, don’t be unrealistic to the point that you will be left with something destined for the scrap heap, however do adhere to a budget that a merchant can work with and not talk you out of.

Consider the measurement of Forklift:

Depending on how comfortable you are at the pre-purchase stage, post research, settling on the correct size Forklift should be quite clear by this point.  You should have a general idea about the necessary size of the Forklift which is likely the most important component after the cost. In shopping for a used forklift for sale, here are some simple procedures that could help point you in the right direction:

  • Is the machine going to work in and outdoors? If the Forklift is to be utilized indoors only, then perhaps an electric forklift may be better,i.e, in food establishments, this is often the go-to option.
  • Size of the aisles the machine will be used to work in. Be sure to consider the measurements for aisle turns and angle stacking.
  • Measurement and weight of your load.
  • Height you have to lift the load.

Use and Operation| What You Need To Know

  • Low:

If your organization has 1 or 2 employees and will probably just to utilize a forklift between 3 to 4 hours for each week, you could likely manage with a  forklift that is 11 – 12 years of age (15,000 – 20, 000 hours on it). It is estimated to last you around 6 to 8 years and thereafter, you would likely just take it out of operation.

  • Medium:

If you estimate that your use would be between 3 to 5 hours for each day, an ex-rental unit might be your best option. This is generally a signal that the forklift has been well kept and regularly serviced. Ideally, the unit would be around 5 – 6 years of age (8,000 – 15,000 hours on it).

  • High:

A huge organization might aim for forklift usage around 7-10+ hours for each day and is more likely to purchase a new forklift or rent a completely maintained unit for a long time (more than 5 years). In this scenario the Forklift would be a workhorse and after you take it out of rotation, you may be able to exchange, swap or rent it out depending on your preference. 

  • Needs and Wants:

 The final piece of the puzzle in purchasing a used forklift is to remember to be realistic in your expectation when comparing your budget, needs and expectations.

See related: Forklift Rental Prices 2024

Stage 3: Search

When you have sorted out your forklift needs, you can either window shop online, classifieds or contact a forklift supplier or manufacturer directly. There are various Toyota forklifts for sale and you can easily find them via a quick google search and your trusty list of needs in hand:

  • Pricing (Compare alternatives to check standard cost)
  • Capacity
  • Type of Mast
  • Height of the lift and collapse
  • Type of the tires in forklift
  • Attachments

For more popular models, you should be able to get spec sheets online and ideally be able to match your list of needs to the available spec sheets so as to cut your time in half.

Stage 4: Make sure that you are fully prepared at the time of inquiry:

Now that you have your list ready, specs in hand, once you’re ready to place your call or make an online on in-person inquiry, it’s a good idea to be prepared to ask additional questions, this will keep the vendor on their toes and let you know that the representative understands your needs as well as the product that they are selling you. Things to consider asking:

  • Year fabricated?
  • Service history?
  • Any past mishaps?
  • About numerous past proprietors (Ex rental fleet will be all around kept up).
  • What past condition was it utilized as a part of?
  • How many hours has the forklift done (like kilometers on a car)?
  • Any particular inquiries started from any of the above stages?

Summing up:

With the various Toyota forklift on the market, you should easily be able to track down the best on for your needs via a simple phone inquiry. It doesn’t hurt to do a little background google investigating on the vendor or dealer, just to be sure they have a good reputation and deserve your hard-earned money. Best of luck on your forklift buying adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Toyota Forklifts

Why invest in a used Toyota forklift? 

Toyota is known for manufacturing durable, efficient, and user-friendly products, and a Toyota forklift is no exception. If you wish to invest in a used Toyota forklift, it comes with several benefits. Not only does it cost lesser than a new one, but the price of a used Toyota forklift is also believed to be more stable than the new one. Considering the durability of a Toyota product, buying a used forklift will also ensure equally good performance and lifespan.

What are the most important things to consider before purchasing a used Toyota forklift?

While price is one of the most important factors, you must also consider its size. You can determine which size will suit you the best by knowing its usage (whether it will be used outdoors or indoors), the size of aisles where you will use it, the size of the load to work with, and its height. What kind of forklift you will use will also depend on your workload. For example, a low-usage forklift will not be the same as the one that would be required to do a lot of luggage transfers. Choose according to the degree of usage.

What specification I must look at before making the purchase?

There are a few important things that you must ask the vendor before purchasing any used machine or vehicle. Ask about the year of manufacture, its service history, past mishaps, how it has been used, the conditions in which it was used, how many hours of work the forklift has performed, etc. This will give you a better understanding of its condition and what kind of performance to expect from it.

Is it important where I buy a used Toyota forklift from?

Yes, choosing the right vendor is extremely important. Used products come with a sense of uncertainty and if your vendor is not a trusted or recognized one, you could end up buying a below-par product. Choose a vendor who has a reputation in the market, a seller who is known for good work ethics and is dependable. This will ensure that you buy a used Toyota forklift that is worth your money.

Should I buy a purchase guarantee?

It is safer to buy a purchase guarantee. No matter how well you research, there are chances that you might not get the best product. Buying a purchase guarantee will safeguard your investment. Some vendors provide return or exchange policies. Choosing such vendors is a better option.