Used Forklifts in Dallas - Keeping Forklift Costs Down
Sunday, August 14, 2011
With such a high number of warehouses and manufacturing facilities in the booming city of Dallas, there is a wide market for forklifts and other handling equipment that can be used in these facilities. If you are in the market for used forklifts, you will have no problem finding quality vehicles at a wide selection. However, some will be more economical than others. Before making any final decisions, it’s a good idea to have a checklist of what to ask about when you are comparing different models. One thing to take into consideration, for example, is where the forklift is coming from.
Those used forklifts that have been previously only rented out on a lease, tend to be more gently used than those who have been operated by the owner for several years at a time. The average time period of ownership for a forklift can range from eight to ten years, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Short term rental vehicles normally only are operated for 1500 hours per year, for a rental period of anywhere from three to five years, by contrast. Because they are more gently used, however, they will carry a higher price tag in most cases. When comparing different used models, always ask about previous ownership and what the usage was like. The best way to do this is to buy directly from the owner.
Safety features are also extremely important when comparing used forklifts. A forklift, be it sold by the owner or by a dealer after having gone through a lease, should have its full maintenance records available. Be sure to check if there have been any recurring problems that could also come up again in the future, so that you know what types of repairs that you might have to contend with. A thorough physical examination should also be carried out, either by yourself or by a qualified professional should you not have the experience to do this.
Special attention should be paid to the mast, brakes, engine, radiator, and transmission fluid leaks. This primary examination of your different used forklifts should be carried out before you turn the engine on. After this, taking the forklift for test drive can let you see how well it handles in different circumstances. Ideally, you should be able to operate the machine at a steady five miles per hour and still have it stop on a dime.
Those used forklifts that have been previously only rented out on a lease, tend to be more gently used than those who have been operated by the owner for several years at a time. The average time period of ownership for a forklift can range from eight to ten years, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Short term rental vehicles normally only are operated for 1500 hours per year, for a rental period of anywhere from three to five years, by contrast. Because they are more gently used, however, they will carry a higher price tag in most cases. When comparing different used models, always ask about previous ownership and what the usage was like. The best way to do this is to buy directly from the owner.
Safety features are also extremely important when comparing used forklifts. A forklift, be it sold by the owner or by a dealer after having gone through a lease, should have its full maintenance records available. Be sure to check if there have been any recurring problems that could also come up again in the future, so that you know what types of repairs that you might have to contend with. A thorough physical examination should also be carried out, either by yourself or by a qualified professional should you not have the experience to do this.
Special attention should be paid to the mast, brakes, engine, radiator, and transmission fluid leaks. This primary examination of your different used forklifts should be carried out before you turn the engine on. After this, taking the forklift for test drive can let you see how well it handles in different circumstances. Ideally, you should be able to operate the machine at a steady five miles per hour and still have it stop on a dime.
