Used Electric Forklift User Guide

Advice for Buying Used Electric Forklift

 

Make Sure Your Truck is Suitable for Your Application.

 

To the average person, forklift trucks might all seem the same. However, they can vary greatly from model to model and according to how they are kitted out. Some key questions that need to be addressed to ensure that you are choosing the right truck for your purposes include:

 

· Will your forklift be used regularly?

 

· Will it be used indoors, outdoors, or both?

 

· What tasks will your truck be performing?

 

· How heavy will your loads be?

 

· Are you in an area that has environmental restrictions for fumes or noise?

 

· How much space will your forklift have to maneuver?

 

Take the Time to Conduct a Visual Inspection

 

Buying a used forklift online can be tricky because you are only relying on the seller’s images and description. A visual inspection is far more ideal because you can identify any signs of damage, rust, or indications of an underlying issue (like repair welding, cracks, fluid leaks, etc.).

 

Take it for a Test Drive

 

Buying a secondhand forklift is a lot more serious than buying a used car. Used forklifts are complex pieces of equipment that have the potential to be dangerous – so much so that it is covered by strict legislation. Failing to ensure that the truck is working properly before making the purchase would be foolish. Therefore, you (or your operator if you are unqualified to drive a forklift) should always take the machine for a test drive prior to buying.

 

Be Sure to Inspect the Warranty

 

A good warranty is a critical part of buying secondhand equipment. It is extremely important to know how long your warranty period lasts, what it covers, and – most importantly – what it excludes. If you purchase a used forklift while it is still within a manufacturer’s warranty, you should contact the company to make sure the warranty is transferred. With that said, however, some warranties cannot be transferred upon resale.

 

Ask to See the Certificate of Thorough Examination

 

A Thorough Examination inspection ensures that vehicles comply with PUWER and LOLER regulations. It is important to note that this does not mean that everything will be checked, so you should not solely rely on the certificate when assessing a forklift’s condition. 

 

 

Make Sure There is Still Life Left in the Battery

 

Forklift batteries are extremely expensive. In fact, a truck’s battery can be worth more than 40 percent of the machine’s total value. Therefore, it is really important that there is mileage remaining in the cells of any secondhand truck you are looking to purchase. When it comes to purchasing electric forklifts specifically, the rule of thumb is that the average battery will last about 1,200 charges, with each charge providing about five hours of run time. Consequently, you can divide the machine’s clocked hours by five to get a rough estimate of how much battery life is left.

 

Check the Clock Readings

 

Similar to how a car’s working life is measured through mileage, a forklift’s is judged through operating hours. Forklift experts estimate that one hour of truck use is the equivalent of driving a car 30 miles. 

 

How Used Electric Forklift is Maintained

 

An electric forklift is a battery-powered vehicle used to move heavy loads. The batteries need to be regularly charged and the tires must be inflated to the proper pressure. Electric forklifts are also called lift trucks, reach trucks, stackers, and order pickers.

 

An electric forklift is a typeof powered industrial truck that is used to move materials from one place to another. These forklifts are powered by batteries, which makes them much quieter than their gas or diesel counterparts. Electric forklifts are also cleaner and more environmentally friendly.

 

While electric forklifts have many advantages, they do require more maintenance than other types of forklifts. Here are some tips on how to maintain your electric forklift:

 

1. Check the battery regularly. The battery is the most important part of an electric forklift, and it needs to be regularly checked and maintained in order to keep the forklift running properly.

 

2. Keep the battery charged. It's important to keep the battery charged so that it doesn't run out of power while in use.

 

3. Check the tires regularly. The tires on an electric forklift need to be checked regularly for wear and tear.

 

4. Inspect the brakes regularly.An electric forklift is a very versatile and powerful machine that is used in many industries for a variety of purposes. They are very efficient and can lift heavy loads with ease. However, like any other machinery, they need to be properly maintained in order to function properly and last long.

Tips for driving a used electric forklift for the first time

 

1. Dress for the Job

 

The first tip to successful forklift operation is implemented even before you get to the warehouse. It’s critical that you dress for the job when you’re driving a forklift. This simple safety tip could save you from injury.

 

For one, wear steel toe boots. This will protect your feet if product ever falls on them. Next, wear jeans and a full-sleeved shirt or jacket to protect your legs. Leave the shorts at home. Last but not least, try to wear a high-visibility jacket every time you get on the forklift so that folks can see you.

 

2. Move Obstacles Out of the Way Beforehand

 

Before you get on the forklift, you should already know where you’re headed. And you should know what route you’re going to take through the warehouse to get there. And if you know the route, you’ll know whether you need to move any obstacles out of the way.

 

Trying to move obstacles out of the way as you go is a surefire recipe for accidentally driving your forklift into one.

 

3. Always Do a Pre-Operation Check

 

Now before you start moving on the forklift, you should do a quick pre-operation check to ensure that everything on the machine is in order. The specific checklist you run through will depend on the forklift manufacturer, but you’ll generally want to check the oil and fuel levels, brake lines, tires, and fork condition at a minimum.

 

4. Slow and Steady Saves the Product

 

Operating a forklift is never a race. Instead, remember this quote: slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. If you want to get the job done quickly, then start by moving slowly through the motions. That way, you won’t make any mistakes that will take lots of time and money to fix.

 

5. Be Vigilant

 

Last but not least, as you’re operating the forklift always stay vigilant as to what’s happening around you. Don’t text or daydream as you’re driving, or you might find yourself clipping a shelf.