Buying a used Toyota forklift is a good investment, allowing you to save up to half the cost of a new one.
Considering that the total engine life of Toyota series 8 forklifts is at least 30,000 operating hours before gearbox and/or engine repair, is it a good idea to buy a used forklift with up to 10,000 operating hours?
Yes, but only if it is in good technical condition.
Tips on what to look for when buying a forklift.
Check the year of manufacture
Forklifts have a metal plate on the front panel indicating the year of manufacture. The year of manufacture is also located at the base of the seatbelt. The information on the plate and the belt should match.
Looking at the number of operating hours
How to understand that the number of operating hours is accurate?
Check the appearance of the forklift
Condition of the steering wheel, travel direction handles, hydraulic function handles - check if they are scratched.;
Condition of the rubber seals on the hydraulic control handles;
Condition of the rubber floor mat and rubber pedal covers, check for holes;;
Seat - check if it is polished or damaged.
If the steering wheel is polished to smooth plastic, the mat should be replaced, and the rubber seals are torn, while the loader shows readings of 2000-3000 hours, then the meter readings have been adjusted downwards.
Check under the hood
Engine oil level and its condition (presence of emulsions),
Hydraulic and cooling fluid levels;
Air filter - presence of dirt and contaminants;
Engine appearance - for oil leaks on gaskets;
Overall condition and cleanliness of the radiator;
Integrity of the fan rotor;
Integrity of the alternator belt
Overall appearance of the engine compartment.
Based on the condition of these components, it's easy to determine how well the forklift has been maintained and indirectly compare it with the meter's reading.
Looking at the wheels
"In pneumatic wheels, the tread should be visible, and in solid rubber tires, wear should not exceed the wear indicator (a solid line drawn on the side of the wheel).
Checking the fork carriage
Due to the constant up and down movement, the bearings in the fork carriage wear out; you can stand upright on the forks and try to rock the forklift left and right to check if the bearings are in good condition.
Checking the chains and hoses on the mast
Over time, the metal chains and hydraulic hoses on the lift mast stretch, which can eventually cause chain breaks and drop the load from height.
For a quick check, you can place a metal ruler against the chain and check the amount of deviation from a straight line. Significant deviation (bending) of both the chain and hoses indicates high vehicle mileage. Such chains and hoses should be replaced immediately..
Check the play in the steering axlesj
To check if it is in good condition, first start the forklift, then make a sharp turn with the steering wheel, rotating the wheels. Due to intensive use, the pins and shackles on the wheels may start to loosen and knock, in which case they need to be replaced.
Start the forklift
This should be done several times to check the starter's operation. Next, listen to see if the engine runs smoothly, remove the oil filler cap, and check if exhaust gases are coming out. Sit in the operator's seat and check the operation of all hydraulic functions - raising and lowering the forks, tilting the mast. Check the gearbox operation - driving forward and backward..
Check the work lights
It is necessary to check the operation of the headlights, reverse lights, and turn signals.
Repairing the engine, gearbox, and mast is very expensive. Therefore, buying a 'cheap' forklift that requires repairs can be even more costly than purchasing a working forklift in good technical condition or even a new one.
Don't hesitate to ask the seller questions. Ask the seller to show photos of the forklift where you can see its condition at the time of purchase, before it was prepared for sale.
If the seller is willing to answer your questions and you have no doubts about the quality of the forklift you are buying, then you have found the right forklift for you..
Wishing you a successful purchase!