When you are evaluating the quality of a used forklift, the hour meter is one of the most important factors to look at. In fact, the number of hours that the forklift has been in operation is even more important than the model year or cosmetic condition. Every buyer looking at used equipment should ask this most important question: how many hours is too many for a used forklift?
The standard benchmark is about 2,000 operating hours annually when the forklift is being used for a single shift. So, when you compare the model year and the number of operating hours, you will get a feel for how hard the forklift was run while it was in use.
For example, if you are looking at used forklifts right now and you find a 2022 forklift with 11,000 operating hours, you can know that it ran hard. On the other hand, a 2019 forklift with only 4,000 hours was lightly used. Never look at the model year alone, because it could be misleading about the amount of wear and tear on the equipment.
Used Forklift High Hours by Fuel Type: LP, Diesel, and Electric Don’t Age the Same
When it comes to used forklifts with high hours, it varies depending on the type of forklift that you are thinking about buying. Here are a few things you can keep in mind, depending on the type of used forklift you are planning to buy:
- LP Gas Forklifts: For gas-powered forklifts, under 5,000 hours is considered low usage. Mid-life is between 5,000-9,000 hours, and high hours are anything over 10,000 hours of usage. If the forklift is well-maintained, then it’s common that it can continue running more than 15,000+ hours in its lifespan.
- Diesel Forklifts: The forklift hours lifespan tends to be higher for diesel engines. But diesel forklifts are often used in outdoor environments, which means there is more wear and tear on the tires, seals, and structural components. So, extra maintenance might be required to keep it in good condition.
- Electric Forklifts: In addition to checking the forklift hour meter, it’s also important to look at the battery condition. For example, if you are looking at a forklift with 6,000 hours of use but the original battery is still in place, then it could be a significant cost to replace the battery (which changes your purchase math quite a bit).
Other Factors That Matter More Than Forklift Hours
While it’s a good idea to ask what is considered high hours on a forklift, there are several other factors that are even more important than the number of hours the forklift has been in service. For example, one of the biggest predictors of the remaining life of the forklift is the maintenance history. It might be better to buy a 10,000-hour machine with complete service records instead of taking a risk with a 6,000-hour machine that has no service records.
Also, consider the environment where the forklift was being used. Indoor forklifts tend to have less wear and tear compared to outdoor equipment. If you are looking at a forklift that was being used for outdoor purposes, you can expect that it will have more structural damage compared to a machine that was used in a warehouse environment.
Also, consider the load intensity of the forklift. If the machine was running near the maximum rated capacity on a daily basis, then it means there is stress on the mast, hydraulics, and drivetrain. It’s usually better to choose a used forklift that was handling lighter loads.
Finally, don’t forget to consider the brand and model. Some of the most reputable brands in the industry include Toyota, Crown, and Raymond. You might be taking a higher risk by choosing a forklift from a brand that is not so well-known.
Can Forklift Hour Meter Readings Be Tampered With?
One real concern might be whether the hour meter was tampered with. There are a few potential signs that you might not be seeing an accurate reading on the hour meter. Red flags are if the service records don’t align with the displayed hours, or you see visible wear patterns that are inconsistent with what the meter is showing.
Protect yourself by asking for full service records, as well as documentation showing ownership history. Most buyers also choose to have an independent technician inspect the forklift before moving forward with the purchase.
Used Forklift Buying Guide: What to Inspect Before You Commit
In addition to checking the hours meter, also go through a full inspection of the machine to ensure that everything is working correctly. Some of the checklist points that you should include when buying a used forklift include:
- Engine and Mechanical: Look at the condition of the fluid and any potential signs of leaks. Turn the engine on and off to see how the forklift behaves. Pay close attention to any unusual smoke or noise, especially when the forklift is carrying a load.
- Mast and Hydraulics: Next, check out the mast operation. The operation should be running all the way to a full extension smoothly. When the load is being held at height, there should be zero drift. Additionally, there should be no visible leaks on the cylinders.
- Tires and Undercarriage: Pay attention to the wear pattern on the tires because you will know how much life is left before the tires need to be replaced. Other warning signs include chunking on cushion tires or structural cracks around the frame.
- Safety Systems: All safety features should be inspected and tested, including the horn, lights, seatbelt, overhead guard, and data plate readability.
- Documentation: Finally, never buy a forklift without the service records, ownership history, and any other relevant documentation.
FAQs
How many hours is too many for a used forklift?
While there isn’t a universal cutoff, most people consider used forklift high hours to be anything above 10,000. But if you have a well-maintained machine, then its performance at 12,000 hours can be much better than a neglected forklift with only 5,000 hours.
Is 6,000 hours a lot for a forklift?
When you consider that most single-shift forklifts run around 2,000 hours annually, then it means that a forklift with 6,000 hours is usually about 3 years into its working life (which is mid-range).
Call the Forklift Experts to Find Quality Used Forklifts
If you are in the market to buy a used forklift, then reach out to our experienced team at BullDog Forklifts. We’ll help you find the ideal equipment for your unique needs. Contact us to discuss your needs.