New forklift equipment offers a standard warranty from the manufacturer; however, used forklifts may present you with a variety of options. Details of a warranty, including items repaired and period of coverage will differ by seller.

Consider these guidelines when selecting a used forklift warranty:

Evaluate the number of hours your used forklift will be in production
The more hours your lift is in production each week, the more vulnerable it is to damage. A lift working 10 hours or less each week can carry a low level warranty as compared to a lift in production 10-20 hours per week.⁽¹⁾

Consider your application
A demanding application is reason to consider a more comprehensive warranty that offers coverage over a longer time period or for more components. For example, a glass manufacturing facility makes the used forklift vulnerable to the elements of heat, debris and heavier loads.

Ensure the used forklift is safe for operation
Find out what items were inspected and repaired. Ask for documentation of these repairs and try to determine if they were necessary due to normal wear and tear or resulting from a previous harsh application. Research if the repairs meet your company’s safety policies and evaluate if an extended warranty period gives you peace of mind.

Know your budget
When used forklifts are repaired to meet a specific warranty level, the labor and parts used for those repairs increases the total cost of the lift. If your budget is tight, the lowest level warranty may be necessary. However, if your budget is adequate for a higher level warranty, the cost of ownership for the used lift is oftentimes less due to the repairs frequently being charged at internal labor rates. ⁽²⁾

Have a personal comfort level with your used forklift purchase
Used forklifts are a significant investment for your company. It is important you are confident the lift will perform, especially if you have had a bad experience with a used forklift purchase. Higher warranty levels bring longer period of coverage for breakdowns.

For more tips on purchasing Used Forklifts, read our blog “Buying a Pre-Owned Forklift.”