Renovating a three story house proved to be more work than I originally thought it would be. Adding two bathrooms to the upper levels with beautiful garden tubs seemed like a great idea on paper, but when it came down to getting the tubs up to where they needed to go, we ran into several problems. The contractor suggested that we consider renting a crane to get some of the heavy stuff lifted to the upper levels - that was a brilliant idea. If you are considering a project such as this, read through my blog to find out how heavy construction equipment can make the impossible possible.
If you're trying to keep the capital expenditures for your construction business down, buying a used forklift can be a good deal financially. But you'll want to take a close look at the machine before investing your money to make sure that it will perform and meet your needs. Getting the equipment at a cheaper cost doesn't mean that you need to sacrifice either dependability or durability.
Perform a careful inspection. When physically inspecting the forklift, look for dents in the body, which can be a sign that the equipment was handled roughly. Check the tires, looking for uneven wear due to axle misalignment. Inspect for chassis cracks or re-welded joints as well as cracks, bends, welds, or signs of excessive wear in the forklift's fork.
Mechanical inspection of the machine should include checking the transmission, engine, radiator, mast and tilt cylinders, and belts, hoses, and clamps for leaks. Even a small leak can lead to unsafe operation, accidents, and/or costly repairs.
You should also check for low oil pressure, transmission fluid that looks brownish in color instead of red, and rust in the engine coolant. A cooling system that overheats can rust and corrode engine components, which can cause the engine to fail or wear prematurely. Low oil pressure can be another sign that the forklift may have a serious engine problem.
Ask to see the maintenance records. The equipment's maintenance records provide you with a record of its condition, showing whether the forklift has been maintained in a safe operating condition. Equipment that receives regular inspections, maintenance, cleaning, and preventive repairs lasts longer and is safer to operate. Therefore, it's important to review the records of all maintenance performed. If there are no maintenance records available for you to go over, conduct a more detailed inspection of the machine.
Take the equipment for a test drive. Shift both the forward and reverse gears when operating the equipment to make certain the transmission isn't slipping. See how well the machine works at moving heavy materials in addition to how it handles in tight spaces. Check to see that the forklift can turn and back up easily.
Test the brakes while carrying a rated load to see if the forklift can stop smoothly. You shouldn't have to apply the brakes almost to the floor to get the vehicle to stop. The equipment also shouldn't come to a sudden or hard stop. If it does, the cause could be brake fluid leaking or a problem with the master cylinder that requires closer inspection.
For more questions and tips about used forklifts, check out http://www.crown.com and talk to a local construction equipment dealer.
Share3 November 2016
