Things to know before buying forklift parts

29 Apr 2019

When a forklift starts malfunctioning, it is essential to get it serviced and repaired as soon as possible as it can be a safety hazard. However, there are a few things to consider and weigh up before choosing your new forklift part. Here is a list of what should be checked before making that purchase.

Compatibility

First and foremost, make sure you know the make and model of your forklift. It is important that the part you are buying is compatible with your forklift to avoid further malfunction or a potential accident. Come prepared before going to the supplier and do some research and know the part’s serial number that you’re chasing.

Cost

Sometimes cost doesn’t necessarily translate into quality, which is why research is detrimental when looking for forklift part replacements. Don’t settle for the first match you find, it is helpful to find a few options and weight up things such as the manufacture support, warranty and roughly how long it will take the part to wear out and be replaced again.

This also leads to the question of whether it is worth it to buy a cheaper, used part, or whether it is better off to invest in a brand-new part for your forklift.

Used vs New Parts

Buying older, used parts can often save you a lot of money when you get it right.

What to look for in used parts:

• Damages and leaks
• Rust
• Poor previous installation
• Metal fatigue

It often cuts the cost by half and can be handy with older forklift models as they might not manufacture that particular part anymore, however, how long is too long?

It is said that the lifespan of an average forklift part is 7 years, so anything over that could end up costing you more in the long run because it may break easier, which forces you to purchase another part faster, or it might not function as well.

Purchasing newer forklift parts will often come with more peace of mind. Newer parts often come with a manufacture warranty which protects you in the long run if anything were to go wrong.

Delivery time

Normally when a part of your forklift breaks, you would need to replace the broken part as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to ask about the freight charges and estimated delivery times as some companies don’t have their products on-site and may choose to outsource their parts from overseas.

Reliability of supplier

Know who you are buying from and make sure they are reputable and reliable. No matter how reliable the supplier, always ensure you read any fine print that comes with the product.

Here are some things to check for:

• Warranty – Most of the reputable suppliers will tend to offer quality products, however it is better if you find suppliers that offer a warranty or cover for a period of time to cover your bases.
• Testing – Check whether or not the parts have gone through the proper testing and refurbishment to ensure quality control

Finding the ideal part can be time consuming at times, but it is always important to make sure you get it right the first time. This will save you from losing more money in the long run and that the part you have is reliable to ensure the health and safety of those using it. If replacing the parts seem to be too much of a hassle at the moment, some other options could be buying a used forklift or for a temporary fix, why not try hiring some forklifts? Get in touch with us today to see what the best solution is for you.