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How to properly diagnose a forklift before purchasing

The purchase of specialised equipment such as forklift trucks requires a significant financial outlay. In order to justify them and to ensure high efficiency, the purchase must be taken seriously. That is why it is important to carry out a diagnosis of the forklift before purchase to make sure that all its components are in good working order. Ignoring this procedure can lead to expensive repairs and the inability to put the equipment into operation in time. In this article we will tell you what you need to pay attention to when choosing a forklift truck, as well as what includes the diagnosis of the forklift truck.

Why it's important to check appliances before buying

Specialised machinery includes many key components that determine its performance. These include the engine, braking system, cooling system, transmission, battery, electrics and mast. Their serviceability determines not only the efficiency of work, but also the safety of operation. A more thorough inspection of the forklift truck is necessary if it is used - to assess its condition and understand the need to replace consumables. Properly conducted diagnostics allows:

determine the technical condition of all components;
Determine the degree of wear and tear of components and the need to replace them;
assess the value for money;
avoid large expenditures after purchasing machinery in poor condition;
ensure reliability and safety in operation.

Therefore, if you want to make an investment for the purchase of such equipment, but to ensure an effective return on this purchase, it is imperative that you have your forklift truck inspected.

The main stages of diagnosis

In order for forklift diagnostics to be done competently, it must include several steps. These are as follows:

Visual inspection. It allows detecting welding marks, corrosion, cracks and chips. It is important to pay attention to tyre wear, condition of cab, control system and lighting.
Engine condition. It is necessary to check starting - absence of pops, smoke, vibrations and extraneous noises. Oil cleanliness, fuel leaks and idling stability are also assessed.
Number of engine hours. These show the total wear and tear of the components, but this data can be tweaked. It is therefore important to carry out a full inspection and not rely solely on hourly readings.
Transmission. Gear shifting should be smooth, without vibrations and driving noise.
Brakes. The loader must stop easily and quickly.
Electrical system. Check all connections, operation of the dashboard, correct connection and condition of the charger.

It is also important to check the coolant level and condition. Dirty or cloudy fluid may indicate poor maintenance. The radiator should also be inspected for damage and contamination that could cause overheating. Checking the hydraulic system, including fluid level and cleanliness, will help identify possible problems.

In addition, if possible, it is advisable to test the technique in operation to verify the results of the inspection.

Tips for choosing a reliable forklift truck

In order to make a successful choice of forklift truck, the following should be considered when making a purchase:

what tasks it has to fulfil - lifting height, load capacity, tightness of conditions;
familiarise yourself with the conditions of its previous use and check the documents;
favour well-known brands - Nissan, Toyota, Caterpillar, Doosan and others;
If you are inexperienced, contact a specialist to carry out a diagnosis;
Pay attention to the legal cleanliness of the equipment, so that it is not pledged, under arrest and without restrictions on registration

It is also worth determining in advance the availability and cost of spare parts for the chosen model, as well as the availability of service centres in your region. This will help to avoid problems in the future.

Thus, if you consider everything wisely, you will be able to choose a forklift truck in good condition, which can provide high performance in work.