Prior to purchasing a forklift truck, you must make sure that it is correctly inspected and given a test run. This applies especially to trucks being bought on line. It is very important to find potential issues with trucks acquired from businesses on the Internet.
Starting the engine from cold is a good idea. Note whether there is excessive smoke and the ease with which the engine turns over. This is specifically crucial with IC engine trucks.
The test run must include an inspection of the truck's performance in tough situations. A driver who is trained can drive the truck in reverse and forward, up the ramp.
You can carry out your own inspection of an IC engine truck. On a clear area of floor, run the truck around for a few minutes while a qualified operator tests the hydraulic functions. Then, look at the ground underneath for signs of fluid leakage. Even seemingly minor leaking could result in serious problems that would be expensive to repair later on.
The masts and chains should be checked by a qualified individual. Check with and without a load that the mast operates well. Watch for 'binding' or sticking of the mast. A warning sign is play in the mast channels or between the fork carriage and mast. One more is creeping forward or creeping down of the mast when loaded. These can be symptoms of issues with valve, seals or ram.
If the truck is used, the mast may have been changed at some time. Make sure that the mast and any fitted attachments adhere to the rating plate on a truck. Check that the sideshift is not sticking when loaded.
Looking closely at the thickness of the heel for wear or damage must be included in the inspection. The manufacturer of the truck specifies minimum thickness. A loose fit can mean the hanger points or carriage are worn. Look for cracks on the arms at heels and mountings.