WHILE BUYING a brand-new forklift truck is often the first choice for many organisations, it’s not always the only option. New equipment offers the reassurance of manufacturer warranties, the latest technology and brand-new components. However, those benefits can come at a premium.

As businesses continue to look for ways to maximise value, demand for quality refurbished forklift trucks is growing. A professionally refurbished truck can deliver the reliability, and productivity businesses expect, while offering savings of up to 40% compared with buying new. For many organisations, it’s a practical, cost-effective way to expand or renew a fleet without stretching the budget.

That said, not all refurbished trucks are equal. So, it’s important to understand what differentiates a high-quality rebuild from a risky purchase. Before making a move, here are five key points to consider:

1) Define your needs upfront

The first and most important question is: how will the truck be used? As with the purchase of a new forklift, businesses should carefully assess their operational requirements from the outset. Key considerations include lifting capacity, maximum lift height, daily hours of operation, and the environment in which the equipment will be expected to work.

If your requirements are highly specialised, there may be advantages in specifying and building a truck from scratch by purchasing new equipment. However, where operational needs are straightforward and commonly encountered, there is often a wide selection of quality used trucks capable of meeting your operational requirements.

2) Focus on quality 

The quality of refurbished trucks can vary significantly. It’s important that you can accurately verify the age of the vehicle, how many hours it has worked and ask for its full-service history documentation.

Trucks that have been under full-service contracts with a manufacturer typically offer greater transparency and assurance regarding their history. They’re also far more likely to have been maintained using genuine manufacturer approved parts.

The quality and rigour of the refurbishment process is important to understand too, so take care to check the details. For instance, at Toyota Material Handling UK’s 256,000 sq ft Fleet Management Centre in Leicestershire, over 60 team members work on-site across a series of closely managed processes, from full mechanical inspection, service and repairs to prepping and paint shop work, to pre-delivery inspection, final checks and valeting.

Every truck undergoes a comprehensive 36-point carried out by expert technicians, with all damaged or worn parts replaced using genuine Toyota parts. More than 3,700 trucks are refurbished to this standard every year.

3) Verify safety and compliance

Compliance with safety standards and required inspections is, of course, absolutely critical. So, check that any truck you buy carries a UKCA mark (UK Conformity Assessed), which means it has been approved for use in Great Britain. Also, it is important to ensure there is paperwork showing that an inspection on lifting chains and forks in line with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) has been carried out. Failure to meet these standards may not only pose a serious safety risk but may also invalidate insurance coverage in the event of an accident. 

As part of Toyota’s refurbishment process, engineers inspect every safety-critical component, including seat belts, lights, horns, wheels and batteries. Particular attention is given to chains, masts, hydraulic hoses and tyres, while every truck also receives a full service and oil change to ensure it meets the manufacturer’s specification.

4) Look for transparency

The refurbished forklift truck market can sometimes be confusing, with various grading systems that differ from supplier to supplier. Look for suppliers that clearly explain their refurbishment standards and offer straightforward warranty terms covering both parts and labour. If you’re buying an electric forklift, check that the battery has been professionally reconditioned and that it’s included within the warranty.

Purchasing through a recognised manufacturer’s approved used truck scheme can offer peace of mind. After all, their reputation is at stake.

Toyota Material Handling UK offers a range of purchase options, including outright purchase, lease purchase and rental, supported by an 18-month warranty on approved used trucks. Customers can also benefit from nationwide servicing and maintenance support, along with a guaranteed buy-back option.

5) Confidence to buy

A refurbished forklift truck can be an excellent investment, provided it has been properly maintained and professionally refurbished. Buyers should look beyond the cosmetic finish and focus on the quality of the inspection process, the replacement of worn components and the use of genuine manufacturer-approved parts.

Choosing a refurbished truck also supports the circular economy by extending the life of high-quality equipment and reducing waste. Ultimately, the best purchase is one backed by careful research, thorough due diligence and complete confidence in the supplier.

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