Every week I talk with forklift dealers, plant managers, warehouse supervisors, rigging companies, steel processors, and business owners across the country. And no matter how experienced someone is, I still hear many of the same misconceptions about forklifts.
Some of these myths can cost companies thousands of dollars. Others can create safety issues or lead buyers to purchase the wrong equipment altogether. Here are nine of the most common forklift myths I hear and the truth behind each one.
This is probably the biggest misconception in the used forklift market.
I’ve seen 15,000-hour forklifts that were meticulously maintained and would outperform machines with only 3,000 hours. I’ve also seen low-hour forklifts that sat outside for years with neglected maintenance, dead batteries, and leaking hydraulics.
Hours matter but maintenance history matters far more. I’d rather buy a well-maintained 10,000-hour truck than a neglected 3,000-hour truck.
Many buyers assume buying a larger forklift is “future-proofing.”
In reality, oversized forklifts often mean:
The best forklift is the one that’s correctly sized for your application and not simply the biggest one available.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. One dealer’s “refurbished” forklift may consist of fresh paint, new decals, & pressure washing. Another may completely rebuild the truck with an engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, hydraulic repairs, new tires, mast restoration, & electrical repairs
Always ask exactly what was rebuilt, not just whether it was “refurbished.”
That may have been true years ago but today’s electric forklifts are incredibly capable. Modern AC electric trucks can operate multiple shifts, handle demanding warehouse applications, and significantly reduce operating costs. For many indoor operations, electric forklifts are often the better long-term investment.
I hear this one constantly. Two forklifts may both be rated at 5,000 pounds, yet have completely different lift heights, attachments, load centers, tire types and/or hydraulic options. The data tag tells only part of the story and a lot of the time things can be added or removed from the lift without the date tag being updated. Understanding the application is far more important than simply comparing capacity ratings.
Sometimes they do. Sometimes they absolutely don’t.
Auction purchases often include:
Many also have language in their terms that state you are responsible for inspecting the unit to confirm conditions before purchasing. And that if something has been missed the auction company is not liable for it. I’ve seen companies spend more fixing an auction purchase than they would have spent buying from a reputable dealer in the first place.
A low bid isn’t always the lowest cost.
I tell everyone, every major manufacturer builds quality equipment. The important question is? Can you get parts and service support? A fantastic forklift becomes a frustrating ownership experience if replacement parts take weeks to arrive or there isn’t a qualified technician nearby. Support should be part of every buying decision.
Just because a forklift can start perfectly, drive and lift normally does not mean it is in good condition and does not require thousands of dollars in repairs.
Things like:
Aren’t always obvious during a quick test drive. That’s why inspections from experts matter. An expert is going to understand what to look at to determine what kind of repairs the forklift might require.
Everyone wants a good deal. But the cheapest forklift often becomes the most expensive one after unexpected repairs, downtime, and lost productivity. The best value comes from purchasing the right machine from someone who understands your application and stands behind what they sell. A forklift is an investment—not just another purchase order.
One of the things I enjoy most about this business is helping customers separate fact from fiction. There are a lot of opinions in the forklift industry, but experience has taught me that the right decision almost always comes from asking the right questions, not chasing the lowest price.
Special Note: If you’re still reading, like and share. It’s appreciated. If you’re unsure whether a forklift is the right fit for your operation, I’d be happy to help you evaluate it. Sometimes a quick conversation can save thousands of dollars and prevent costly mistakes down the road, send me a message.
Visit us at https://forkliftexchange.com/jason-flaska/
Jason Flaska
Forklift Exchange
📞 630-842-0779
📧 jasonf@forkliftexchange.com
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