Guide to Buying Used Material Handling Equipment

It’s well-established that buying used heavy equipment can result in substantial savings. While it’s important to purchase used if you’re hoping to avoid the upfront costs of new equipment, it’s vital to find high-quality equipment that’s right for your tasks. Several factors can help you find and select the right material-handling equipment for your operations, whether you need a forklift, pallet mover, tow tractor or other similar equipment.

Types of Used Material Handling Equipment

There are various types of used material handling equipment, including:

• Forklifts: This crucial equipment offers precision and control, saving time and increasing handling capacity.
• Pallet movers: Also called pallet jacks, pallet movers are ideal for transporting palletized goods within a warehouse.
• Tow tractors: This specialized material handling equipment is designed for towing or pushing heavy loads, offering reliable and efficient transportation. 
• Hand trucks: Also known as a dolly, a hand truck features two wheels and a small platform for carrying materials.

Steps for Choosing Used Material Handling Equipment

Different types of material handling equipment offer powerful specifications suitable for most jobs. When considering your options, consider the following steps to help you make your decision:

1. Assess Your Needs 

Assess your specific requirements, such as the type of materials you handle and the volume and frequency of your tasks. Understanding these factors can help you determine the exact specifications and features your equipment must have while ensuring you get the right type capable of doing the job.

For instance, consider whether you need a forklift, pallet jack, conveyor or other material handling equipment. You should also review important specifications like load capacity, lift height and maneuverability. Matching equipment specifications to your exact needs ensures optimal performance and efficiency in your operations.

2. Evaluate Budget Constraints

Budgetary considerations play a critical role in purchasing decisions. Buying used equipment offers significant cost savings compared to new purchases. However, you’ll need to strike a balance between affordability and quality.

For this reason, it’s important to choose a reputable equipment provider that offers quality equipment in good working condition. They might also offer financing options or easy payment solutions for your convenience.

Assess your budget preferences to prioritize the features you need most while ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

3. Select a Trustworthy Equipment Provider

Apart from the equipment itself, it’s essential to choose a reputable provider to make sure you get quality used equipment. A reputable company will provide transparent transactions, communication and support. They’ll also offer a wide range of equipment from top brands, ensuring you get high-quality used equipment for your tasks.

To find a trustworthy dealer, browse reviews from other customers, which can be a good sign of seller credibility. 

4. Verify Equipment Condition

Once you find a seller, be sure to inspect the equipment before finalizing the purchase. Conduct a thorough inspection, searching for signs of wear, tear and damage. You should also test the equipment’s functionality and performance, including features like lift capacity, brakes and controls.

Additionally, ask for the machine’s service history, checking for regular maintenance, repairs and major replacements performed on the equipment. A well-maintained equipment history typically means the material handling equipment was properly cared for and adhered to strict maintenance schedules, which can contribute to its overall life span. If the machine went through parts replacements, ensure the parts were sourced from the original manufacturer or are parts recommended by the manufacturer. 

Benefits of Purchasing Used Equipment

No matter the kind of forklift or pallet mover you’re interested in for your warehouse, purchasing used material handling equipment can give you access to quality tools at affordable prices. These are just some of the benefits you can experience when you buy used:

Cost Savings

Since used machines are available at more affordable prices than new models, you can enjoy new-to-you equipment without exceeding your budget. These cost savings also free up capital you can use for other ventures or even to customize or modify the machinery to better suit your needs.

Quick Availability

While new equipment may have considerable lead times for manufacturing and delivery, used equipment is often readily available. If you need your machinery fast, purchasing a used option may be the quickest way to get it when you need it.

Tested Performance

Since it isn’t brand new, used equipment has a track record of performance in real-world settings. As a result, you can access information about how the equipment has performed over time, gaining insights into its reliability and durability. If a machine has a solid performance and maintenance history, you can feel confident that it will do exactly what you need it to do in your warehouse.

Flexibility and Variety

The used market offers a wide range of options in terms of brands, models and types of equipment. This variety allows warehouse owners to choose machinery that best fits their specific needs and requirements. Additionally, used equipment inventory is always changing, so you can discover new-to-you powered industrial trucks and other machines on a consistent basis — you aren’t limited to only the newest models.

How to Choose an Equipment Provider

Ready to start your used machinery buying journey? Knowing where to buy used material handling equipment is the first step. Here are key considerations when selecting an equipment provider:

• Reputation and experience: Choose a provider with a solid reputation in the industry and extensive selling and servicing experience. Reading reviews, testimonials and references can help you gauge a company’s reliability and see what other customers thought about working with them.
• Quality of equipment: Ensure the provider offers high-quality used machinery that has been well-maintained and is in good working condition. Request inspection reports, maintenance records and any available warranties before purchasing.
• Variety of inventory: Opt for a provider with a diverse inventory of equipment options to meet your specific needs.
• Customer support: Choose a provider that offers excellent customer support before, during and after the sale. Characteristics like clear communication, responsiveness and assistance with equipment are important. A reputable company will also offer comprehensive equipment services, such as repairs and maintenance, to help you get the most out of your investment.
• Pricing and transparency: Compare pricing across different providers to get a better idea of pricing structures. Avoid hidden costs or unclear terms that could lead to unexpected expenses.

Altogether, you want to work with a transparent and experienced used equipment provider that will work with you to get you the equipment you need and provide ongoing support to help you maintain it.

Browse Reliable Used Equipment at Alta Material Handling

Purchasing used material handling equipment offers many benefits, from cost savings to quick availability and flexibility. When you need reliable used equipment, choose Alta Material Handling.

We offer new and used industrial equipment and various machinery services to help you get the most out of your material-handling investments. Browse our used equipment or contact us today to find the right machine for your needs.