• Compare Forklift Features

• Fuel Your Forklifts

• Look at Forklift Attachments, Comfort, and Safety

• Find Forklifts on eBay

• Buy Forklifts With Confidence

Compare Forklift Features

Compare Forklift Features

Much like automobiles, forklift pricing varies widely by brand, and pricing doesn't always correlate to overall quality and reliability. Prices can vary depending on geography, your specific needs, and seller. Top-tier brands typically cost more and offer technology advantages, better tolerance of abuse and harsh environments, and greater long-term reliability. Before you start looking at forklift trucks or talking to dealers, you need to determine exactly what you need the forklifts to do.

As with any large piece of equipment, safe use should be your top priority. Make sure you review all the safety instructions for the forklift you buy on eBay before using it.

Forklift capacity: Know typical load weight and size

How heavy and what size are your typical loads? Forklift trucks are rated according to how much weight they can lift, starting at 3,000 lbs and going up to 35,000 lbs and more. 3,000-, 5,000-, and 8,000-lb models make up the bulk of the market, with 5,000 lb forklifts as the industry standard. The size of your typical load will affect the capacity you need.

Forklift capacity is usually based on a 24-inch "load center," meaning that the distance from the center of gravity to the sides of the load is 24 inches. The easiest way to think about this is that a forklift can only lift its maximum weight if the load is a 4 foot cube. If your loads are unusually long or high, the forklift won’t be able to safely lift as much. Knowing the typical dimensions and weight of your loads will allow you to work with sellers to determine the exact capacity you need.

Also consider variation in your loads. If you constantly produce identical pallets of products, you know exactly what capacity you need. However, in a more mixed environment, or one where the load size changes over time, you may want to buy a truck with more capacity than you need currently to make sure it gets the job done now and in the future.

Consider where you plan to use your forklift

How high do you need a forklift to lift a load? If you primarily use forklifts to load and unload trucks, you may not need much height; if your warehouse has shelves 30 feet high, your forklift will need to reach them. Unlike load capacity, your height needs are unlikely to change over time barring new construction or major renovations. Buy for the height you need now. In a warehouse setting, the size of the lift truck may be an issue as well. Standard lift trucks need aisles that are 11 feet wide or larger to be able to operate and turn around. For aisles that are 8 feet to 10 feet wide, you will need a narrow aisle (NA) forklift; for aisles down to 6 feet wide, you will need a very narrow aisle (VNA) truck. These narrow aisle trucks have forks that are turned at a right angle, so they can drive straight down the aisle but pick up loads to the side.

Forklifts should have tires that work best in your location.

• Cushion tires: Cushion tires made of solid rubber work best for internal applications. Electric forklifts designed for inside work typically have cushion tires.

• Pneumatic tires: Pneumatic tires inflated with compressed air cost more than cushion tires, but make a better choice for outdoor work. For heavy-duty lifting outdoors on uneven terrain, you'll commonly find gasoline or diesel forklifts with pneumatic tires.

• Solid pneumatic tires: Solid pneumatic tires are ideal for outdoor environments where there's a high risk of popping regular pneumatic tires, such as lumber yards or recycling centers where glass or nails can be scattered. Solid pneumatic tires combine the solid-rubber construction of cushion tires with the rough terrain capabilities of pneumatic tires, and typically cost more.

Determine how long you'll use your forklift each day

Many dealers offer both new forklifts and used forklift trucks, so you can compare prices easily. Buying used forklifts can save you quite a bit up front, usually costing around half the cost of a new forklift. As a general rule, businesses that use forklifts for more than four hours each day should invest in new forklifts. With this much use, the operating and maintenance costs for used equipment can quickly cancel out the initial savings you gained.

If the forklift will be used only a couple of hours per day, you can probably benefit from buying a used forklift. When the dealer gets a used forklift back at the end of a lease, they usually recondition it with a new paint job, new tires, a thorough engine tune-up, and any other mechanical repairs that need to be made, so you can feel reasonably confident in the condition of the truck. "As-is" forklifts can save you even more money, but may have original paint, worn tires, and generally not be in the shape you would expect. Used forklifts may experience more downtime and repairs. Make sure to inquire about the difference in service plans between new and used models.

Once you decide on a forklift, try to stick with one brand for your other forklift purchases. You'll be able to go to one dealer for all your warranty and repair needs and operators will only need to learn to control and handle one type of forklift. Since not every manufacturer makes every type of forklift, you may still need to buy multiple specialized machines.

Fuel Your Forklifts

Fuel Your Forklifts

You'll find two main types of forklifts: Electric forklifts powered solely by an on-board battery and internal combustion (IC) forklifts, which use a traditional engine that runs on one of several types of fuel. In most cases an electric forklift will be more expensive than an identically-rated IC lift. Operating costs per hour are critical to determining the real cost of your forklift. This includes the cost of fuel, maintenance, supplies like oil, batteries, and filters, and the time required to take care of the truck.

Look into electric forklifts

Electric forklifts are well-suited for indoor use and use in well-paved parking lots (not in the rain). They're powered by large, heavy lead-acid batteries — the same kind found in your car, but considerably bigger and more powerful. Electric forklifts have several advantages.

• Zero emissions: Electric forklifts produce zero emissions, an important consideration if you plan to use your forklift indoors. Of the internal combustion models, only propane-fueled lifts can be used indoors, and they require very good ventilation. Gas and diesel-powered models can’t be used inside at all.

• Low fuel cost: Although electric forklifts have a higher initial cost than internal combustion forklifts (new electric forklifts can cost 20% to 40% more than similarly rated IC forklifts), they have a lower cost per hour of operation.

• Quieter operation: Electric forklifts produce less noise than IC forklifts, a big plus indoors.

• Long lifespan: Because electric forklifts have fewer moving parts and are often used in cleaner environments than IC forklifts, they also tend to have a longer life span.

Electric forklifts have no fuel storage requirements and the batteries typically provide enough power for one standard eight-hour shift, which translates into five or six hours of constant usage. Keep battery downtime in mind. Charging a forklift battery takes eight hours, plus eight hours of cooling time before it can be used. Due to this slow charging speed, if you need forklifts for two or three-shift operations, you will have to buy extra batteries so you can always charge the next one. You'll also need a battery charging station. Chargers should be located in a dry, ventilated, and temperature-controlled location. If you have multiple batteries, you will also need special cranes to change them.

Choose internal combustion (IC) forklifts

Internal combustion (IC) forklifts can handle the largest loads and are the only choice if you require greater than 15,000 lbs capacity. They typically stand up to certain types of abuse better than electric forklifts — specifically, using a forklift to push or tow loads, instead of lifting and driving — and usually have better acceleration and top speeds. IC forklifts have a lower initial price point, but cost more per hour to run than electric forklifts.

Forklifts with internal combustion engines run on a variety of fuels: gasoline, diesel fuel, liquid propane gas (LPG), or compressed natural gas (CNG). For indoor/outdoor use, duel fuel systems are available that let you switch between LPG and gasoline. You can refuel internal combustion (IC) forklifts on the fly: simply fill them up at a gas pump or load on new LPG canisters and your forklifts are ready to continue working in no time. Of the types of IC engines, fuel costs generally are highest for gasoline and lowest for diesel, with LPG in the middle. Fuel costs vary considerably from state to state, so you should investigate this cost in your area before deciding which option is best for you.

With some IC equipment, you will have to buy refueling equipment. For example, gasoline and diesel fuel require you to have storage tanks and pumps. LPG requires only space for spare tank storage, which is usually managed by a propane vendor. The choice between gas, diesel, and propane is often made based on existing vehicles and equipment.

Alternative forklift fuel options

The wave of the future in forklift power is fuel cells. Hydrogen fuel cells have the advantages of electric power — zero emissions and quiet operation — plus the ability to be refueled as quickly as diesel or gasoline engines, with no recharging time. Experimental fuel cell forklifts are already in use, and will start to be available more widely in coming years.

Look at Forklift Attachments, Comfort, and Safety

Look at Forklift Attachments, Comfort, and Safety

Once you know what forklift truck capacity and fuel type are best for your situation, consider safety features, comfort, attachments, and extras.

• Safety features: Most forklifts come standard with safety features such as back-up beepers, flashing amber lights, headlights, and other safety features. State regulations vary; always keep them in mind when you shop.

• Ergonomics: They may seem like amenities, but adjustable seats and comfortable controls can reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries and make for a more productive workforce.

• Attachments: You can tailor your lift truck to better handle specific types of materials: tools to pick up rolls of cable or steel, tongs for handling 55 gallon drums, flat panels for lifting items that aren’t on pallets, and more. Most attachments are standardized so they can be used on any forklift, so if you only occasionally need to move odd-shaped loads, you may be able to buy one attachment and use it with any of your lift trucks. Attachments like adjustable forks and spool handlers reduce load capacity. Every forklift should have a capacity plate attached to it detailing its capabilities in its current configuration.

• Sideshift: Sideshift, a very popular option, allows an operator to move a load left and right without moving the truck, allowing more precise load placement. Sideshift can reduce load capacity.

• Tilt mast: The ability to tilt the mast and forks forward and back greatly simplifies loading the truck on uneven ground. Tilting the mast back slightly also provides greater stability when moving a loaded truck.

• Service plans: With an expense of this magnitude, it only makes sense to purchase adequate protection for it. The majority of forklift buyers choose a preventative maintenance (PM) plan. These PM plans cover oil and filter changes, transmission servicing, and general check-ups at regularly scheduled intervals. For an additional cost, you can also purchase a full maintenance plan that covers any breakdowns or needed repairs. For a new forklift, you probably won’t need this type of coverage — you will likely have very few breakdowns in the first couple of years. On older equipment, it may be a useful insurance plan. Unless you have an in-house mechanic to perform these maintenance tasks after every couple of hundred hours of operation, it makes sense to lean on the dealer’s expertise.

• Employee training: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has very specific rules about forklift operator training and licensing. Operators must pass classroom training and a driving test before being licensed, must be over 18 years of age, and must be re-certified every three years. Many dealers provide training at their location if you only have a couple of operators, or can organize a class at your location if you have enough trainees. Check with OSHA about its rules and requirements.

If you aren’t very familiar with the different brands and types of lift trucks, consider renting. By renting a forklift for a month, you can really get a sense of whether its capabilities are appropriate for your needs without the pressure of a long-term lease or major investment. In addition, with a rental, you never have to worry about maintenance or repairs — if anything goes wrong, the rental company will simply replace it. If you decide to rent first, you can turn to a third-party equipment rental company instead of a dealer. Rental companies often offer multiple brands of fork trucks. Plus, personal preferences about controls and ergonomics can play a big role in your decision, and having the truck at your location gives you the chance to include more of your forklift drivers in the decision-making

Find Forklifts on eBay

Find Forklifts on eBay

Once you know what type of forklift you want, go to the Business & Industrial category portal and click the Forklifts & Other Lifts link beneath Industrial Supply, MRO.

• Product Finder: Use the Forklifts & Other Lifts Product Finder to narrow your selecting by load capacity, make, power source, and condition.

• Keyword search: Search eBay listing titles for specific words. For example, if you want to find an electric forklift with sideshift, type "electric forklift sideshift" (without quotation marks) into the Search box. Click "Search title and description" to expand your results. Visit eBay's Search Commands page for more tips on searching with keywords.

If you can't find exactly what you want, try shopping eBay Stores, tell the eBay Community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on My eBay and eBay will email you when a match becomes available.

Buy Forklifts With Confidence

Buy Forklifts With Confidence

A number of forklifts listed on eBay in the Business & Industrial category will likely interest you. When trying to select the right forklift, get to know exactly what you're buying, research the seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Many sellers put a lot of time into creating their listings, making an effort to ensure they include all the information buyers need. Carefully read the details in listings for the forklift(s) you consider buying and carefully review available photos. Before placing a bid or buying an item, be sure to:

• Have all your questions answered: If you still have questions after reading the listing and reviewing the photos, contact the seller using the Ask seller a question link in the “Seller information” box in the top right corner of every forklift listing. Also request additional photos if you want to see the forklift from a particular angle that isn’t shown in the photos included in the listing. If you have more questions than you can address in email, get the seller’s phone number and give him/her a call. Some forklift sellers even include their phone number so you can call them directly. Just remember that you need to actually bid and buy on eBay in order to be covered by eBay and PayPal protection programs (see "Buyer protection" below for more details).

• Get delivery details: Calculate and include delivery costs into your final price. This may simply be the cost of driving across the city or state if the forklift is close-by or it may mean working with a shipping company that can transport the forklift from anywhere in the country. To learn more about shipping costs, ask the seller or visit the eBay Freight Resource Center.

• Complete your transaction on eBay: Always complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered by eBay and PayPal protection programs (see "Buyer protection" below for more details).

• Know your payment options: Never pay for your eBay item using instant cash wire transfer services such as Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know. Instead, pay with PayPal for amounts less than $2,000 (including deposits), a money order, or direct bank-to-bank fund transfer. You can also finance your forklift purchase through Equipment Financing for eBay, provided by Direct Capital Corporation.

• Track items with eBay Toolbar: Use the free eBay Toolbar to track items you bid on and watch. It includes Account Guard, a feature that indicates when you're visiting a verified eBay or PayPal website and warns you when you enter your eBay password into an unverified site, even if it looks like eBay or PayPal.

Know your seller

Just as important as researching your forklift purchase is getting to know the seller. Take time to research the seller so that you can feel positive and secure about every transaction. Key things to look for when evaluating a seller are:

• Positive Feedback: What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have? What do buyers and sellers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?

• Sales history: Find out how long the seller has been a registered eBay user and look at the types of items a seller typically offers. If the seller’s Feedback seems low, take the time to look at the Feedback details; sometimes a seller's Feedback looks low until you realize that they’re a forklift dealer and their Feedback count comes entirely from forklift or heavy equipment sales.

• Terms and conditions: What are the terms and conditions of the sale? Are the terms agreeable to you? Sellers typically set terms and conditions, but you should make sure you agree with them. If not, find another seller/forklift or contact the seller to find out if he/she is open to your suggestions.

• Good communication: Once you’ve initiated communications with the seller, how is he/she communicating with you? Is the seller courteous and professional? Is the seller responsive? Once you bid on a big-ticket item such as a forklift, communicate with the seller through My Messages in My eBay. All legitimate Second Chance Offer messages will come through My Messages and not to your email address alone. Always contact the seller before accepting a Second Chance Offer, and never respond to any request to send money via Western Union or other instant cash transfer service.

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event a problem arises during your transaction, you can typically work it out with the seller. However, if you can’t, eBay and PayPal are there for you.

• eBay Business Equipment Purchase Protection up to $20,000: Each forklift purchased through eBay is automatically covered against fraud and material misrepresentation up to the cost of the forklift or $20,000 (whichever is lower) with the Business Equipment Purchase Protection Program. To qualify for this safety program, complete your transaction on eBay with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer.

• Put down a deposit with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay up to $2,000 without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. Also, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorized payments from their accounts. While $2,000 may not be a high enough limit for the full purchase price of most forklifts, it's great for deposits (many sellers require a deposit on a forklift within several days of the close of a listing).

• eBay Security & Resolution Center: Visit the Security & Resolution Center to learn how to protect your account and use eBay's quick and efficient resolution tools.