FORKLIFT TRUCKS FEBRUARY 2020
equipment (for less intensive
applications) guarantees the
most cost-effective approach.
This also proves instrumental
in short-term rental equipment
for peak seasons throughout
the year.
3How can I check the
quality of the truck?
A used forklift truck can
be refurbished to perfect
condition, and so the quality
should be as good as if you
were buying a new model. The
truck certainly shouldn’t appear
‘used’ to the naked eye, and the
safety and sustainability of the
truck should be to the highest
standards – do not accept any
kind of compromise.
Here are a few tips to help
you ensure the safety, operation,
appearance, reliability and
sustainability of your truck:
● Run a visual check of the
truck to ensure there are
no cracks, dents or damage.
Check the tyres for wear and
the chassis for evidence of
rust damage. If it is an electric
truck you are viewing, check
the condition of the battery;
green and white crystals on
the poles could be the result of
sulphating, while cells arched
outwards could signify old
age – both of which can lead to
battery breakdown.
● In addition, request to
carry out a function test of the
truck, focusing on the motor,
mast, steering, brakes and
lights. Check that everything
is working as it should, that
there is no smoke or leakages
from the engine and that the
forks do not sag under a load.
Enquire into how rigorous the
refurbishment process was,
establish the age of the truck,
and find out how many hours it
has worked.
● Finally, check to see that all
the necessary documentation
is available, up-to-date and in
the correct language. The data plate and residual
capacity diagram are fixed to the truck and
they refer to the fitted mast and the respective
attachments. The CE safety certificate of approval
for European use should also be available, along
with the operating instructions, maintenance
books and service reports. Check the LOLER test
is current and the test report readily available.
Geoff Martin, chairman of CFTS, says that
companies purchasing or hiring used forklift
trucks must also make sure that they see a valid
Thorough Examination Report for every machine
they bring on site. “Any piece of materials
handling equipment must be fit for purpose and
not pose a risk to health and safety,” he says.“A
Thorough Examination Report will show you that
the truck has been assessed and whether there are
any faults on it. Without the Report, you have no
assurance of the truck’s condition.”
It is a legal requirement that forklift trucks
receive a Thorough Examination at least once
every 12 months. Employers have a responsibility
to ensure a truck has valid documentation when
taking possession under any kind of lease, hire or
loan agreement.
Remember, not all forklifts are refurbished to
the same standard, and for those considering a
used truck, it’s crucial to look into the quality and
value on offer. Bear in mind these three simple
questions, however, and a used forklift has the
potential to deliver significant advantages to your
warehouse operation at a fraction of the cost.
Yearly
Thorough Examination
Reports must be
conducted on FLTs
Before purchasing any used forklift, it’s
important to make sure its Thouough
Examination Report is up-to-date
38 www.manufacturingmanagement.co.uk
/www.manufacturingmanagement.co.uk