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Used Forklifts

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Used Forklifts for Sale

  • Large variety of used forklifts and other lift equipment in stock.
  • Pricing may vary based on quantity, quality, and condition.
  • Allows for easy movement of materials around a facility.
  • Decrease time spent moving goods around.
  • Nationwide shipping and a 30 day quality guarantee.
  • ASI pays top dollar for used forklifts: Learn More About Our Purchasing Program
Used Reach Trucks
  • Higher travel, lift speeds
  • Stable load handling
  • Enhanced visibility
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Used Propane Forklifts
  • Cleaner than diesel
  • Ideal for long runs
  • Indoor or outdoor
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Used Electric Forklifts
  • Quiet operation
  • Less maintenance
  • Small radius while turning
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Used Manual Pallet Jacks
  • 3-position hand control
  • Manual push and move
  • Manual up and down
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Used Electric Pallet Jacks
  • Upgrade from manual jacks
  • Many with built in charger
  • Motorized, not manual
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Used Order Pickers
  • Less noise during operation
  • Less expensive to maintain
  • Smaller turning radius
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Used Narrow Aisle Forklifts
  • Operator stands up
  • Better view of product
  • Small radius
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Used Turret Trucks
  • Reduce aisle widths
  • High maneuverability
  • Gets the job done faster
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Used Stackers
  • Compact sizes
  • No operator training required
  • Move loads over flat surfaces
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Used Forklift Battery Chargers
  • Reduce operating costs
  • Quantity Discounts
  • Efficient
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Used Forklift Battery Handling Equipment
  • Safe battery handling
  • Charger Shelf
  • Easy to use
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Used Forklift Attachments
  • Decrease load
  • and Unload Time
  • Help reduce product damage
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Used Forklift Batteries
  • Environmentally Friendly
  • More Affordable
  • Long-Lasting Durability
  • Various Manufacturers
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We Buy Used Warehouse Equipment

Are you moving or liquidating your facility and looking to sell your used warehouse equipment or material? American Surplus Inc. can help! American Surplus Inc. offers a purchasing program for new and used warehouse and material handling equipment. Learn more about our purchasing program online or call our sales office at (800) 876-3736 to get started.

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About Forklifts

Forklifts play a crucial role in various industries, particularly in warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, and construction. They can handle large volumes of materials in a short time, which helps increase productivity. This efficiency translates into time savings and allows businesses to meet production and delivery deadlines more effectively. Forklifts come in various sizes and types, making them versatile for different industries and applications. From compact warehouse forklifts to heavy-duty outdoor models, they can adapt to various working environments and tasks.

Forklifts are designed with safety features, such as stability controls, operator training requirements, and safety guidelines. When operated properly, they can reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and damage to goods, creating a safer work environment. Forklifts enable vertical stacking of materials in warehouses, maximizing storage space and improving warehouse organization. This efficient use of space can lead to cost savings on real estate and storage costs. They help to contribute to effective inventory management by facilitating swift loading and unloading of goods, enabling just-in-time inventory practices, and reducing holding times for shipments.

Forklifts can be powered by a variety of energy sources, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common energy sources for forklifts and their differences:

  • Electric forklifts: These forklifts are powered by electricity and have rechargeable batteries. They are a popular choice for indoor material handling operations, as they produce no emissions and are quiet in operation. They also require less maintenance than other types of forklifts. However, they have a limited battery life and may not be suitable for heavy-duty applications.
  • Propane forklifts: Propane forklifts are powered by propane gas and are often used in outdoor applications such as construction sites or agricultural facilities. They produce fewer emissions than diesel forklifts and can operate for longer periods of time than electric forklifts. However, they require a propane tank and may not be suitable for indoor use due to the emissions produced.
  • Diesel forklifts: Diesel forklifts are powered by diesel fuel and are often used in outdoor applications where heavy loads need to be lifted. They have a higher lifting capacity than electric or propane forklifts and can operate for longer periods of time. However, they produce emissions and are noisy in operation. They also require more maintenance than electric forklifts.
  • Gasoline forklifts: Gasoline forklifts are like diesel forklifts but are powered by gasoline instead. They are less common than other types of forklifts and are often used in outdoor applications where a diesel or propane forklift is not suitable. They produce emissions and require more maintenance than electric forklifts.

When choosing an energy source for a forklift, it's important to consider the specific application and requirements of the operation. Factors such as the lifting capacity required, the duration of use, the indoor or outdoor environment, and the emissions regulations in the area should all be considered when selecting the best energy source for a forklift.

Despite the initial investment, forklifts can lead to long-term cost savings by increasing productivity, reducing labor costs, minimizing product damage, and optimizing storage space. At American Surplus Inc. our customers save 40% to 60% off the price of buying new.

Forklifts

Advantages of Forklifts

Forklifts are versatile industrial vehicles commonly used in warehouses, construction sites, and other material handling operations. They offer several advantages that contribute to increased productivity, safety, and efficiency in various industries. Some of the key advantages of forklifts include:

  • Efficient material handling: Forklifts are designed to lift and move heavy loads quickly and efficiently. They can transport materials over short distances, reducing the need for manual labor and speeding up the overall workflow.
  • Increased productivity: By enabling faster loading, unloading, and movement of goods, forklifts help improve productivity in warehouses and distribution centers. This allows businesses to handle more tasks in less time, leading to enhanced operational efficiency.
  • Versatility: Forklifts come in various sizes and types, catering to different material handling needs. They can handle a wide range of loads, from small pallets to large and heavy items, making them suitable for diverse industries.
  • Space optimization: Forklifts can navigate through narrow aisles and tight spaces, making it easier to utilize the available storage space more effectively. This capability is especially crucial in warehouses and storage facilities with limited space.
  • Safety: Forklifts are designed with safety features, such as seatbelts, overhead guards, and stability mechanisms, to minimize the risk of accidents. Proper training and adherence to safety protocols are essential to ensure safe operation.
  • Reduced physical strain: Using forklifts reduces the physical strain on workers, as they don't have to manually lift and carry heavy loads. This decreases the likelihood of workplace injuries and improves the overall well-being of employees.
  • Time savings: Compared to manual material handling methods, forklifts can significantly reduce the time required to complete tasks, leading to faster operations and quicker turnaround times.
  • Enhanced inventory management: Forklifts allow for more efficient inventory management by enabling easier movement and organization of goods. This helps keep track of stock levels and minimizes the risk of inventory errors.
  • Economical: While forklifts require an initial investment, their long-term benefits in terms of increased productivity and reduced labor costs can make them cost-effective for businesses with substantial material handling needs.

Forklifts Applications

Forklifts are used in various industries and environments where efficient material handling and lifting of heavy loads are required. Some of the common applications for forklifts include:

  • Warehouses and Distribution Centers: Forklifts are extensively used in warehouses and distribution centers for loading and unloading goods from trucks, stacking pallets in racks, and moving inventory within the facility.
  • Manufacturing Facilities: Forklifts play a vital role in manufacturing operations by transporting raw materials, work-in-progress items, and finished products between different stages of production.
  • Construction Sites: In construction projects, forklifts are utilized to move heavy construction materials, such as steel beams, bricks, cement bags, and other construction supplies around the site.
  • Retail Stores: Retail outlets with large inventories often use forklifts to handle bulk shipments and restock shelves with merchandise efficiently.
  • Ports and Freight Terminals: At ports and freight terminals, forklifts are used to load and unload cargo containers from ships and trucks, facilitating the movement of goods in and out of the port area.
  • Agriculture: Forklifts are employed in agriculture to handle large containers of produce, feed, and other agricultural materials, making it easier to load and unload them from trucks.
  • Recycling Centers: Forklifts are used in recycling facilities to move and stack bales of recyclable materials, such as cardboard, plastic, and metal, for storage and transportation.
  • Cold Storage and Food Processing: Forklifts are employed in cold storage facilities and food processing plants to handle pallets of perishable goods and move them to appropriate storage areas or loading docks.
  • Airports: Forklifts are used in airports for loading and unloading baggage and cargo from aircraft and transferring them to and from the terminal.
  • Beverage Industry: In beverage manufacturing and distribution, forklifts are used to move pallets of bottled or canned beverages for storage and shipment.
  • Automotive Industry: Forklifts are used in the automotive industry to transport automobile parts and components within manufacturing facilities.
  • Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare: Forklifts assist in handling medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and equipment in warehouses and medical facilities.

Forklift Manufacturers

  • Toyota Material Handling
  • Yale (a subsidiary of Hyster-Yale Group, Inc.)
  • Linde Material Handling (part of KION Group)
  • Caterpillar Inc. (CAT)
  • Komatsu Ltd.
  • Mitsubishi Logisnext Co., Ltd
  • Clark Material Handling Company
  • Crown Equipment Corporation
  • Raymond Corporation

Other Names for Forklifts

  • Lift Truck
  • Fork Truck
  • Fork Hoist
  • Industrial Truck
  • Pallet Truck
  • Industrial Forklift
  • Warehouse Forklift
  • Order Picker
  • Counterbalance Forklift
  • Reach Truck
  • Electric Forklift
  • Gas Forklift
  • Propane Forklift
  • Diesel Forklift
  • Rough Terrain Forklift
  • Walkie Stacker
  • Telescopic Handler
  • Telehandler
  • Clamp Truck

Forklifts Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are used forklifts safe?
A: Absolutely! Every used forklift American Surplus sells is inspected, cleaned, and painted prior to shipment.

Q: What kinds of used forklifts does ASI sell?
A: Our inventory consists of electric and propane-powered forklifts. We also offer a wide variety of forklifts that are designed for a specific purpose, such as narrow aisle forklifts, order pickers, and stackers.

Q: What type of forklift should I choose?
A: The type of forklift you should choose depends on a variety of factors, such as the materials you will be moving, the layout of your facility, and your required weight capacity. Call (800)876-3736 today to speak to a knowledgeable member of our sales team who can help you pick the forklift that is best suited for your operation.

Q: Is there a difference between a lift truck and a forklift?
A: There is no difference. Lift truck is just another name for a forklift.

Q: What is the difference between cushion and pneumatic tires?
A: Cushion tires are solid and are best suited for indoor use and light outdoor use. Pneumatic tires are similar to car tires in that they are filled with air. They are ideal for outdoor use.

Q: How often should forklifts undergo maintenance?
A: Forklifts should undergo regular maintenance based on the manufacturer's recommendations and the usage intensity. Routine inspections and servicing are crucial for optimal performance and safety.