When you’re in the market for a used electric forklift, one of the first questions you’ll ask is about the hour meter reading. Hours are like mileage on a car – they give you a snapshot of how much the machine has been used. But what exactly counts as high hours? And does a high reading automatically mean you should walk away from the deal?
The answer isn’t quite that simple. A used forklift with 15,000 hours but excellent maintenance history could be a better buy than one with 8,000 hours that’s been poorly looked after. Let’s break down what you need to know.
What Does the Hour Meter Tell You?
The hour meter on an electric forklift tracks how long the machine has been operational. Unlike a car’s odometer, which measures distance, the hour meter records actual running time. This gives you a more accurate picture of wear and tear on key components.
Most electric forklifts have hour meters fitted as standard. They’re usually located on the dashboard or instrument panel. When you’re viewing a used forklift, always check that the meter is working properly. A broken or tampered meter should raise immediate concerns.
How Many Hours Is Considered High for an Electric Forklift?
There isn’t a single number that defines high hours on an electric forklift. Instead, the industry uses benchmarks:
- Under 5,000 hours – Low hours, typically considered a young machine.
- 5,000 to 10,000 hours – Medium hours, still plenty of life left with proper care.
- 10,000 to 15,000 hours – Getting into high hour territory, but not necessarily a problem.
- Over 15,000 hours – Definitely high hours, requires thorough inspection.
A well-maintained electric forklift can easily exceed 20,000 hours. Some machines in excellent condition have been known to run for 30,000 hours or more. The key word here is “well-maintained”.
Single-shift operations (8 hours per day, 5 days per week) will accumulate roughly 2,000 hours annually. Multi-shift operations can rack up 4,000 to 6,000 hours per year. Understanding the work pattern helps you gauge how intensively the forklift has been used.
Why Does Maintenance History Matter More Than Hours?
A comprehensive maintenance history can tell you more about a used forklift than the hour meter alone. Regular servicing prevents small issues from becoming major failures. It significantly extends the machine’s working life.
When examining a used electric forklift, ask to see complete service records. These should include:
- Regular scheduled maintenance
- Battery servicing and water top-ups
- Any repairs or part replacements
- Brake and hydraulic system checks
- Electrical system inspections
A forklift with high hours but documented, professional servicing from a reputable provider could outlast a lower-hour machine that’s been neglected. Missing service records should make you cautious. It suggests the machine may not have received the care it needed.
What Affects an Electric Forklift’s Lifespan?
Several factors determine how long an electric forklift can last beyond just the hours recorded:
Battery Condition
The battery is the heart of an electric forklift. Battery life typically ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 charge cycles, which translates to about 5 to 7 years with proper care. A high hours electric forklift might still be of excellent value if it’s recently had a battery replacement.
Operating Environment
Indoor use on smooth concrete floors causes far less wear than outdoor work or rough terrain. Forklifts used in cold storage or extreme temperatures face additional stress. Consider where and how the machine has been operated.
Application Type
A forklift moving lightweight loads in a retail warehouse will wear differently from one shifting heavy pallets in a busy distribution centre. Intensive lifting cycles put more strain on hydraulic systems and motors.
Regular Servicing
Consistent professional maintenance prevents premature wear. Fresh hydraulic fluid, properly adjusted brakes, and clean electrical connections all contribute to longevity. Skipping services accelerates component failure.
What Should You Check When Buying a High Hours Electric Forklift?
Don’t let high hours alone put you off a good machine. Instead, conduct a thorough inspection:
- Look closely at the battery. Check for corrosion, cable damage, and whether it holds a charge properly. Ask when it was last replaced and request documentation.
- Examine the mast, forks, and hydraulic systems for signs of excessive wear or damage. Test all functions, including lift, tilt, and side shift, if fitted. Everything should operate smoothly without unusual noises.
- Inspect the tyres for uneven wear, which might indicate alignment issues. Check all safety features are working correctly, including lights, horn, and seat belt.
- Most importantly, request a test drive. The forklift should accelerate smoothly, steer easily, and stop promptly. Any grinding, jerking, or sluggish response suggests problems.
Can a High Hours Electric Forklift be Refurbished?
Absolutely. Professional refurbishment can transform a high hours electric forklift into a reliable workhorse. TAG specialises in forklift refurbishment, bringing used machines back to excellent working condition.
Refurbishment typically includes replacing worn components, repainting the bodywork, and overhauling the electrical and hydraulic systems. A refurbished high hours forklift is more cost-effective compared to buying new, yet still provides dependable performance.
When you purchase a refurbished forklift from a reputable supplier, you get the benefit of their expertise and warranty. This provides peace of mind that the machine has been thoroughly checked and restored to proper working standards.
Find Quality Used Electric Forklifts at TAG
We understand that hour meters don’t tell the complete story. Our used electric forklifts are carefully selected and professionally refurbished to the highest standards. We provide transparent information about maintenance history and machine condition.
Whether you need to buy or hire a forklift, our team can help you find equipment that meets your operational needs and budget. We also offer forklift servicing and repairs to keep your fleet running efficiently for years to come.
Contact us to discuss your forklift requirements. Our experienced team is ready to provide honest advice about finding the right used electric forklift for your business.