If you’re considering buying a used forklift, one of the first things you’ll probably check is the hour meter. It’s often one of the key details listed alongside the make, model and lifting capacity, but what does it actually tell you?

Much like the mileage on a car, a forklift’s operating hours give an indication of how much it has been used. However, while the hour meter is an important factor, it shouldn’t be the only one you consider. A well-maintained, professionally refurbished forklift with higher hours can often be a far better investment than a lower-hour machine that’s been neglected.

Here’s what you should know before deciding whether a used forklift is right for your business.

What Are Forklift Operating Hours?

Forklift operating hours measure the amount of time the truck’s engine or electric motor has been running. This is recorded by an hour meter, giving buyers an idea of how much work the machine has carried out during its lifetime.

The number of hours a forklift accumulates depends entirely on how it’s been used. For example, a truck used occasionally in a small warehouse may only clock a few hundred hours each year, whereas a forklift operating across multiple shifts in a busy distribution centre could accumulate several thousand.

This means that hours alone don’t paint the full picture.

Is There a Maximum Number of Hours?

There isn’t a simple answer.

Unlike a car, where high mileage can often signal the end of its life, forklifts are built to withstand years of demanding use. Many quality machines continue working reliably well beyond 10,000 operating hours, particularly when they’ve been properly cared for and refurbished.

Several factors influence a forklift’s lifespan, including:

• The environment it has worked in
• The type of loads it has handled
• How it has been operated
• The quality of any refurbishment before resale

A forklift that’s spent its life indoors moving light pallet loads may be in considerably better condition than one with fewer hours that’s worked outdoors on rough terrain carrying heavy materials.

Why Refurbishment Matters Just as Much as Hours

When buying a used forklift, it’s easy to focus on finding the machine with the lowest operating hours. However, it’s often more important to consider the condition of the truck and the standard of any refurbishment that’s been carried out.

A professionally refurbished forklift should have undergone a comprehensive inspection, with worn or damaged components repaired or replaced where required. This helps ensure the truck is safe, reliable and ready to perform in its next working environment.

Rather than asking, “How many hours has it done?”, it’s worth asking, “How well has it been prepared for its next owner?”

What Else Should You Check?

Operating hours are only one part of the buying decision. Before purchasing a used forklift, it’s worth considering several other factors, including:

• The overall condition of the chassis and mast
• Signs of excessive wear or accidental damage
• Tyre condition
• Hydraulic performance
• Battery condition on electric forklifts
• Steering and braking performance
• Lift chains and forks
• Evidence of a thorough refurbishment

Taking all of these into account will give you a much clearer picture of the forklift’s overall condition than the hour meter alone.

Are High-Hour Forklifts Worth Buying?

Absolutely…provided they’ve been properly refurbished.

Some buyers automatically dismiss forklifts with higher operating hours, but this can mean overlooking excellent machines that still have many productive years ahead of them.

Likewise, a forklift with relatively low hours isn’t guaranteed to be the better option if it’s been poorly maintained, stored incorrectly or shows signs of excessive wear.

The key is to look beyond the numbers and assess the quality, condition and preparation of the machine as a whole.

Choosing a Quality Used Forklift

Buying a used forklift is about far more than finding the lowest number on an hour meter. It’s about choosing equipment that’s been carefully assessed, professionally refurbished and prepared to deliver dependable performance.

At Revived Equipment, every forklift is thoroughly inspected and refurbished before being offered for sale. By focusing on quality and reliability rather than simply operating hours, we help businesses invest in equipment they can depend on.

If you’re looking for a quality refurbished forklift, browse our current range of used forklifts or get in touch with our knowledgeable team for advice on choosing the right machine for your business.