Why Buy Second-Hand?
For warehouse operators in Shah Alam and Klang Valley, buying a second-hand forklift makes financial sense. A well-maintained used unit costs 40-60% less than new, and with proper financing, monthly payments can be lower than rental rates.
Ownership vs Rental: Real Savings
- Build equity - Every payment owns the equipment, not landlord's pocket
- Asset ownership - Sell anytime or trade-in for upgrade
- Tax depreciation - Claim capital allowance on owned equipment
- No availability worries - Your equipment, always ready
Complete Inspection Checklist
Use this checklist before committing to any second-hand forklift. Skip these steps, and you could face RM 10,000-20,000 in repair bills within the first year.
1. Hour Meter & Age Check
- Under 8,000 hours = Low mileage, good condition expected
- 8,000-12,000 hours = Moderate use, inspect carefully
- Over 12,000 hours = High usage, expect major repairs soon
- Verify year of manufacture - Check serial number with manufacturer
- Match hour meter to condition - Signs of tampering? Walk away.
2. Mast & Lift System
- Extend mast fully - Check for smooth operation, no jerking
- Inspect lift chains - No cracks, proper tension, lubricated
- Check cylinders - No leaks around hydraulic seals
- Test tilt function - Both forward and backward smooth
- Look for side shift - Additional wear points to inspect
3. Hydraulic System
- Check for leaks - Around hoses, cylinders, pump, control valves
- Inspect hydraulic oil - Should be clear, not burnt smell or dark color
- Test lift strength - Rated capacity should lift without struggle
- Listen to pump - No whining or unusual noises when operating
- Check control levers - Smooth operation, not sticky or loose
4. Tires & Wheels
- Cushion tires - Check for cracks, flat spots, uneven wear
- Pneumatic tires - Check tread depth, sidewall damage, proper inflation
- Wheel bearings - No play, rotate smoothly without noise
- Tighten wheel nuts - Should be properly torqued
- Check for wheel misalignment - Uneven tire wear indicates problem
5. Battery & Electric System (for Electric Forklifts)
- Battery age - Lead-acid over 3 years? Budget for replacement
- Battery capacity test - Should hold charge through full shift
- Check for corrosion - Around terminals and cables
- Charger condition - Compatible with battery? Working properly?
- Consider lithium-ion upgrade - Add cost to financing if replacing
6. Engine & Transmission (for Diesel/LPG Forklifts)
- Start cold - Should start easily, not excessive cranking
- Check exhaust smoke - Black smoke (fuel issue), blue smoke (burning oil)
- Listen to engine - No knocking, ticking, or unusual noises
- Test transmission - Smooth shifting in all gears, no slipping
- Check fluid levels - Engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant
7. Brakes & Steering
- Test brake performance - Should stop firmly, no pulling to one side
- Check brake pads/shoes - Inspect thickness, even wear
- Test parking brake - Should hold on incline
- Check steering - No play in wheel, turns smoothly both directions
- Test power steering - Should operate effortlessly, not whining
8. Safety Features & DOSH Compliance
CRITICAL: DOSH Certificate Required
Do NOT buy any forklift without a valid Certificate of Fitness for Lifting Machinery from DOSH. This is required by law and mandatory for financing approval.
- - Request certificate before payment
- - Verify certificate matches machine serial number
- - Check certificate expiry date
- - Certificate must be current and valid (not expired)
- Seat belt - Functional, not frayed or damaged
- Overhead guard - No damage, securely attached
- Horn - Working properly, loud enough
- Backup alarm - Operational (if equipped)
- Lights - Headlights, taillights, warning lights working
- Fork positioner - Properly adjusted, not loose
Red Flags: Walk Away Immediately
Deal Breakers - Do Not Buy
- No DOSH Certificate of Fitness or expired certificate
- Hour meter obviously tampered or replaced
- Major hydraulic leaks (requiring cylinder replacement)
- Transmission slipping or major engine problems
- Structural damage to mast or chassis
- Seller refuses inspection or independent mechanic check
Financing Your Second-Hand Forklift
Found a good used forklift? Ing Heng Credit makes financing simple with:
0% Down Payment
Keep your cash for operations and battery upgrades if needed.
24-Hour Approval
Fast financing so you don't lose the unit to another buyer.
Rates from 2.88% p.a.
Competitive flat rates make ownership affordable.
Finance Up to 10 Years Old
We finance quality used units, not just new equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check first when buying a second-hand forklift?
Start with the hour meter reading. A forklift with under 8,000 hours is considered low-mileage. Check for visible leaks, tire condition, mast operation smoothness, and brake performance. Most importantly, verify the machine has a valid DOSH Certificate of Fitness for Lifting Machinery.
Can I get financing for a second-hand forklift in Malaysia?
Yes! Ing Heng Credit provides financing for second-hand forklifts. We offer 0% down payment, 24-hour approval, and rates from 2.88% p.a. We finance units up to 10 years old, depending on condition and make. The forklift must have valid DOSH certification.
How old should a used forklift be for financing?
We typically finance forklifts up to 10 years old. For electric forklifts, age matters less than battery condition - a well-maintained 8-year electric unit with a new lithium-ion battery can be a better investment than a newer diesel unit with high hours.
What documents do I need to finance a second-hand forklift?
Required documents include: company registration (SSM Form 9 & 24/49), latest 3 months bank statements, IC copy of all directors, the second-hand forklift quotation or proforma invoice from seller, and DOSH Certificate of Fitness. We may also request inspection reports for units over 5 years old.
Is buying a second-hand forklift better than renting?
For year-round operations, buying second-hand is usually better than renting. A RM 30,000 used forklift financed over 5 years costs less than RM 1,000/month - often lower than rental rates. You build equity, have full control over availability, and can claim tax depreciation.