It has been clear when the major forklift suppliers / manufacturers supply used machines the level of refurbishment is very low as they are more interested in supplying new forklifts. You may find that they promote the age of the fork truck rather than what has or has not gone into a refurbishment, whereas the smaller and mid size independent suppliers look at the hours and the level of work that has gone into the machine for example:
What is the better? To buy a 2005 forklift with 8000 hours, serviced, checked and painted for £7000 or,
A 1999 forklift with 5000 hours with new chains, forks, seat, serviced, repainted and where the mast back axle and brakes have all been thoroughly tested for £7000
This is the most common scenario when buying used machines, customers look at age of the truck over the hours and also what work has been done to the truck.
The other main point is when a customer purchases a refurbished machine the lead time tells a story if a company quotes 2 weeks from date of order two thinks spring to mind 1 they are not busy so they have trucks ready to go all refurbished.
The other option is they are not thoroughly refurbishing the truck as any engineer will tell you in a busy workshop environment to strip a mast, back axle, brake system, replace chains and any other unserviceable part takes time this is before the truck is ready to be sanded and repainted.
It is difficult for the customer to know they are getting value for money but my advice is look to the independents when buying used they take more time and it is their name on the truck and reputation and ask to have some referrals from other customers.
Buying a Used Forklift Truck