The average lifespan of a forklift is 10,000 hours. It's also important to mention that it's common to see lift trucks last more than 20,000 hours from higher-quality brands, such as Toyota.
In general, you want to buy a forklift that still has somewhere between a fourth and a half of its life left. That's probably somewhere between 7,000 and 11,000 hours. Of course, if you can find a machine with even fewer forklift hours, that is ideal, but you may not get the level of savings you're looking for.
Securely fasten the two forklifts with a tow bar or chain. If the forklift has a “tow mode,” make sure it's engaged. Release the brakes and check that the service brake pedal is released so the disabled forklift can move freely. Make sure the key switch of the disabled forklift is in the off position.
Use high-quality, heavy-duty straps and chains to secure the forklift in place. Anchor it firmly to designated anchor points on the box truck. Double-check that all straps and chains are tightened and secure.
The weight of your average forklift (i.e., a 5,000 lb. capacity, cushion-tire warehouse forklift) is between 8,000 and 9,000 lbs. Forklift weights vary widely, from 3,000 lbs. to over 140,000 lbs., depending on the make, model, and intended use.
Center: This pedal is the brake. Left: This third pedal, the inching pedal, is only on gas-powered machines. Similar to a clutch pedal, it puts the forklift in neutral, so you can use the throttle to give more gas to the hydraulics.
If you're going to use a forklift, then you need a truck that sits up higher with roll-up doors, instead of the type that swing out. Plus, the truck floor should have the capacity to handle the extra weight of the forklift.