What Is Considered High Hours on a Forklift?

When it comes to forklifts, hours are a key indicator of how much a machine has been used and how much wear it has on it. Like any other piece of heavy equipment, a forklift’s lifespan is determined by the type of work it does, how well it is maintained, and the quality of the parts. So, what is considered high hours on a forklift?

What Are High Hours? 10,000 to 15,000 Hours

In general, a forklift is considered to have high hours when it exceeds 10,000 to 15,000 hours. If you run the forklift eight hours a day, 10,000 hours means it will last about five years. However, a top-brand forklift can last 20,000 hours or about ten years, depending on how well it is maintained. Electric forklifts may not last as long due to battery life, but diesel or LPG forklifts can run for many more hours due to the nature of their engines.

A Well-Maintained Forklift Can Last Longer

Even if a forklift has high hours, it can still have a lot of life left if it has been well maintained and had regular maintenance and parts replaced. The maintenance history is a key factor in determining how much life is left in a forklift. For example, a forklift with 12,000 hours and a great maintenance history can be a better choice than a forklift with 8,000 hours and a poor maintenance history. Always consider the condition of the machine in addition to the hours.

Buying and Selling Forklifts

When buying or selling a forklift, you need to pay attention to the number of hours on the machine to understand its value and how much life is left in it. If you want to buy a forklift that will last you a long time, look for one with fewer hours and a good maintenance history.

Summary:

• Forklifts with over 10,000 to 15,000 hours are considered to have high hours.
• The type of forklift (electric, diesel, LPG) affects what high hours mean.
• Most forklifts last about five years at 10,000 hours, but top-brand forklifts can last 20,000 hours (10 years).
• Maintenance has a significant impact on how long a machine will last, regardless of hours.