Buying guide
Buying used material handling and workshop equipment
Published on October 13, 2026
Forklift, stacker, overhead crane, hoist, compressor or racking: reliable used equipment, provided you check the wear, the battery and the mandatory safety inspections.
Material handling and workshop equipment is easy to find used, often at a good price. Because it directly affects people's safety, the condition of the load-bearing parts and the inspection records matter as much as the price.
Forklift and stacker
- Hour meter, rated capacity and residual capacity at the required lift height (load capacity plate).
- Forks: cracks, deformation, wear at the heel; an excessively worn fork must be replaced.
- Mast and chains: play, elongation, lubrication, no leaks on the cylinders.
- Brakes, steering, tyres, lights, horn and safety devices.
The battery, the number one cost item
On an electric truck, the battery can represent a significant share of the value. Ask for its age, its technology (lead-acid or lithium), the condition of the cells and, if possible, a capacity test. Check that the charger is supplied and suitable. A battery at the end of its life can be replaced, but the cost must be included in your calculation.
Overhead crane and hoist
An overhead crane must be dismantled and reinstalled by a specialist company, and its rated load must suit the runway in your building. Ask for the documentation, the reports of the latest periodic inspections, and the condition of the wire ropes or chains, hooks and limit switches. Plan for an inspection before putting it back into service.
Compressor and workshop equipment
- Compressor: operating hours, date of the last service, dryer and filters; the pressure vessel must have its documentation and up-to-date inspections.
- Racking: permissible load per level, uprights and beams free of deformation, load notices in place.
- Workbenches, cabinets, extraction: general condition and electrical compliance.
Safety and obligations
In Switzerland, the employer must provide safe equipment, have the equipment that requires it inspected periodically, and train the people who use it (forklift operators, for example). The Suva and manufacturer guidelines specify the inspections to carry out. Ask the seller for the existing reports and have an inspection carried out before first use.