Dispelling common forklift warranty myths

Forklift manufacturers provide warranties on their equipment so the customer feels comfortable with the purchase. While it's great to have protection in case of a major mechanical defect, some customers aren't clear about what a forklift warranty will actually cover.

We asked several of BuyerZone's network of forklift dealers to help quash some of the common myths about warranties and help set realistic expectations for what a forklift warranty can do.

Read the forklift warranty carefully

"If customers took the time to read the warranty, they would see the details are clear-cut and not hidden in the fine print," says Stan Sewell, President of Barloworld Handling, Charlotte, North Carolina. "Customers assume forklift warranties provide bumper-to-bumper protection. But most OEM warranties are designed to cover failure in major components and craftsmanship, not consumables or customer damage."

Still, the language that many manufacturers use in the warranties can confuse new forklift customers.

"The warranty may indicate that it covers everything but items that get worn out," explains David A. Dunaj at Blue Water Lift Truck Service in Kimball, Michigan. "But most buyers don't realize that most of the things that need repair on a forklift are items that get worn out! The way readers interpret the warranties, they expect similar coverage they'd get on automobiles, but there are few instances where that's true."

Maintain your own forklift regularly

Some customers rely too heavily on the warranty and overlook general upkeep responsibilities.

"Forklift owners must have their machines serviced regularly, just like a car," explains Bill Leavitt, Vice President of Sales at New England Industrial Truck, Woburn, Massachusetts.

"The warranty can't help you with a blown motor if you never change or refill the oil or filter. The warranty is important, but it's still the purchaser's obligation to make sure the machine is serviced according to the manufacturers' recommendations."

Warranties vs. maintenance agreements

Some dealers and customers mistakenly interchange "warranty" with "maintenance agreement" even though they represent different things. Richard Cole, Sales Manager for Dyna-Lift of Florida, explains the difference:

"A forklift warranty is a manufacturer's guarantee on the major components of a new truck: engine, transmission, and drive axle," explains Cole. "The rest of the truck may be covered for one year or 2,000 hours of use, and the warranty doesn't cover wear and tear or the battery."

"A forklift maintenance agreement is sold at the time of purchase and relates to servicing the forklift, such as planned maintenance and repairs not covered by the warranty."

Cole adds that neither warranties nor maintenance agreements can relieve you of your responsibility to treat the machine properly:

"You still have to maintain your equipment regularly because neither [warranties nor maintenance agreements] will cover vehicle abuse or neglect."

Don't automatically buy additional coverage

An extended warranty may offer peace of mind, but it's not always a necessary purchase.

"Be wary about purchasing extended warranties," cautions Todd Yandell, Sales Manager at Lonestar Forklift in Houston, Texas. "If you choose a good lift truck manufacturer, buying additional warranty coverage is nothing more than buying a piece of paper and putting money in the salesperson's pocket. If you trust the vehicle and who you're buying from, the standard warranty provides enough coverage."

Looking for a forklift dealer who offers the right forklift and provides a good warranty? Submit a free forklifts request for quotes and get matched to local dealers who will help you make an informed purchasing decision.

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