When buyers shop for a used forklift, the first question is usually:“How many hours does it have?”
But from a repair standpoint, hours alone tell only part of the story.
At Pollies Forklifts, we service and inspect used forklifts every week. One recent hydraulic repair reminded us why hydraulic oil and filter maintenance is one of the most overlooked — and most expensive — issues in used equipment.
A Real Forklift Hydraulic Cylinder Failure We Recently Repaired
The machine came in with a common complaint:
At first glance, it looked like a faulty valve or a bad cylinder.
After disassembly, the real issue became clear.
Inside the hydraulic cylinder, we found:
This was not a design flaw or a manufacturing defect.It was the result of long-term hydraulic oil neglect.
Why Hydraulic Oil Condition Is Critical in Used Forklifts
Hydraulic oil does far more than move a mast up and down.
In forklifts, hydraulic oil is responsible for:
When oil is not changed regularly, it:
In used forklifts, bad oil causes more failures than high hours.
Filters Matter Just as Much as the Oil
Hydraulic filters are often ignored until a failure happens.
When filters are:
Contaminants circulate freely and damage:
In the case we repaired, replacing seals alone would not have solved the problem.The system had to be fully cleaned and flushed.
Why Cold Climate Operations Increase Risk
Forklifts operating in Canada face additional challenges:
Old oil that might survive in warmer climates often fails much faster here.This makes maintenance history more important than hours when evaluating used forklifts.
What Used Forklift Buyers Should Look For
When inspecting a used forklift, we recommend checking:
A forklift with moderate hours and clean oil is often a better buy than a low-hour machine with neglected hydraulics.
Why We Emphasize Hydraulic Maintenance at Pollies Forklifts
At Pollies Forklifts, we specialize in used forklifts and material handling equipment.
Before resale, we focus heavily on:
Because in real-world use, hydraulics determine reliability, safety, and resale value.
Final Thoughts: Maintenance Is Cheaper Than Repair
The cylinder failure we repaired was preventable.
Regular hydraulic oil and filter changes would have:
For forklift owners and buyers alike, hydraulic maintenance is not optional — it is an investment.
Looking for Reliable Used Forklifts or Professional Forklift Repair?
At Pollies Forklifts, we buy, inspect, repair, and sell quality used forklifts with a focus on real-world reliability.
📍 Edmonton, Alberta🌐 www.polliesforklifts.com
