Buying a Forklift? Ask These 5 Critical Questions First

When it comes to investing in equipment for your business, few purchases are as crucial—or as costly—as a forklift. It’s the workhorse of many operations, responsible for keeping things moving, on time, and on budget.

But not all forklifts are created equal. Some are built to last, with reliable components and trusted local support. Others might look like a good deal on paper—until they break down mid-job or you’re waiting months for a simple part to arrive from overseas.

At Hyundai Forklifts Mackay, we’ve seen it all. We know the difference a quality forklift can make to your productivity, safety, and bottom line. So, before you hand over your hard-earned cash, we want you to be armed with the right questions—questions that could save you time, money, and a lot of headaches down the track.

Here are the five critical questions every smart buyer should ask before purchasing a forklift.

1. Do they offer spare parts & tech support in Australia?

You wouldn’t buy a car if you couldn’t service it locally. The same applies to forklifts.

One of the biggest frustrations we hear from businesses who went with cheaper or unknown brands is the long wait times for parts. A simple component failure can result in weeks—or even months—of downtime if the part needs to be shipped internationally. That’s not just inconvenient, it’s bad for business.

When you choose a forklift, make sure the manufacturer or dealer has spare parts and technical support right here in Australia. Ideally, they’ll have a service network you can call on when needed, with parts in stock and technicians who understand the machinery inside and out.

At Hyundai Forklifts Mackay, we’re a part of Hyundai’s nationwide support network, and as we stock a huge range of parts in our Mackay workshop, if something does go wrong, you’re not left waiting.

2. How reliable is the forklift? Can you speak to a real customer?

On the surface, many forklifts look the same. But under the hood, it’s a different story. Some are built with high-quality materials, designed to run reliably for years. Others are built cheaply to cut costs—and that usually shows up pretty quickly in breakdowns, maintenance bills, and operator complaints.

The best way to assess reliability? Ask to speak to a current customer. A reputable dealer will be happy to put you in touch with another business using the same model you’re considering. Ask how often they service it, how it handles daily workloads, and whether they’ve had any unexpected problems.

Word of mouth is one of the strongest indicators of a quality product. If the brand can’t give you references or dodges the question, that’s a red flag.

We’ve delivered forklifts to local businesses all over Mackay and beyond—from mining operations and transport companies to warehouses and workshops. Our customers trust the gear we supply. Check out some of our client testimonials.

3. Is there a dependable dealer network?

Even the best forklift won’t run forever without the occasional hiccup. When that happens, you need a local dealer network you can depend on.

Buying from an online warehouse or interstate supplier might save you a few bucks upfront, but what happens when something goes wrong? Who’s going to answer the phone? Who will service the machine? Who will be there when you need parts, training, or support?

A dependable dealer isn’t just someone who sells you the machine—it’s someone who supports you throughout the lifespan of that machine.

At Hyundai Forklifts Mackay, we’re not just here to sell you a forklift and wave goodbye. We provide ongoing support, access to spare parts, technical knowledge, and assistance whenever you need it. We’re part of the Mackay community, and we back what we sell.

4. What safety standards does it meet?

Safety should never be an afterthought, especially in industries like mining, construction, warehousing, and logistics. Yet, not every forklift on the market meets Australian safety and compliance standards.

Some imported machines might not be properly tested for our local conditions. Others might lack essential features like operator restraint systems, visibility enhancements, or proper load-handling capabilities.

Before you buy, ask to see proof of Australian compliance. Does the forklift meet WorkSafe standards? Has it been certified for operation under local laws and regulations?

A non-compliant machine doesn’t just put your team at risk—it could put your entire business in legal hot water if something goes wrong. Avoid the risk. Stick with reputable brands and trusted dealers who can guarantee compliance.

Hyundai Forklifts, for example, meet all relevant Australian standards and are built to perform safely in tough Aussie conditions.

5. What’s the resale value?

You may not be thinking about resale when you’re focused on the here and now, but it’s something that matters more than you think.

Some forklift brands have next to no resale market. That means when it comes time to upgrade or move on, you’re left with equipment nobody wants to buy.

Choosing a recognised brand with a strong reputation means you’ll get better resale value when the time comes. It also means your forklift is more attractive to hire companies, buyers, and even finance providers, because they know the brand stands for quality.

Hyundai forklifts hold their value well thanks to their reliability, performance, and brand recognition—just one more reason we recommend.

Contact us

If you’re after new forklifts, servicing, or expert advice, get in touch with the team at Hyundai Forklifts Mackay on 07 4955 5336 – we’ve got you covered.