in belguim the sold new trucks without warranties just on the parts the custumer does it all them self (large customer)

you might also check with one of the advertisers here on forkliftaction.com, FleetNet America, Inc.

You would need to speak with the Saleman at the dealership for the brand in question. Most brands have better warranties than they have ever had to offer.

Thanks to both of you for the "education". Do the manufacturers or dealers have these warranties on their websites or would I have to speak with a salesman for further information? Also-I assume I'd have to talk with a salesman about pricing?

I'd like to jump in and add that some manufacturers are getting good at offering extended warranties in deals. I presently have numerous customers that have purchased 5 yr. 10,000 hour extended warranties that cover everything that the OEM standard warranty covers. Like our salesmen like to tell the customer "Bumper to bumper". There are many versions of this available.

bbforks, most of the items covered under the "C.A.R.B."regulation, (emissions, lpg regulator, emissions control computers and tuneup) have a longer warranty period, in the USA. some up to 3 years and/or 3600 hours.

Diego- very well said. Warranty periods (as far as I know) only last a year- bumper to bumper- & 2 years on drivetrain. correct me if I'm wrong. The potential costs of a denied warranty claim far outway the cost of Pm's during the warranty period. Even a small repair ( replacing a broken hose) can be construde as a non- factory repair if the exact type of factory hose isn't used. May sound stupid, but I've experienced such excuses.

I think some further explanation might be warranted here. The lift truck manufacturer has every right to designate who performs WARRANTY WORK. Most, if not all warranties specifically state that WARRANTY REPAIRS MUST BE performed by an Authorized Dealer. This is the normal process, just as a car or television or cell phone, etc. The manufacturer is paying the bill; they get to choose who they pay for that. That makes sense. The dealer that represents the manufacturer is obligated by contract, (law) to perform warranty repairs that fit within the definition of warranty.
Likewise, the lift truck owner has every right to choose who performs routine repairs, maintenance and other non-warranty repairs, assuming that those repairs are performed by someone qualified to make that repair. And, the scheduled service is performed on time and properly documented.
As Mr. bbforks and others pointed out, it is in the lift truck owners best interest to have the dealer perform any maintenance, other than very minor non-warranty repairs, during the warranty period. The dealer has access to training and service information that others may not have such as, recalls, service bulletins and proper repair techniques. Having a dealer do all the work during the warranty period helps to ensure that small problems don't become big problems later on, as they are in the best position to know how to solve them early on.
As a lift truck owner, if you are not satisfied with the dealer response then by all means, contact the manufacturer and work it out BEFORE it costs you money!

I can tell you from personal experience that I've had dealers deny warranty claims because my customer had an independent working on their machine (me). It's happened a few times with different dealers (different makes & models). They found an excuse about how the machine wasn't repaired to factory standards because aftermarket parts were used (filters). Now, my customer certainly could call the manufacturer as you stated, but small- one forklift shop owners wear many hats & getting into a **** contest on warranty is time consuming & puts a bad taste in everyones mouth.

This is why I always advise my customer to have the dealer do all the PM's on the unit during the warranty period. Not only is there no question on warranty work, but also any updates/ recalls, etc can also be handled.

Hi ALL
If a dealer is trying to deny warranty You need to call the manufacture of the unit. Manufactures will step in and resolve the problem. Dealers do not have the right to deny any warranty do to who service the Unit. They have a contract with the manufacture of the unit to do the warranty work. Is is not their right. and if a dealer is doing just that and the manufacture doesn't solve it. Their is what most call word of mouth. and make then at that time I would spread the word.

DEALERS WOULD DO THIS TYPE OF MARKETING ARE NORMALLY NOT GOOD AT TAKING CARE OF THE CUSTOMER, SO THEY NEED TO HOLD THEM HOSTAGE.

The company that produced the forklift can deny warranty for use of improper weights of oils, hydraulic or engine, transmission, differential. If you are not the dealer it would be wise to obtain a specification sheet and stick to the weights and codes. The dealer may refuse to act but it would not be in their best interests. Most dealers I have dealt with will come check the unit and if the tech cannot see abuse or determine abuse, they file a warranty claim. It is up to the factory whether warranty is paid or not. If the factory denies the dealers warranty claim, the customer will be responsible for the cost of repairs. Many warranties do not cover the cost of fluids. Hyster corp. sent their dealers a letter about using the wrong viscosity of oil in engines and voiding said warranty. Under normal conditions, I don't see the factory refusing warranty, and would severely reprimand a dealer who refuses to check on a warranty issue. To many major accounts for any lift truck company do their own work for this to be an issue.

Warranty may not pay as well as retail customer that calls for breakdowns, but it still pays.
If done well, like every other part of this industry, it will be a profit center for the dealer. If not, the dealer is doing LOTS wrong.

Consumer protection laws do not apply to businesses. If a consumer (not a business) bought a forklift , then those laws would kick in. Businesses are governed by contractual law. Every transaction is supposed to be covered by a written contract (depending on the situation, a verbal contract can suffice, but it's not as binding as a written one).

I always advise my customers to have the dealer service any unit under warranty because I've seen the games some dealers play when it comes to warranty. If a dealer can get out of warranty work, they will- that has been my experience.

The customer is who decides who does the normal routine service work
The dealer will want it and will try to get it, but i do not think a covered warranty claim hinges on who does the service work on the truck.
We have customers that service their own trucks but we still do warranty claims for them as long as their techs don't damage the trucks original state, the tech services the truck as per the recommended maintenance specs,
and the failure cant be traced back to anything that the non-factory tech did or did not do.
it only can be covered by a qualified manufacturer dealership though.
I'm not sure exactly what the consumers rights are in the law when it pertains to warranties and dealerships, but i think a dealership can deny working on a truck if they choose to do so. I believe the factory is who is responsible for covering the warranty and any factory supported dealership can do it, but I don't think it would be in their best interest to turn down doing it. Being that the dealership is a representative of the factory they may be obligated to cover warranty.

A wise customer would use the dealership for his routine service during the warranty period, and hopefully from there on out. ;o)