Discussion:
is buying used 1992 Clark good idea?

Hello,

I have been looking for forklift for long time, and
I just found an old forklift 1992 Clark C500Y80, 8000K capacity, propane, foam filled pneumatic tires, 3 stages, side shift, Perkins engine, 2 speed automatic transmission.
It has 52,725 miles. Only $2000. The seller said that is has no issue.

Please let me know if it is good idea to buy this old forklift.
I'm going to use it very lightly, about 50 to 100 hours in one year.
How much do I need to spend if somethings(engines, transmission, etc) goes wrong?

By the way, I'm going to use it inside building and also outside on dirt.
I worry if it will make too much smoke and smell when I work inside a building. Please let me know if it is suitable to work inside a building.

Thank you.
  • Posted 15 Nov 2023 01:41
  • Modified 15 Nov 2023 01:43 by poster
  • By kevin_lee
  • joined 9 Aug'23 - 14 messages
  • California, United States
Showing items 1 - 8 of 8 results.
Brake job is fine. Im okay to pay that amount. I worry more major part, like engine, transmission, etc.
  • Posted 17 Nov 2023 03:09
  • By kevin_lee
  • joined 9 Aug'23 - 14 messages
  • California, United States
You're right, future repair costs are a factor. But if it's still running that means someone has been taking care of it. It might blow a head gasket tomorrow. But then again any truck you get could blow a head gasket tomorrow.

It's hard to estimate repair costs but I wouldn't be surprised if a brake job cost you anywhere between $800 and $1800 from a dealership. Regardless of what you buy, finding a good independent mechanic would save you money in the long run.
  • Posted 17 Nov 2023 02:58
  • By lumberjack
  • joined 27 Jul'07 - 180 messages
  • Maryland, United States
Sorry, I meant hours, not miles.

I know it is great price. However I feel like it already exceeded the expectancy life way more. So I think it will be not wonder if it stops working in few months or in one year. That is the reason that i want to know possible repair cost. Thank you
  • Posted 17 Nov 2023 01:58
  • By kevin_lee
  • joined 9 Aug'23 - 14 messages
  • California, United States
$2000 is a really good price for a lift that runs and functions. A typical brake job for this old girl is substantial. 52,725 miles? How about finding the hour meter to get an idea of its service life. I'm not aware of an odometer on this machine. Converting hours to miles is inaccurate at best.
  • Posted 17 Nov 2023 00:53
  • By ErichO
  • joined 26 Oct'21 - 83 messages
  • Washington, United States
Thank you for the reply.

Do you think that It is not extremely old even though it is 52,725miles, not 5,272 miles?

I searched online, and I thought 52,725 miles is way more than forklift' normal life expectancy.
Can you let me know how much do I need to expect to spend to repair if engine ,transmission, or other major parts has issue?
  • Posted 16 Nov 2023 06:36
  • By kevin_lee
  • joined 9 Aug'23 - 14 messages
  • California, United States
Thank you for the reply.

Do you think that It is not extremely old even though it is 52,725miles, not 5,272 miles?

I searched online, and I thought 52,725 miles is way more than forklift' normal life expectancy.
Can you let me know how much do I need to expect to spend to repair if engine ,transmission, or other major parts has issue?
  • Posted 16 Nov 2023 06:35
  • By kevin_lee
  • joined 9 Aug'23 - 14 messages
  • California, United States
That's a good price, as far as engine it's around
8,000 at a dealer and trans is 9-12 parts for the older Perkins are hard to find as far as hours 52 ,000 is a lot but if it was maintained properly it will give you more just hope no major issues
  • Posted 16 Nov 2023 06:25
  • Modified 16 Nov 2023 06:43 by poster
  • By John_Bradley
  • joined 10 Aug'22 - 215 messages
  • Texas, United States
Jb69
You live in California so I'd bet they've got regulations on use of LPG inside of a warehouse. As a practical matter, I wouldn't worry about running it for short periods so long as you leave the bay doors open.
And if you store it in the building make a habit of shutting off the LP at the tank when not in use.
  • Posted 16 Nov 2023 03:58
  • By lumberjack
  • joined 27 Jul'07 - 180 messages
  • Maryland, United States

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