When businesses invest in forklift sales, they’re investing in a machine that needs to earn its keep over years, not months. What keeps that investment working reliably? Two things: using the right parts and keeping up with proper servicing.

From what we’ve seen on-site, these two areas make or break long-term forklift performance. When done well, they extend the life of your machine, protect resale value, prevent breakdowns, and reduce risk. When skipped or done cheaply, they cost you time, money, and operational continuity.

We’ve seen it repeatedly on real sites the difference proper support makes to uptime, safety, and cost control.

What are the risks of skipping regular forklift servicing?

Relying on reactive maintenance or non-specialist service partners usually leads to trouble.

Here’s what tends to happen:

• Unexpected breakdowns eat into productivity
• Minor issues compound into major mechanical failures
• Safety risks increase, especially under load or at height
• Repair costs spike, particularly if original parts aren’t used
• Resale value drops dramatically over time

Picture a warehouse manager mid-peak season facing equipment failure. That kind of breakdown disrupts deliveries, delays fulfilment, and risks losing contracts.

A client in the logistics sector once told us: “We learned the hard way. Cheap parts caused two breakdowns in three months. Now we only use OEM components, and reliability has shot up.”

And in one recent case, a retail distribution centre avoided a total halt by catching a mast issue during routine servicing a two-hour fix that could’ve become a five-day problem.

If you’re planning future forklift sales, preventing these risks should be your starting point.

Why should you choose OEM forklift parts over cheaper alternatives?

Third-party or knock-off components may look similar, but their performance and reliability often fall short.

From our experience supporting long-term fleets, non-genuine parts tend to:

• Wear out faster under load
• Increase fuel or power consumption
• Invalidate manufacturer warranties
• Trigger issues with onboard sensors or controls

We often get asked why OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts cost more. The answer: they last longer, reduce risks, and keep your kit compliant. It’s the difference between a forklift that’s ready for daily shifts and one that’s down mid-job.

When evaluating forklift sales, confirm the type of aftercare support included and whether it gives you access to genuine, manufacturer-approved parts. Doing so protects the value of your investment and supports ongoing performance.

What should be included in a forklift servicing agreement?

A proper servicing programme should go far beyond oil changes. It should include:

• Scheduled inspections based on hours of use and operating conditions
• Detailed reports that help track ongoing wear and spot trends early
• Compliance checks to meet LOLER and PUWER regulations
• Access to experienced engineers who know your forklift model inside out
• Timely replacement of parts using OEM or approved alternatives

At Glosrose, our servicing includes LOLER and PUWER compliance checks, fast parts delivery, and engineer-led fixes. We help your team stay productive and compliant.

See what’s included in our full parts and servicing support. Our service is designed to back every forklift sales conversation with genuine, long-term support.

How do parts and servicing affect forklift resale value?

Forklifts are long-term assets. Consistent servicing will:

• Extend operational life, often adding 2–5 years to expected use
• Prevent safety issues from neglected hydraulics or braking systems
• Maintain higher resale or trade-in value, especially with documented service history
• Preserve warranty coverage, reducing financial risk over time

This comes up a lot during resale assessments. Clean paintwork won’t matter if a buyer suspects the internals have been neglected. A strong service record gives them confidence. A detailed servicing history proves your forklift’s been looked after.

If your business is involved in forklift sales, these are the value points buyers check first.

How do LOLER and PUWER regulations affect forklift servicing?

Forklift servicing isn’t only about uptime. It also ensures legal compliance.

If you’re lifting loads or personnel, you must stay compliant with:

• LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations)
• PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations)

We’ve seen operations stumble when they can’t produce service records during audits. A professional servicing partner completes and documents these inspections, ensuring you’re ready if enforcement visits your site.

Whether your business runs internal fleets or manages forklift sales, staying compliant is essential.

What questions should you ask before purchasing a forklift?

Buying a forklift new or used should involve more than just price comparison. Ask vendors the right questions to make sure you’re covered beyond delivery day:

• What’s included in the sale? (Delivery, setup, warranty)
• Do you offer a service or maintenance plan?
• Are OEM parts available when needed?
• Are your engineers qualified for all brands you sell?
• Can I review service records if I’m buying used?

These questions separate reactive buyers from strategic ones. We’ve worked with companies that saved thousands simply by choosing a partner who backed the sale with long-term support.

When you’re planning forklift sales, having clear answers to these questions builds trust and drives better deals.

How does Glosrose support long-term forklift performance?

We work closely with you from day one helping you choose the right machine and keeping it running without fuss. We help clients choose the right machine and keep it operating reliably from day one.

With over 170 trucks and equipment from trusted brands like Manitou, Bobcat, and Combilift, we meet both short-term demand and long-term performance goals.

Our support includes:

• Fast access to OEM parts and consumables
• 24-hour delivery for key components
• On-site diagnostics and repairs by qualified engineers
• Ongoing support for all hire and sales models

Explore our parts and maintenance offering to learn how we keep fleets running smoothly.

Glosrose is trusted across the UK for reliable, long-term support in forklift sales and servicing.

Protect your investment

Avoid unnecessary downtime and compliance risk. Work with a partner who stays involved after the handover ready to sort issues before they become problems.

Glosrose helps you maintain high performance from delivery and setup to ongoing servicing and parts supply.

Book a parts or servicing enquiry today or speak to our team to discuss your fleet needs.

Explore our full forklift hire and sales options to find the right model for your operation. Every one of our forklift sales packages comes with real support, not just a price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between OEM and aftermarket forklift parts?

OEM parts come from the original manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are third-party and often lack the precision needed for consistent performance.

How often should a forklift be serviced?

Service intervals depend on use. Most forklifts need attention every 250–500 hours, with more frequent checks in demanding conditions.

Can I service my forklift in-house?

Basic tasks like topping fluids or checking tires are manageable. Compliance inspections for LOLER/PUWER must be handled by qualified professionals.

Does regular servicing affect forklift resale value?

Yes. Machines with documented service history command higher resale prices and inspire more confidence in buyers.

If you’re considering forklift sales as part of your business, these details give you a competitive edge.