Buying a forklift is a big choice for any business. A forklift can help you move heavy loads, finish jobs faster, and keep your team safe. But there is something just as important as choosing the right forklift. You also need to understand the forklift warranty. A forklift warranty is like a safety promise. It helps you when something breaks or stops working the way it should. A good warranty can save you a lot of money and time. It can also help you avoid stress because you know you will get help if something goes wrong.

At Forklift Select, we help many businesses all around Denver and nearby cities like Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, and Westminster. We guide people on how to pick the right forklift and how to choose the best warranty. We want every business owner to feel sure and safe with their choice. This guide will help you learn what a forklift warranty is, what it covers, and why it matters. It will also show you what to check before you buy a new or used forklift.

What Is a Forklift Warranty

A forklift warranty is a promise from the maker or dealer of the forklift. This promise says they will fix certain problems or replace certain parts for free for a set amount of time. It is like having protection for your forklift.

But not all warranties are the same. Some cover more things. Some last longer. Some have rules you must follow. This is why you need to understand each part before you buy a forklift.

There are usually three types of forklift warranties:

1. Manufacturer warranties
2. Dealer warranties
3. Extended warranties

Each one helps you in a different way. Let’s take a closer look at each type.

Manufacturer Warranties

Most new forklifts come with a manufacturer warranty. This is a warranty from the company that made the forklift. It usually covers problems caused by defects in how the forklift was built. A typical manufacturer warranty lasts 1 to 3 years. It often includes coverage for:

• The engine
• The transmission
• The hydraulics
• The electronic systems

This kind of warranty helps you feel safe because the forklift maker will fix any mistakes they made during production.

For example, if the engine stops working because of a factory defect, the warranty will cover the repair. You do not pay for it. This helps your business avoid big surprises and costly repair bills.

Dealer Warranties

A dealer warranty is a warranty offered by the place where you buy the forklift. Dealers like Forklift Select often give their own extra warranty because they want buyers to feel safe and happy with their purchase.

Dealer warranties may include:

• Labor costs
• Extra part replacements
• Limited maintenance
• Free delivery
• Forklift training and setup

Dealer warranties are very helpful when buying a used forklift. When a forklift is pre-owned, it has already been used. Dealer warranties give extra safety so you do not worry about big repairs right after you buy it. At Forklift Select, businesses in Denver and nearby cities benefit a lot from dealer warranties. They get more support and better guidance, especially if the forklift is used.

Extended Warranties

An extended warranty is added protection. It gives you more coverage after the normal warranty ends. This is good for businesses that use forklifts a lot or work in tough areas like construction sites.

Extended warranties help because they:

• Reduce downtime
• Lower repair costs
• Keep forklifts working longer
• Help you plan future expenses

Forklift Select offers flexible extended warranties for both new and used forklifts. Many businesses in Denver, Aurora, and Lakewood choose these because they want long-term protection.

What Forklift Warranties Usually Cover

It is very important to know what a warranty covers before you buy a forklift. Not all warranties cover the same things, so you must check the list carefully. Here are the main parts most warranties cover:

1. Engine and Transmission

These are the heart of the forklift. Many warranties cover repairs or replacements if something inside the engine or gearbox is defective.

2. Hydraulic Systems

Hydraulic parts like pumps, hoses, and cylinders help the forklift lift heavy loads. If these parts fail because of a manufacturing mistake, the warranty usually covers them.

3. Electrical Parts

Electric forklifts have batteries, controllers, and wiring. These can be expensive to fix, so having them covered in the warranty is very helpful.

4. Mast and Lifting Parts

These parts help raise and lower pallets safely. Many warranties cover issues with lifting chains, carriage parts, and mast assemblies.

These areas are important because they help the forklift run safely and smoothly. But you must always check the fine print.

What Warranties Usually Do Not Cover

Here are some things many warranties do not include:

Normal Wear and Tear

Items like:

• Tires
• Filters
• Brake pads
• Lights

These parts wear out over time and you must replace them yourself.

Damage from Misuse

If the forklift is used the wrong way, overloaded, or driven in unsafe conditions, the warranty will not cover the damage.

Lack of Maintenance

Most warranties require you to take care of your forklift. You must do regular checks, oil changes, and inspections. If you do not follow the maintenance rules, your warranty can become void.

Used Equipment Limits

If you buy a used forklift, the warranty may:

• Last for a shorter time
• Cover fewer parts
• Focus only on main systems like hydraulic or engine problems

This is why choosing the right dealer is very important. A good dealer explains everything clearly so you know exactly what you are getting.

Forklift Select helps many Denver businesses understand these limits and avoid surprises.

New Forklift Warranties

If you buy a new forklift, you usually get a strong warranty from the manufacturer. Here are the main benefits:

Longer Warranty Time

New forklifts often come with 12 to 36 months of full coverage.

More Complete Coverage

Most major parts are covered.

Better Support

You get access to trained technicians and original replacement parts.

Because of this, new forklift warranties are great for busy warehouses, construction companies, and large operations in Denver.

Used Forklift Warranties

Used forklifts cost less, but the warranty is usually different from a new one. Here is what used forklift warranties often include:

• Short-term coverage (3 to 12 months)
• Coverage for major parts only
• Optional upgrades for better protection

At Forklift Select, all used forklifts are certified and come with dealer-backed warranties. This gives Denver-area businesses peace of mind because they know the forklift has been checked, repaired, and tested before delivery.

What to Check Before Choosing a Forklift Warranty

Before you pick a warranty, ask yourself these questions:

1. What Does It Cover

Is the warranty covering the most important parts for your business?

2. How Long Does It Last

Does the time frame match how long you plan to keep the forklift?

3. Are There Exclusions

Does it leave out things you need, like key parts or labor?

4. Does It Include Labor

Labor fees can be expensive. A warranty with free labor is better.

5. Can the Warranty Be Transferred

This helps if you want to sell your forklift later.

These questions help you avoid trouble and pick the best plan.

Local Needs for Denver and Nearby Areas

If your business is in Denver or places close by like Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, or Westminster, you may have special needs when choosing a forklift warranty. This is because the weather, the work style, and the type of job site can affect how your forklift performs.

Here are things to think about in the Denver area.

1. Outdoor Job Sites Need Strong Warranties

Many job sites in Denver are outdoors. Outdoor work can be tough on forklifts. Dust, dirt, rocks, and rough ground can cause parts to wear out faster.

If you work outside a lot, you may need a warranty that covers:

• The engine
• Hydraulics
• Transmission
• Tires and lifting parts

These parts get used heavily on construction or outdoor loading sites.

2. Indoor Warehouses Need Electrical Coverage

Some businesses use electric forklifts indoors. If you run a warehouse in Denver or Aurora, you may rely on batteries, chargers, and controllers.

A good indoor forklift warranty should include:

• Battery coverage
• Electrical parts
• Wiring
• Electronics

Electric forklifts are quiet and clean, but repairs can cost a lot without coverage.

3. High Altitude Can Affect Forklifts

Denver is known as the Mile High City. High altitude means the air is thinner, and this can make gas or diesel engines work harder.

Because of this, it is smart to choose a warranty that covers:

• Engine performance
• Fuel systems
• Air intake parts

This helps keep your forklift strong and ready for daily work.

Why Extended Warranties Are Helpful

An extended warranty gives you extra years of protection. It is like giving your forklift a longer, safer life. These warranties are very useful for businesses that:

• Use forklifts all day
• Work in tough places like construction or outdoor yards
• Want to avoid sudden repair bills
• Want long-term safety and support

Extended warranties usually offer:

1. More Years of Coverage

You get protection after the normal warranty ends. This saves you money later.

2. Roadside Help

If your forklift breaks down, some plans include help right away. This reduces downtime.

3. Yearly Inspections

Many extended warranties include check-ups that keep your forklift healthy.

4. Preventive Maintenance

These services help you fix small problems before they become big ones.

Forklift Select offers custom extended warranties for new and used forklifts. Companies around Denver, Lakewood, and Aurora like these because they keep operations running smoothly.

Financing and Warranty Bundles

Buying a forklift can be a big cost for your business. But you can make it easier by choosing financing. Financing lets you pay little by little each month instead of paying everything at once. Forklift Select also lets you bundle financing with warranties. This means you can get the forklift and the warranty together in one simple monthly payment. This can help your business:

1. Plan Your Budget

You know exactly how much you will spend every month.

2. Protect Your Forklift

You get full warranty coverage without worrying about extra repair bills.

3. Get Extra Services

Some bundles include delivery, training, and setup.

Many business owners in Denver like this because it helps them grow without stretching their budget too far.

Common Questions About Forklift Warranties

Here are answers to some questions that customers often ask about forklift warranties.

1. Are forklift warranties transferable

Yes, many warranties can be transferred to a new owner if you decide to sell your forklift. This makes your forklift more valuable.

2. Do used forklifts come with warranties

Yes. Many certified used forklifts from good dealers come with limited warranties that cover things like the engine, hydraulics, or transmission.

3. How often should I service my forklift

Most forklifts need service every 250 to 500 hours of use. If you use your forklift every day, you may need monthly check-ups.

4. Do warranties cover accidents

Most standard warranties do not cover accidents or damage caused by the operator. But some extended warranties may offer extra protection.

5. What is the difference between a manufacturer warranty and a dealer warranty

A manufacturer warranty covers mistakes made by the company that built the forklift. A dealer warranty covers extra things like labor, used forklift parts, or maintenance.

Tips for Choosing the Best Forklift Warranty

Before you choose a warranty, think about your daily work. The right warranty should match how you use your forklift. Here are helpful tips.

1. Think About How Hard Your Forklift Works

If you use your forklift all day, choose a warranty with longer coverage and more parts included.

2. Choose a Warranty That Includes Labor

Some repairs cost a lot in labor. A warranty that includes labor can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

3. Check the Fine Print

Always check what is not covered. Some warranties may leave out tires, batteries, or electronics.

4. Pick a Dealer You Trust

A good dealer explains everything clearly. They also help you if you need repairs or extra support.

Why a Good Warranty Matters

A forklift without a good warranty is like driving a car without insurance. You hope everything goes well, but if something breaks, the cost can be huge.

A good warranty helps your business:

• Save money
• Avoid downtime
• Protect your forklift
• Keep workers safe
• Plan costs better

This is why many smart business owners choose strong warranties from trusted dealers.

Your Forklift Warranty Guide

Understanding forklift warranties is very important when buying a forklift. Whether the forklift is new or used, the right warranty protects your business from big repair bills and long downtime.

Here are the most important things to remember:

• New forklifts usually have longer and more complete warranties
• Used forklifts can still have good coverage if you buy from the right dealer
• Extended warranties give you long-term protection
• Good warranties save money and keep your business running
• Always check what is included, what is not, and how long coverage lasts

Forklift Select helps businesses across Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, and Thornton choose forklifts and warranties that fit their needs. With expert advice, flexible financing, and reliable support, you can feel confident in your forklift investment. If you want help choosing the right forklift or warranty, call (877) 733-LIFT today. You can also explore our forklift inventory online. We are here to keep your business strong, safe, and running every day.