Lessons Learned from The Used Forklift

I've been spending a lot of time at work this month. If nothing else, my job is practical. I'm gradually becoming confident in my ability to assemble/repair/design/build almost anything that comes my way from small electronics to heavy machinery.

We recently got a great deal on a used forklift on Ebay. It was in fine working condition, but the battery charger had seen better days. Its once red exterior was faded into a pathetic dull pink. The steel cage vents were mangled and the cabinet dented. The DC charge cables fell limply through the worn and shredded sheath. It was a mess.

If this was found in the typical garage it would be considered trash. However, with a little bit of effort we were able to revive it. Replace the damaged wires and use a little heat shrink to repair the cable sheath. Flatten out the dented cabinet walls and mangled vent cage. Sand off the rust spots, prime it, spray on some shiny blue paint and voila! ... good as new.

Maybe not brand new, but not bad. Not bad at all.


Lessons Learned from The Used Forklift

• Take Care of Your Stuff
  The people that sold this to us probably paid top dollar for a replacement. Take care of the stuff you own and it will last a lot longer! Use with care, practice regular and preventative maintenance, keep it clean, etc.
  
  
• Work with What You Have
  This is where before and after shots would have been great. Please, use your imagination. If I could turn that piece of junk into decent shop equipment you can salvage something of your own. Re-stain wood furniture. Turn an old door into table. An old blanket into a wall decoration. A little creativity goes a long way!
  
  
• Buy Used
  Think outside of the box here. You might be surprised on what you can find used. Hey would you expect to find a forklift on Ebay? You never know. As MSN Money points out, the yard-sale economy is coming. As the economy weakens, its going to become a buyers market. Keep your eye out for good deals. One persons trash is another persons treasure. You are bound to save money and you can feel good about keeping this "trash" out of the landfill.