Clark forklift purchase, am I nuts ?

[Jon Jacobs]

I am debating buying this ancient Clark forklift. I was told it runs but has been parked outside for several years. I am Leary of part availability and is it really worth it if I have to sink more money into it than its worth. Wondering if anyone has restored anything like this. It would be perfect for my small machine shop.

 

[A_Pmech]

That's about what mine looked like when I bought it. Parts are mostly available for the 60's era machines. I just make mine.

People get wrapped up in "what it's worth." Instead, they should be wrapped up in "what it would cost to replace." If you can buy a good runner for not much more than the cost to repair that one, go that route. If work is slow and you can get it running without a large time commitment, I'd buy it.

 

[Jon Jacobs]

That's about what mine looked like when I bought it. Parts are mostly available for the 60's era machines. I just make mine.

People get wrapped up in "what it's worth." Instead, they should be wrapped up in "what it would cost to replace." If you can buy a good runner for not much more than the cost to repair that one, go that route. If work is slow and you can get it running without a large time commitment, I'd buy it.

Thank you, that's sage advice. The owner was neither interested nor disinterested in its sale. Clarks are my favourite, and I think with some TLC, I could make it decent again.

Im guessing a total tear down, but I would have a decent machine for years. Ive almost killed myself more than once trying to move heavy machinery with an engine hoist.

I was thinking an offer of $300.00.

 

[GarageWarrior]

I am debating buying this ancient Clark forklift. I was told it runs but has been parked outside for several years. I am Leary of part availability and is it really worth it if I have to sink more money into it than its worth. Wondering if anyone has restored anything like this. It would be perfect for my small machine shop.

Don't buy it if you can't see it run, drive and LIFT. You should be able to find a decent running forklift for under a grand.

I bought a running propane Yale a while ago, (probably 50's or 60's). Payed $800, ran it for a couple years, and sold for what I payed for it. Restoring one would make no sense.

Another thing - there are NO parts, but you can sometimes cross-matching with generic replacements or adapt parts from other applications. Like mine had Continental engine, so was able to get some parts that route, and things like brakes can be cross-matched through NAPA. Here's mine(was)

Was kinda a pain to work on - engine compartmen is very cramped, hard to access components. I was using it for moving pallets, loading/unloading and stacking pallets on pallet racking - in the 2 years I had to replace - starter solenoid (was able to fit one from an old Civic), ignition key, several propane and oil hoses, brakes master cylinder, oil filter housing (could not find a replacement for the original oil filter). If anything big went - I would have to junk it.

If you just need something to move heavy machinery inside the shop - IMHO a pusher-type 12V pallet stacker might work better - lower maintenance, easy to maneuver and get in to tight spots.

I had this Presto 12V stacker:

and a Big (little) Joe lift:

A couple things on stackers - they are easy to push on concrete floor, but don't do well on asphalt, can't go on a grade, need clearance to get it's base under the load or need to go around the load (no counter-balance).

BTW - if you do get a forklift - guys on forkliftaction forum are great for advise - got me out of a few tight spots with mine.

 

[DAVE VAN]

I sold my old AllasChalbers for $350. Running good but smoked a little. FYI

 

[Bobf]

I had my son-in-laws old Toyota (G14) here for a couple years and I found a lot of uses for it. Made a slip on crane with 10' boom(bodies on/off frames), and a slip on 2X4' railed cage for tree trimming etc.
The downside was parts were expensive from a Toyota dealer and parts manuals are hard to come by for less than 1/2 wheel barrel of gold. I found it had basically a Corolla 4 cyl engine and almost everything was available from after market rather than Toyota. Never had much trouble with the hydraulics, although being old it leaked a little here and there.
I really miss it now that he started his own shop and needed it more than I do.

 

[GS-Louie]

We got rid of one like that last year at the food pantry I work at. The original engine ran very well. It would start the first turn every time, even when out in the cold barn in the winter. It's downfall was the brakes. The local fork lift dealer could not find replacement parts for the backing plates and drums. It did not have power steering and was a bear to turn some times. It also didn't have side shift. We received a donation of a new truck and the dealer sold the old one for scrap. It was worth more that way.

Lou

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Get one with large tires on it, not the small smooth warehouse tires/wheels. You want to be able to get it outside on reasonably solid but possibly somewhat irregular surfaces.

Charles

 

[Jon Jacobs]

Don't buy it if you can't see it run, drive and LIFT. You should be able to find a decent running forklift for under a grand.

I bought a running propane Yale a while ago, (probably 50's or 60's). Payed $800, ran it for a couple years, and sold for what I payed for it. Restoring one would make no sense.

Another thing - there are NO parts, but you can sometimes cross-matching with generic replacements or adapt parts from other applications. Like mine had Continental engine, so was able to get some parts that route, and things like brakes can be cross-matched through NAPA. Here's mine(was)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v24/djenyc/forklift/IMG_0835.jpg[/I
Was kinda a pain to work on - engine compartmen is very cramped, hard to access components. I was using it for moving pallets, loading/unloading and stacking pallets on pallet racking - in the 2 years I had to replace - starter solenoid (was able to fit one from an old Civic), ignition key, several propane and oil hoses, brakes master cylinder, oil filter housing (could not find a replacement for the original oil filter). If anything big went - I would have to junk it.

If you just need something to move heavy machinery inside the shop - IMHO a pusher-type 12V pallet stacker might work better - lower maintenance, easy to maneuver and get in to tight spots.

I had this Presto 12V stacker:
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v24/djenyc/IMG_0743.jpg

and a Big (little) Joe lift:

A couple things on stackers - they are easy to push on concrete floor, but don't do well on asphalt, can't go on a grade, need clearance to get it's base under the load or need to go around the load (no counter-balance).

BTW - if you do get a forklift - guys on forkliftaction forum are great for advise - got me out of a few tight spots with mine.

Thank you. Based on what I have read, I think I will save up for something better. It would be in my way as it is immobile, and I already have enough machinery that needs TLC.

My shop has 2 parallel I beams that I think I will turn into a crane.

Jon

 

[Jon Jacobs]

We got rid of one like that last year at the food pantry I work at. The original engine ran very well. It would start the first turn every time, even when out in the cold barn in the winter. It's downfall was the brakes. The local fork lift dealer could not find replacement parts for the backing plates and drums. It did not have power steering and was a bear to turn some times. It also didn't have side shift. We received a donation of a new truck and the dealer sold the old one for scrap. It was worth more that way.

Lou

Thanks Lou, what could you expect to pay for a decent running machine of that size ?

 

[klwolff]

I paid $800 for my old Hyster and it's great. Runs like a top!

 

[Jon Jacobs]

I paid $800 for my old Hyster and it's great. Runs like a top!

That would fit the bill. About my price range.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

I would love to have the paved space to justify buying a used lift. With only one driveway and little else, there wouldn't be much room for it to play. If I had any sort of size dedicated shop or space behind the house for storage, I'd get one. Used lifts aren't expensive really, with runners being $800-1200 for those not in active heavy service anymore.

Larger tires/wheels for gravel/uneven surfaces are a very good idea.

I think for my needs, I'll try to save up for a 27hp front end loader. Those you can put clamp on forks on if needed. Might be more useful for my purposes.

 

[GS-Louie]

We got a trade in value of $500. He brought out our new one and used it to load up the old one and went straight to the scrap yard. He said he was making money on the scrapping. I wouldn't pay more than a couple hundred if it was running and working.

Lou

 

[drivesitfar]

JJ: I've been thinking i can use one too and have been sort of looking now for about 6 months. I still don't know whether to get a battery or gas one or which brand so i'm probably another 6 months or year away from buying one. i'm using these lifts for now, but they won't work for a lot of things i want to pick up or load.

Ryan from GJ posted this restored 1940's fork lift a few months back that got my interest. if i was a lot handier i had a chance to buy one just like it that needed a lot of work for $400. i'd probably rather pay a bit more and have one that is in better than average shape, but i'm not nearly as handy as you and some of the guys on this forum are.

best of luck and from what i have seen you move into your shop i'd say you need one or a good lift made out of big I beams you can pull your new trailer under.

 

[midnite kid]

we have a clark like this one,parts are available,and they will lift cars up easily with extended forks

 

[lastgoodusername]

Here's a pic of mine, after it's first wash. The company I bought it from said the brakes were bad and sold it to me for a song. A wheel cylinder was leaking. Don't know how I made it all these years without it. 42 inch forks , 6 foot fork extensions , an I beam boom I built. I try to keep everything on pallets , so i can move stuff around without all the labor. Best money you will spend.

 

[lastgoodusername]

In use around my shop

 

[stangkid14]

do not buy that one,please this is something you should be buying to work with, not on. spend the extra money and get one that isnt a total project. Its like when I gotmy first pickup truck. I dont know how i ever did without it

 

[toplessHO]

I paid $800 for my old Hyster and it's great. Runs like a top!

wow! someone with more jetskis than I!

 

[Playwme]

Working on forklifts is a pain. Very little clearance underneath, hard to jack up, counterweights and panels are ****** heavy. Unless it runs well and everything works then you're better off avoiding it.

Here's my little Clark C50. Got it as payment for an end of lease shop clear out. Took me about 30 hours and $50 worth of diesel and I also got a heap of steel and motorbike parts and other stuff so the fork owes me bigger all. I was the shop manager for 4 years so knew the machine well.

 

[klwolff]

wow! someone with more jetskis than I!

I guess you could say that

 

[A_Pmech]

Do you rent the things or something? LOL

 

[Jon Jacobs]

we have a clark like this one,parts are available,and they will lift cars up easily with extended forks

If its not too much trouble would you post a pic of your forklift ? I just spoke with the owner and he said I can have it in the spring for nothing.

If I do a tear down over the winter I should have a decent machine by spring.

I think im commited to this project.

 

[drivesitfar]

JJ: i'm not trying to be a wet blanket, but there looks to be quite a few parts missing to your FREE fork lift. maybe before you haul it to your shop do a little search and pricing on how much the parts will be that are needed.

i'd love to see a thread with pictures of you doing a total restore on that old forklift, but if parts cost $1000 before you start counting your labor that's what i'm concerned about.

good luck

 

[Jon Jacobs]

JJ: i'm not trying to be a wet blanket, but there looks to be quite a few parts missing to your FREE fork lift. maybe before you haul it to your shop do a little search and pricing on how much the parts will be that are needed.

i'd love to see a thread with pictures of you doing a total restore on that old forklift, but if parts cost $1000 before you start counting your labor that's what i'm concerned about.

good luck

You're right, Im really torn but I really like the machine, Ive priced something new, but its way over my budget.

I have a friend who runs a forklift shop here in town who has done one very similar for us in the past, hes willing to help me out.

Ive found out parts are available at our local clark dealer in town, which is good.

Failing that I could fab up many things myself.

The motor would go to an engine builder here that did my 347 stroker for my 65 mustang.

Basically it leave brakes and main seal for the mast which I can do myself.

Sadly Im a fool for these old machines.

At the end of the day, yes it would cost more than a working machine, but it would be good as new and I would know its history and would last me well into my retirement.

 

[Jon Jacobs]

That's about what mine looked like when I bought it. Parts are mostly available for the 60's era machines. I just make mine.

People get wrapped up in "what it's worth." Instead, they should be wrapped up in "what it would cost to replace." If you can buy a good runner for not much more than the cost to repair that one, go that route. If work is slow and you can get it running without a large time commitment, I'd buy it.

I have the same radial arm drill.

 

[drivesitfar]

JJ: you have my blessing and looking forward to watching the rebuild thread you might have to start once you pick it up.

in the meantime you might look for one of these for your shop that is working well for me since i don't really have room for a gas or propane fork lift yet. mine is a Jet pallet jack lift and it just lifted my 1300 pound cast iron surface plate off my trailer with ease. pictures of the both attached.

 

[mburrus]

GarageWarrior, i worked on a yale like yours for a friend, the brake cylinders crossed to a checker/international truck part... i was able to source a master cylinder from a forklift part company... the continental engine parts are very plentiful... many forklift places around here have parts for the oldies...

Jon Jacobs, that is possibly a VERY old forklift... notice the bolt on counterweights on the sides... likely has a continental as well, and given the chance, hell yes, i would buy it and fix it up.
http://www.clarktheforklift.com/history/scroller/images/1939_utilitruc_clark_forklift.jpg
1939 The Utilitruc is introduced. This heavy-duty internal combustion CLARK fork lift was used mainly in the metal fabrication and stevedoring industries and remained in production until 1964.

(if you cant tell, i really like old continental engines, and have a bit of experience with them)

 

[Jon Jacobs]

JJ: you have my blessing and looking forward to watching the rebuild thread you might have to start once you pick it up.

in the meantime you might look for one of these for your shop that is working well for me since i don't really have room for a gas or propane fork lift yet. mine is a Jet pallet jack lift and it just lifted my 1300 pound cast iron surface plate off my trailer with ease. pictures of the both attached.

Well, I guess I'm committed now lol, Like your surface plate. Tidy shop too. Stay posted. I've been on the phone with Clark all morning. They have been very helpful.

 

[Jon Jacobs]

GarageWarrior, i worked on a yale like yours for a friend, the brake cylinders crossed to a checker/international truck part... i was able to source a master cylinder from a forklift part company... the continental engine parts are very plentiful... many forklift places around here have parts for the oldies...

Jon Jacobs, that is possibly a VERY old forklift... notice the bolt on counterweights on the sides... likely has a continental as well, and given the chance, hell yes, i would buy it and fix it up.
http://www.clarktheforklift.com/history/scroller/images/1939_utilitruc_clark_forklift.jpg
1939 The Utilitruc is introduced. This heavy-duty internal combustion CLARK fork lift was used mainly in the metal fabrication and stevedoring industries and remained in production until 1964.

(if you cant tell, i really like old continental engines, and have a bit of experience with them)

You are right sir, its a continental. Local engine shop even has cores. Im thinking total teardown. I will upgrade where I need to, but I will keep it original, although I am a fan of the clark green.

They just don't make them like this anymore, and its a testament to American engineering and durability.

I may ask you a few questions al I go along if you don't mind, Best Jon

 

[mburrus]

sure thing... i would check the operational status and vitals (oil pressure, compression), if the motor is running well, why tear it apart? they are super simple inside though...

pertronix makes distributors for those with some sort of electronic ignition module... i would have bought one if i wasnt able to resurrect mine, but they are a little pricey...

do you know which engine it has? y112? f162/3? f145? should be on a little plate on the engine, opposite side from the manifolds... you will see cast in part numbers, like f400.... and y400.... that just indicates that it is a 4 cylinder Y or F series engine...

i have an electronic copy of the engine manual (available by googling), and an original (old!) paper copy, if you need any scans or info...

indeed, for a piece of machinery to survive 50-70 years of abuse and neglect and keep working, is indeed a testament to (what was..) american quality

you can email me, should be in my user info, as i doubt i will be keeping up with this thread long term

 

[mburrus]

also, is it gasoline or LPG? setting an engine up for propane is pretty easy... i set mine up for propane, and it was pretty straight forward... you just need to know what parts you need...

 

[IndyGarage]

I guess you got it, but my advice would be to find something newer.

That one is about 50 years old or older. You will spend a couple thousand dollars getting it working right. For that amount of money you could probably find a 15-20 year old one that will work much better.

I started out with a couple of 1960's Clarks - believe me, having any forklift is better than not having one. Then I found a 1990's Nissan electric and immediately realized what I had been missing.

The newer ones have much more precision to the controls. The brakes are better, they have tighter turning radius, they are more stable, safer, they have power steering, etc. What that means is that you can do much more with them.

My 5000 lb lift Nissan electric is a beast. I use it to move trailers around. I use it to pull engines, It can move machinery; it can pick stuff up out of my truck. I have no doubt it would put my pickup on a 12 foot rack if I wanted to. It's a very handy tool.

Everybody told me an electric one would be a pain - but I've found just the opposite - it's quiet,compact, no fumes, it's powerful, but you don't have to rev an engine to pick something up. Literally the only maintenance is to put distilled water in the batter once in awhile.

 

[Jon Jacobs]

sure thing... i would check the operational status and vitals (oil pressure, compression), if the motor is running well, why tear it apart? they are super simple inside though...

pertronix makes distributors for those with some sort of electronic ignition module... i would have bought one if i wasnt able to resurrect mine, but they are a little pricey...

do you know which engine it has? y112? f162/3? f145? should be on a little plate on the engine, opposite side from the manifolds... you will see cast in part numbers, like f400.... and y400.... that just indicates that it is a 4 cylinder Y or F series engine...

i have an electronic copy of the engine manual (available by googling), and an original (old!) paper copy, if you need any scans or info...



indeed, for a piece of machinery to survive 50-70 years of abuse and neglect and keep working, is indeed a testament to (what was..) american quality

you can email me, should be in my user info, as i doubt i will be keeping up with this thread long term

Thank you so much. Its currently sitting in the guys compound, I cant get any information from the old girl till the weekend, but I will touch base. My sense is its a gasser.

Ive heard a lot of pros and cons ( all good advice), I guess it a matter of personal prefferance.

Truthfully Im a fan of the old Clarks. Ive used many machines working in machine shops most of my life, but they're still my favourite.

I know I will have to spend some money, but I guess its inevitable.

Its a good winter project. Best Jon

 

[Jon Jacobs]

I guess you got it, but my advice would be to find something newer.

That one is about 50 years old or older. You will spend a couple thousand dollars getting it working right. For that amount of money you could probably find a 15-20 year old one that will work much better.

I started out with a couple of 1960's Clarks - believe me, having any forklift is better than not having one. Then I found a 1990's Nissan electric and immediately realized what I had been missing.

The newer ones have much more precision to the controls. The brakes are better, they have tighter turning radius, they are more stable, safer, they have power steering, etc. What that means is that you can do much more with them.

My 5000 lb lift Nissan electric is a beast. I use it to move trailers around. I use it to pull engines, It can move machinery; it can pick stuff up out of my truck. I have no doubt it would put my pickup on a 12 foot rack if I wanted to. It's a very handy tool.

Everybody told me an electric one would be a pain - but I've found just the opposite - it's quiet,compact, no fumes, it's powerful, but you don't have to rev an engine to pick something up. Literally the only maintenance is to put distilled water in the batter once in awhile.

Hi, thanks I understand your rationale, cant say I disagree. The electric ones are nice, I have used them in the past.

 

[dieman]

If you are interested I have a 1960's Clark fork truck that runs great it has a 4000 pound lift capacity and is a propane model. it dose have two problems with it the low pressure line for the power steering has a leak and the lift cylinder drifts the local fork lift repair guy said that he could get the seals for the cylinder for $89 if I do the work myself. but it has worked for every thing that I needed it for and now I no longer need it so I would rather sell it then work on it. I will sell it for the current scrap price to somebody that will use it rather then scrap it and that is $900 it will come with two tanks one empty and one full. I am in Michigan if you want to come see it you can email me at [email protected]