Ac Forklift FTPL20-24

Model FTPL20-24
Serial 23270000
I found this 1950 model forklift. Seller has it in an auto shop. They cant figure out the problem.

It lifts 2000 lbs, weighs 4750 lbs.

The seller said it ran and suggests it will start if he "chokes" it with his hand. The mechanic told me it had low compression, so he poured something in it and got the the compression higher.

The seller was asking 1200, but quickly dropped to 1000. After stopping by the shop today without him there, i told him i cant do 1000. He said bottom dollar is 800.

I want one for home use with pneumatic tires, which it has. I dont need to lift a lot of weight, but would prefer higher lift....although this one is so short it would fit in the garage.

Scrap value is prob 350 minus the fee for the wrecker to take it.

Cant post pics. Here is the ad:
http://springfield.craigslist.org/hvo/5145730503.html

Opinions? I dont want to have a lot in one, and could prob do the engine work if i could find. the parts.

Edited by Jamesw84 - 11 Aug 2015 at 8:42pm

Snag it quick!!!

Likely it didn't have a whole lotta compression from the git-go, as it really didn't NEED it. You'll want it for low-clearance, so take off the tall tank and put a shorter one on. Most likely, this is the wrong type of tank, and there's probably a half-dozen LITTLE things wrong, and the combination of all is preventing it from running properly.

Choking it by hand suggests that he's got a problem with the demand regulator, and most likely this 'mechanic' doesn't understand how gaseous fuel systems work.

They're not really difficult to work on, as forklifts go, and it's in the category you need. If you get into it, and change your mind, I'm sure you'd get every bit of your money back.