Telehandler inspection
Pre-Purchase Inspection

Pre-Purchase Telehandler Inspections

Boom wear, transmission problems, and hydraulic failures are common on high-hour telehandlers. Get the facts before you buy.

✓ Nationwide Coverage ✓ Independent & Unbiased ✓ 24-48 hours Turnaround

Buying a Used Telehandler Without an Inspection?

Telehandlers work hard — lifting, reaching, and carrying heavy loads in tough conditions. That stress takes a toll on booms, transmissions, axles, and hydraulics. A walkaround won't reveal worn components hiding inside.

Common Issues We Find:

Boom Wear and Play

Worn slide pads, rollers, and boom sections cause slop and instability. Boom rebuilds run $8,000–$20,000.

Transmission Problems

Slipping gears, harsh shifts, and torque converter issues. Transmission rebuilds cost $10,000–$25,000.

Hydraulic Cylinder Leaks

Boom lift, extend, and stabilizer cylinders develop leaks and lose power. Repairs range $2,500–$8,000 per cylinder.

Axle and Steering Wear

Worn axle bearings, differential problems, and steering component failures. Repairs cost $5,000–$15,000.

Load Chart Compliance Issues

Modified machines or missing capacity plates create liability. Re-certification can cost $2,000–$5,000.

Attachment Coupler Problems

Worn or damaged quick-attach systems create safety risks and downtime. Repairs run $1,500–$6,000.

⚠ What Missed Problems Can Cost You $6,000 - $40,000

This is what repairs cost when issues go undetected. Our inspection is just $800.

Most Inspections Focus on Cosmetics
IronCheck Condition. Function. Risk.

WHAT WE INSPECT

Telehandler Inspection Checklist

Our inspectors perform a thorough telehandler evaluation — checking boom condition, drivetrain components, hydraulic systems, and all safety features under actual operating conditions.

General Condition

  • Serial number verification
  • Hour meter verification
  • Service records review
  • Overall appearance assessment
  • Load chart and capacity plate
  • Annual inspection status

Boom Assembly

  • Main boom section
  • Telescoping sections
  • Boom slide pads/wear strips
  • Boom rollers
  • Extension chain/cylinder
  • Boom pivot pins and bushings
  • Structural crack inspection

Carriage & Attachment

  • Carriage plate condition
  • Quick-attach coupler
  • Coupler locks and pins
  • Fork tines (if equipped)
  • Fork wear measurement
  • Attachment hydraulics

Hydraulic System

  • Boom lift cylinder
  • Boom extend cylinder
  • Carriage tilt cylinder
  • Stabilizer cylinders (if equipped)
  • Hydraulic pump condition
  • Control valve function
  • Hoses and fittings
  • Hydraulic tank and filters
  • Fluid level and condition

Engine / Powertrain

  • Cold start test
  • Exhaust smoke analysis
  • Oil pressure and temperature
  • Coolant system condition
  • Air filtration
  • Turbocharger condition
  • Fluid leaks

Transmission

  • Shift quality (all gears)
  • Forward/reverse response
  • Inching capability
  • Torque converter function
  • Fluid level and condition
  • Operating temperature

Axles & Steering

  • Front axle condition
  • Rear axle condition
  • Steering response
  • Steering cylinder condition
  • Tie rods and linkage
  • Axle oscillation (if equipped)

Brakes

  • Service brake function
  • Parking brake hold test
  • Brake pedal feel
  • Inching brake operation
  • Brake wear assessment

Stabilizers (if equipped)

  • Extension and retraction
  • Down pressure
  • Pad condition
  • Interlock function
  • Level indicators

Tires & Wheels

  • Tire tread depth (all 4)
  • Sidewall condition
  • Tire type (foam/pneumatic)
  • Rim condition
  • Lug nut condition

Cab & Controls

  • Seat and seatbelt
  • Joystick operation
  • Steering wheel/controls
  • HVAC function
  • Visibility (mirrors, glass)
  • Gauges and warning lights
  • ROPS/FOPS certification

Safety Systems

  • Load moment indicator (if equipped)
  • Overload warning
  • Boom angle indicator
  • Stabilizer interlocks
  • Travel speed limiter
  • Reverse alarm

Operational Testing

  • Full boom extension
  • Maximum lift height
  • Load handling test
  • Forward/reverse travel
  • Steering response
  • Stabilizer deployment
  • All attachment functions
  • Unusual noises or vibrations

WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE

Your Inspection Report Includes

Detailed Photo Documentation

30-40 high-resolution photos covering boom sections, carriage and coupler, hydraulic cylinders, tires, engine compartment, cab interior, and any problem areas discovered.

Comprehensive Condition Report

Written summary with Good/Fair/Poor ratings for each major system, tire measurements, boom wear assessment, and clear identification of any issues found.

Operational Video

Video footage of the telehandler operating — boom extension, lifting, tilting, and driving. See and hear exactly how the machine performs before you buy.

HOW IT WORKS

Simple 3-Step Process

01

Book & Schedule

Send us the telehandler details (make, model, serial number) and location. We coordinate directly with the seller to schedule the inspection.

02

We Inspect

Our inspector performs a comprehensive evaluation — testing boom function, drivetrain, and hydraulics while documenting everything with photos and video.

03

Get Your Report

Receive your detailed inspection report via email within 24 hours. Review the findings and make an informed decision.

⏱ Typical Turnaround: 24-48 hours
Telehandler Inspection
$800
Per Machine
  • ✓ Complete system inspection
  • ✓ 25-40 detailed photos
  • ✓ Operational video
  • ✓ Written condition report
  • ✓ No hidden fees

Book Your Inspection

Protect your investment before you buy.

Schedule Now

Or call (630) 432-7344

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Telehandler Inspection FAQs

Most telehandler inspections take 2-3 hours. Larger capacity units or machines with rotating carriages may take longer.

We inspect all major brands including JLG, Genie, CAT, JCB, Manitou, Merlo, Skyjack, Bobcat, and Gehl. All capacities from 5,500 lb to 12,000 lb+.

Yes. Boom condition is critical on telehandlers. We inspect slide pads, rollers, extension chains, and check for excessive play that indicates wear.

Yes, we inspect rotating (Roto) telehandlers. These have additional components like the turntable bearing and slew system that we evaluate.

We verify the load chart and capacity plates are present and legible. We cannot recertify the machine, but we identify any modifications that could affect rated capacity.

We test with the forks or attachment mounted at time of inspection. If the machine includes other attachments, let us know and we can evaluate those as well.

No. Our pre-purchase inspection is a thorough buyer's evaluation. However, we identify issues that would likely cause problems during annual certification.

Yes, we regularly perform pre-auction inspections. Contact us as early as possible with the lot details to coordinate access.

WHY CHOOSE IRONCHECK?

The IronCheck Difference

Independent & Unbiased

We work for you, not the seller or dealer. Our only goal is giving you accurate information about the machine's true condition.

Telehandler Expertise

Our inspectors understand telehandler-specific issues — boom wear, drivetrain problems, and the components that cost real money to repair.

Nationwide Coverage

We inspect telehandlers across all 50 states. Wherever the machine is located, we can get an inspector on-site.

Fast Turnaround

Most inspections scheduled within 24-48 hours. Report delivered same day or next business day.

Ready to Inspect Before You Invest?

Telehandlers are versatile machines with a lot of wear points. A worn boom or bad transmission can cost more than you paid. Get the facts first.

CALL (630) 432-7344