Pricing a Ford 2000 (prior) industrial forklift

I looked at a Ford 2000 industrial converted to a forklift today.
It was the 4 cylinder 62-64 type model, not a 3 cylinder. Gas.
I wish I had taken pictures of it now.

It had one brand new rear (front?) tire and the rest were about shot.
The power steering pump has been replaced with something
other than original and to make it fit they hacked a hole in the
side of the hood. Not a big one, but 2 x 3 inches or so.

The forklift looked pretty good, no side shift of course, but it
did have adjustable forks and hydraulic tilt. I noticed a spot
where the fork carrier had been welded but it was straight.
Definitely not a new repair either.

I remember seeing a Sherman transmission in it. There was a
shop built lever on it for a shifter so you could reach it from
the forklift seat. Because of the handle I can't even guess
which type Sherman was in it.

I also don't remember seeing any oil leaks. Anywhere.

At first glance, with bad tires, I thought the $2700 asking price
was high and I left without hearing it run or checking anything
else out thoroughly. Didn't even take pictures of it. Thinking
about it now, I'm wondering if I should go take a second look.

What do you think?

It's most likely a reversing Sherman
transmission to be able to use the tractor
reversed of course

Quite possible Markct, sure would make sense.
Forgive my ignorance here, but why would you need to reach
the reversing handle from the seat? There's no way to drive this
thing the normal way. The seat is mounted on top of the original
steering column. Looks to be a factory built conversion other than
that handle though.

Here is the sherman reverser on my 4000 HD forklift. You will notice the standard shifter is under
the seat and is bent. hard to see which gear you are in. mine is usually in 1st gear and operate it
with the sherman front and back. The long handle to the left of the sherman handle is the throttle
handle. It also has a foot throttle which I rarely use.

Kirk

Thanks Kirk, now I understand. Duh!

Because sitting in the seat you want to be
able to go both directions don't you?
Especially a forklift you go back and forth
alot

Yep, don't know why that escaped me until I looked at Kirk's picture.
The one I looked at had the original shifter re-routed so you
could use it but it sure makes more sense to leave it in one gear.