When confronted with the purchasing cycle, it is a huge decision for anybody to determine whether to purchase used or brand new. When it comes to buying a forklift and trying to decide between the two options, the best thing to do is know the application needs for the lift truck. Like for example, know the kind of equipment which is needed, how long you plan to keep it and the number of hours per year or per week you will use it.
Expensive forklifts would usually hold its value over time. It is good to remember that an inexpensive new lift truck might not have the overall reliability, capability or value of a used unit of a higher priced model.
When considering whether or not to buy a brand new or second-hand lift truck, there are 3 aspects of usage that you may wish to take note of: utilization, duty cycle and seasonality. If you are thinking of using your lift truck for 4 or more hours per day, it is better that you buy a brand new unit, particularly if you will have a high-duty cycle. A high-duty cycle means moving numerous loads per hour which are near or at the capacity truck.
If you only need your lift truck for about 4 hours per day or on an intermittent basis, a lower cost brand new model or used forklift may be optimal. Several of the newer units are available at lower costs which are made for lower-duty cycles. Moreover, if you think that you will expect to utilize the forklift only during specific times of year on a seasonal basis, then a used lift truck or a rental program may best alternative available and could possibly save you a lot of money.
It is important to know whether the equipment will be always used. This will mean knowing the amount of uptime and dependability required for your certain application.