When confronted with the purchasing cycle, it is a big decision for anybody to choose whether to buy used or new. When it comes to purchasing a lift truck and trying to choose between the two options, the best thing to do is know the application requirements for the lift truck. For example, know the kind of machine that is required, how long you intend to keep it and how many hours per year or per week you will use it.
Usually, an expensive forklift would hold its value longer over time. It is good to know that an inexpensive brand new forklift may not have the overall reliability, ability or value of a second-hand unit of a higher priced model.
When considering whether or not to purchase a brand new or used lift truck, there are 3 aspects of usage which you may want to take note of: utilization, duty cycle and seasonality. If you are thinking of using your lift truck for 4 or more hours a day, it is recommended that you purchase a brand new model, specially if you will have a high-duty cycle. A high-duty cycle means moving many loads per hour that are near or at the capacity truck.
Nevertheless, if you expect to utilize your lift truck for less than 4 hours per day or on an intermittent basis, than buying an inexpensive new unit or a second-hand forklift might be the best option. Several of the newer models 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 particular times of year on a seasonal basis, then a used lift truck or a rental program might best alternative available and could possibly save you a lot of money.
It is vital to know whether the equipment will be in constant use. This will mean determining the amount of uptime and dependability required for your particular application.