When confronted with the purchasing cycle, it is a huge decision for anyone to choose whether to purchase used or brand new. When it comes to purchasing a forklift and trying to choose between the two options, the best thing to do is figure out the application needs for the lift truck. For instance, figure out the kind of machinery that is needed, how long you plan to keep it and the number of hours per week or per year you would use it.
Expensive forklifts would typically hold its value over time. It is good to remember that an inexpensive new forklift may not have the overall ability, value or dependability of a second-hand unit of a higher priced type.
When considering whether or not to buy a new or second-hand lift truck, there are 3 aspects of usage which you might wish 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 better that you buy a new model, specially if you will have a high-duty cycle. A high-duty cycle means moving a lot of loads per hour that are at or near the capacity truck.
Nevertheless, if you expect to use your forklift for less than 4 hours per day or on an irregular basis, than purchasing a lower cost brand new unit or a second-hand forklift may be the right alternative. Several of the newer units are available at lower costs that are manufactured for lower-duty cycles. Additionally, if you think that you would expect to use the forklift just during specific times of year on a seasonal basis, then a rental program or a used lift truck might best available option and could possibly save you a lot of money.
It is important to know whether the machinery will be always used. This will mean knowing the amount of uptime and dependability needed for your certain application.