When confronted with the purchasing cycle, it is a big decision for anyone to determine whether to purchase used or new. In terms of purchasing a lift truck and trying to decide between the two options, the best thing to do is figure out the application requirements for the lift truck. For example, know the type of machinery that is needed, how long you intend to keep it and how many hours per year or per week you would utilize it.
Expensive forklifts will usually hold its value over time. It is good to know that an inexpensive brand new lift truck may not have the overall capability, value or reliability of a second-hand unit of a higher priced type.
When considering a purchase of a brand new or second-hand lift truck, there are 3 aspects which you must take heed of: utilization, duty cycle and seasonality. If you are thinking of utilizing your lift truck for at least 4 hours a day, it is better that you purchase a new model, particularly 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.
If you only need your lift truck for around 4 hours per day or on an irregular basis, an inexpensive brand new model or used lift truck may be optimal. Several of the newer models are available at lower costs that are made for lower-duty cycles. Furthermore, if you think that you will expect to use the forklift just during specific times of year on a seasonal basis, then a used lift truck or a rental program might best alternative available and can potentially save you a lot of money.
It is vital to know whether the machine will be always used. This will mean knowing the amount of uptime and dependability needed for your certain application.