When confronted with the purchasing cycle, it is a big decision for anyone to determine whether to buy used or brand new. When it comes to buying 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 type of machinery that is required, how long you intend to keep it and how many hours per year or per week you would utilize it.
Higher priced forklifts will usually hold its value over time. It is good to remember that a lower priced new lift truck might not have the overall reliability, ability or value of a used unit of a higher priced type.
When deciding whether or not to purchase a brand new or second-hand lift truck, there are 3 aspects of usage that you may wish to take note of: seasonality, utilization and duty cycle. If you are thinking of utilizing your lift truck for 4 or more hours a day, it is better 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 which are at or near the capacity truck.
On the other hand, if you expect to use your forklift for less than 4 hours a day or on an intermittent basis, than buying a lower cost brand new unit or a second-hand forklift might be the best alternative. Some of the newer units are available at lower costs which are manufactured for lower-duty cycles. As well, 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 may best choice available and can possibly save you a lot of money.
It is essential to know whether the machinery will be always used. This will mean determining the amount of uptime and dependability required for your certain application.