For anybody determine whether to buy used or brand new forklift, it is a very big decision when confronted with the purchasing cycle. The best thing to do is to figure out the application needs for the lift truck, when trying to choose between the two options. For example, know the type of machinery which is required, how long you plan to keep it and the number of hours per year or per week you would use it.
Higher priced forklifts would typically hold its value over time. It is good to remember that an inexpensive brand new forklift might not have the overall value, reliability and capability of a second-hand unit of a higher priced model.
When considering a purchase of a brand new or used lift truck, there are 3 aspects that you should take heed 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 purchase a brand new unit, particularly if you would 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 just need your lift truck for approximately 4 hours per day or on an irregular basis, a lower cost brand new unit or second-hand forklift may be optimal. Some of the newer units are available at lower costs that are manufactured for lower-duty cycles. Moreover, if you think that you would expect to use the forklift just during particular times of year on a seasonal basis, then a used lift truck or a rental program may best option available and could possibly save you lots of money.
It is essential to anticipate if the forklift is going to be always used or not. This will mean knowing the amount of uptime and dependability required for your certain application.