When confronted with the purchasing cycle, it is a huge decision for anyone to determine whether to buy used or new. In terms of buying a lift truck and trying to choose between the two options, the best thing to do is figure out the application requirements for the lift truck. For instance, figure out the type of machinery that is needed, how long you plan to keep it and how many hours per year or per week you would use it.
Expensive forklifts will usually hold its value over time. It is good to know that a lower priced new lift truck may not have the overall reliability, ability or value of a used unit of an expensive kind.
When considering a purchase of a new or used lift truck, there are 3 aspects that you should take heed of: seasonality, utilization and duty cycle. If you are thinking of using your lift truck for 4 or more hours per day, it is recommended that you purchase a brand new unit, specially if you would have a high-duty cycle. A high-duty cycle means moving numerous loads per hour that are at or near the capacity truck.
If you just need your lift truck for approximately 4 hours a day or on an intermittent basis, an inexpensive brand new model or second-hand forklift may be optimal. Some of the newer units are available at lower costs that are made for lower-duty cycles. Moreover, if you think that you will expect to use the forklift only during particular times of year on a seasonal basis, then a rental program or a used lift truck might best available alternative and can possibly save you a lot of money.
It is vital to know whether the machinery would be in constant use. This will mean knowing the amount of uptime and dependability needed for your particular application.