When confronted with the purchasing cycle, it is a big decision for anybody to choose whether to buy second-hand or brand new. When it comes to purchasing a forklift and trying to decide between the two options, the best thing to do is know the application requirements for the lift truck. Like for instance, figure out the kind of equipment which is required, the number of hours per year or per week you will use it and how long you intend to keep it.
Usually, a higher priced forklift would hold its value longer over time. It is good to know that an inexpensive new forklift may not have the overall reliability, ability or value of a second-hand unit of a higher priced type.
When considering a purchase of a brand new or used lift truck, there are 3 aspects which you should take heed of: duty cycle, seasonality and utilization. If you are thinking of using your lift truck for 4 or more hours a day, it is better that you purchase a new unit, particularly if you would have a high-duty cycle. A high-duty cycle means moving many loads per hour which are at or near the capacity truck.
If you just need your lift truck for approximately 4 hours per day or on an intermittent basis, an inexpensive new unit or used forklift may be optimal. Several of the newer models are available at lower costs which are manufactured for lower-duty cycles. In addition, if you think that you would expect to utilize the forklift just during specific 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 lots of money.
It is essential to know whether the equipment will be in constant use. This will mean determining the amount of uptime and dependability required for your particular application.