For anybody determine whether to buy second-hand or brand new lift truck, it is a really big decision when confronted with the purchasing cycle. The best thing to do is to know the application needs for the forklift, when trying to decide between the two options. For example, know the type of machine that is needed, how long you intend to keep it and how many hours per week or per year you will utilize it.
Expensive forklifts would normally hold its value over time. It is good to know that an inexpensive brand new forklift might not have the overall reliability, ability or value of a second-hand unit of a higher priced kind.
When considering a purchase of a new or used lift truck, there are 3 aspects that you must take heed of: duty cycle, seasonality and utilization. If you are thinking of using your lift truck for at least 4 hours per day, it is recommended that you buy a new model, particularly 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.
However, if you expect to use your forklift for less than 4 hours a day or on an irregular basis, than purchasing a lower cost brand new unit or a second-hand forklift may be the best option. Some of the newer models are available at lower costs that are made for lower-duty cycles. Also, if you think that you would expect to use the forklift only during specific times of year on a seasonal basis, then a rental program or a used lift truck may best choice available and could potentially save you a lot of money.
It is important to know whether the machine will be in constant use. This will mean knowing the amount of uptime and dependability required for your certain application.