For anybody determine whether to purchase used or brand new lift truck, 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 forklift, when trying to choose between the two options. For example, know the kind of machinery which is required, how long you plan to keep it and how many hours per week or per year you will utilize it.
Expensive forklifts would usually hold its value over time. It is good to know that a lower priced new lift truck may not have the overall capability, value or dependability of a second-hand unit of an expensive kind.
When considering a purchase of a brand new or second-hand lift truck, there are 3 aspects which you must take heed of: seasonality, utilization and duty cycle. If you are thinking of using your lift truck for at least 4 hours per day, it is recommended that you buy a new unit, particularly if you would have a high-duty cycle. A high-duty cycle means moving many loads per hour which are near or at the capacity truck.
If you only need your lift truck for around 4 hours a day or on an irregular basis, a lower cost new unit or used forklift may be optimal. Several of the newer models are available at lower costs that are made for lower-duty cycles. Also, if you think that you will expect to use the forklift just during specific times of year on a seasonal basis, then a rental program or a second-hand lift truck might best option available and can possibly save you a lot of money.
It is important to anticipate if the forklift is going to be always used or not. This will mean determining the amount of uptime and dependability required for your particular application.