For anybody determine whether to buy second-hand or 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 requirements for the lift truck, when trying to choose between the two options. Like for instance, figure out the type of machinery that is required, how long you plan to keep it and how many hours per week or per year you will use it.
Higher priced forklifts would typically hold its value over time. It is good to remember that a lower priced new lift truck might not have the overall reliability, ability or value of a used unit of an expensive 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 utilizing your lift truck for at least 4 hours per day, it is better that you purchase a brand new model, especially if you will have a high-duty cycle. A high-duty cycle means moving numerous loads per hour which are at or near the capacity truck.
If you only need your lift truck for about 4 hours per day or on an intermittent basis, a lower cost new unit or used forklift might be optimal. Some of the newer models are available at lower costs which are manufactured for lower-duty cycles. Additionally, if you think that you would 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 may best available choice and could potentially save you lots of money.
It is important to know whether the machinery would be always used. This would mean knowing the amount of uptime and dependability needed for your particular application.