For anyone 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 know the application needs for the lift truck, when trying to decide between the two options. Like for instance, know the type of machine that is required, how long you intend to keep it and how many hours per week or per year you would use it.
Higher priced forklifts will usually hold its value over time. It is good to know that an inexpensive new forklift might not have the overall dependability, 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 which you should take heed of: seasonality, utilization and duty cycle. If you are thinking of utilizing your lift truck for at least 4 hours a day, it is better that you purchase a brand new model, specially if you would have a high-duty cycle. A high-duty cycle means moving numerous loads per hour which are near or at the capacity truck.
If you just need your lift truck for roughly 4 hours a day or on an intermittent basis, a lower cost brand new unit or used forklift may be optimal. Some of the newer models are available at lower costs that are made for lower-duty cycles. Moreover, if you think that you will expect to use the forklift just during particular times of year on a seasonal basis, then a rental program or a used lift truck may best available option and can potentially save you lots of money.
It is essential to anticipate if the lift truck is going to be in nearly constant use or not. This will mean determining the amount of uptime and dependability required for your particular application.