For anybody determine whether to purchase second-hand or brand 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 forklift, when trying to decide between the two options. Like for instance, figure out the type of machinery that is needed, how long you plan to keep it and how many hours per year or per week you would use it.
Expensive forklifts will usually hold its value over time. It is good to know that a lower priced brand new forklift might not have the overall reliability, ability or value of a second-hand unit of a higher priced model.
When considering whether or not to buy a brand new or used lift truck, there are 3 aspects of usage which you might want to take note of: utilization, duty cycle and seasonality. If you are thinking of using your lift truck for 4 or more hours a day, it is better that you buy a new model, specially if you will have a high-duty cycle. A high-duty cycle means moving numerous loads per hour that are at or near the capacity truck.
If you only need your lift truck for roughly 4 hours a day or on an intermittent basis, an inexpensive new model or used forklift may be optimal. Several of the newer models are available at lower costs that are made for lower-duty cycles. Additionally, if you think that you will expect to use the forklift just during particular times of year on a seasonal basis, then a second-hand lift truck or a rental program might best choice available and can possibly save you lots of money.
It is essential to anticipate if the forklift is going to be in nearly constant use or not. This would mean knowing the amount of uptime and dependability needed for your certain application.