For anybody determine whether to purchase 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 requirements for the forklift, when trying to choose between the two options. For example, figure out the kind of equipment which is required, how long you intend to keep it and how many hours per year or per week you will utilize it.
Higher priced forklifts would usually hold its value over time. It is good to know that an inexpensive brand new lift truck might not have the overall reliability, ability or value of a second-hand unit of a higher priced type.
When considering whether or not to buy a brand new or used lift truck, there are 3 aspects of usage that you may want to take note of: seasonality, utilization and duty cycle. If you are thinking of utilizing your lift truck for 4 or more hours a day, it is recommended that you purchase a new unit, specially if you would have a high-duty cycle. A high-duty cycle means moving a lot of loads per hour which are near or at the capacity truck.
If you just need your lift truck for about 4 hours per day or on an irregular basis, an inexpensive new model or used forklift might be optimal. Several of the newer units are available at lower costs that are made for lower-duty cycles. Additionally, if you think that you would 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 could potentially save you a lot of money.
It is vital to know whether the machine would be always used. This would mean knowing the amount of uptime and dependability required for your particular application.