For anyone determine whether to buy second-hand or new forklift, it is a really big decision when confronted with the purchasing cycle. The best thing to do is to figure out the application requirements for the forklift, when trying to decide between the two options. For instance, figure out the kind of machinery that is needed, how many hours per week or per year you will utilize it and how long you plan to keep it.
Higher priced forklifts would normally hold its value over time. It is good to remember that a lower priced new lift truck might not have the overall capability, value or reliability of a second-hand unit of a higher priced kind.
When considering a purchase of a brand new or second-hand lift truck, there are 3 aspects that you must take heed 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 purchase a new model, especially if you will 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 just need your lift truck for approximately 4 hours a day or on an irregular basis, an inexpensive brand new unit or second-hand lift truck may be optimal. Some of the newer models are available at lower costs that are made for lower-duty cycles. As well, if you think that you will expect to utilize the forklift just during specific times of year on a seasonal basis, then a used lift truck or a rental program might best option available and can possibly save you lots of money.
It is important to know whether the machine will be in constant use. This would mean knowing the amount of uptime and dependability needed for your certain application.