For anybody determine whether to buy used 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 decide between the two options. Like for example, know the kind of machinery that is required, how long you plan 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 a lower priced brand new lift truck may not have the overall value, dependability and capability of a used unit of a higher priced type.

When considering a purchase of a brand new or used lift truck, there are 3 aspects that you must take heed of: seasonality, utilization and duty cycle. If you are thinking of using your lift truck for at least 4 hours a day, it is better that you buy a new model, specially if you would have a high-duty cycle. A high-duty cycle means moving a lot of loads per hour that are near or at the capacity truck.

However, if you expect to use your lift truck for less than 4 hours a day or on an irregular basis, than buying a lower cost new model or a used forklift may be the right option. Several of the newer units are available at lower costs that are manufactured for lower-duty cycles. As well, if you think that you would expect to use the forklift only during specific times of year on a seasonal basis, then a used lift truck or a rental program may best available alternative and can possibly save you a lot of money.

It is vital to know whether the machine will be in constant use. This will mean determining the amount of uptime and dependability needed for your certain application.