While most companies would like new equipment - inclusive of the latest technology, lifting and speed capacities, programmability, and safety options - sometimes budgetary limitations force a decision between new and used equipment.

As an example, new electric lift trucks, with standard specifications, option packages, battery and a charger will cost about $25,000- $35,000. A similarly-equipped used lift truck will cost about $12,000 - $15,000.

This difference in costs must be compared to the current hours on this unit, the on-going maintenance costs, warranty considerations, the application being addressed, and the extent of the seller’s reconditioning process associated with this used machine.

As a first step when buying a used lift truck, the buyer should consider the source of this used unit, and the risks to their operations associated with that seller.

Private individual sellers are far-and-away the riskiest choice. This seller will often market their equipment with no reconditioning work being done to the lift truck. They typically will have no support staff for maintenance and repairs that may be needed, offer no warranty, and have no consideration for that unit’s success and dependability within your operation, nor the impact to your downstream customers.  Additionally, private sellers typically have limited purchase option and terms. Most are limited to a cash-and-carry type of transaction.

Lift truck dealers are the preferred sellers of used or reconditioned equipment, and most have many more purchase options available to the buyer.  They will often replace their rental fleet at predetermined intervals or hour-usage accumulation, which yield a very wide variety of available units, capacity, and spec combinations.  In many cases, these units have been maintained by factory-trained Technicians

These sales will come with support after the sale should any problems or issues arise. Typically, a forklift dealer can provide expertise relative to the match between the lift truck and the application it is destined for.

When deciding between a new or used/reconditioned lift truck, an application analysis beforehand is of paramount importance and is recommended.  Most used/reconditioned lift trucks will do well in an application of 4-5 hours per day, single shift, ambient temperature, and a maximum life expectancy of 3-4 years. Should your application be more severe that this, and your need is for 5 or more years, a new unit purchase should be strongly considered. 

Whether you choose to buy new or used equipment, lift trucks are widely considered to be a huge benefit to your operation and the support of your customer base.

Forklifts | Used Equipment | Leasing