Machinery Tips: New or Used Forklift
Everyone would like to buy a brand new machine for their company. But, this is an option for a business with an unlimited budget, which isn’t the case for some companies. That’s not to say a second-hand machine is only suited for those with limited cash in their bank accounts. Many factors come into play when deciding which machinery to buy.
Are you planning to buy a forklift for your business? Whether it’s the first time you’re purchasing it or replacing an old one, it’s always important to weigh your options. Of course, a quick survey in the market will give you a range of used and new forklifts.
Which one will fit your needs? Should you opt to buy a new or used forklift? We’ve compiled a few points to answer this question and help you make an informed decision.
Pros and Cons of Used Forklifts
Of course, the main reason why you would consider a used machine is your budget. If you check a new or used forklift price guide, you’ll realize that the latter is cheaper. In fact, you could save up to 50% on the original price, and is quite beneficial to your financial side of things. Of course, it would be best to do your research before investing your money in any of these machines.
One disadvantage of used forklifts, however, is if it has any visible wear and tear. Depending on how long or the environments in which they were operated before, this could have a huge impact on the machine’s lifespan.
Another drawback is the fact that they may not work efficiently for more than four hours per day. So, make sure to include this in your buying strategy
Pros and Cons of New Forklifts
A new forklift, as you’d expect, is equipped to operate continuously for long hours. Efficiency is key to improving the productivity of your forklift drivers, and you’ll undoubtedly get this with a new machine. In addition, you’re guaranteed at least a one-year warranty, which could be crucial at some point. The time varies with the supplier, but it usually ranges between 12 and 36 months.
The main con when it comes to any brand-new machine is the cost. Similarly, you’ll need to spend a considerable chunk of your budget to get one forklift. Despite it being a financial disadvantage, it comes with many benefits, such as lifespan and efficiency.
Apart from productivity, the choices you make could have a huge impact on the safety of forklift drivers and other workers within the premises.
Which One Should You Buy?
Having seen the comparison of the two categories of machinery forklifts, which one best suit your needs? There are two main factors to consider before making this decision; budget and efficiency.
Inasmuch as every company would love to have an efficient machinery forklift, priorities vary from business to another. Therefore, if you’re with a limited budget, then a used forklift would be an ideal choice.
However, this will limit the amount of operation time as it may not work continuously for more than four hours. As such, this will be a great choice for small businesses, rather than a busy company. If you’re planning to operate the machine for several hours every day, then investing in a new one will be a wise decision.
Another considerable thing is the warranty, which could be a determinant for most managers. It is worth noting that even used forklifts come with warranties, but they’re shorter than those of new ones. If you’re the first user, you could enjoy up to three years of warranty. Second-hand machines, on the other hand, may have a warranty for a few months or even weeks.
The wear and tear may also be an issue given that used forklifts have too much of this. You wouldn’t expect any wear and tear on a new machine. But this, again, comes down to how much you’ll be using it every day. If you’re a busy company, then a used one may not be the best choice. For one, it’ll need a lot of maintenance, which can be costly.
Conclusion
When it comes to machinery, your decisions as a company may directly or indirectly impact how you deliver your services. If the business is working with a limited budget, then a used forklift could the best option. However, that’s not the only consideration because such machines cannot work for several hours without breaking down.
So, are the maintenance costs worth the investment? If not, then you should go all out for a new forklift because you’re guaranteed optimum performance.
