Much like automobiles, forklift pricing varies widely by brand, and pricing does correlate to overall quality and reliability. Top-tier brands are more expensive due to technology advantages, better tolerance of abuse and harsh environments, and greater long-term reliability.

Buying used equipment can save you quite a bit up front, but even a used forklift is still a significant expense. Remember, if you are using your forklift more than four hours a day, you may quickly find that the costs of downtime and repairs on a used forklift quickly cancel out the savings of buying a used forklift.

Forklifts that are used more than 4 hours per day are major part of your operation. With this much use, the operating and maintenance costs for used equipment can quickly wipe out the initial savings you gained. If the lift truck will be used only a couple of hours per day, you can probably benefit from buying a used truck.

New Forklifts - For companies who need a lift truck that will withstand a lot of hours of daily use and undergo rigorous obstacles and treatment, new machines are often the best choice. These will have a far longer lifespan than a used unit will. They will also have a warranty on them that makes it easier to get any flaws or breakdowns fixed during the first few years. Finding parts should also be easier because you know that the manufacturer still supports the model you purchased.

They are not without their downsides. New equipment has not been around long enough to determine where their weak spots are. It may also be difficult to find a certified repairperson close by, particularly if the model you choose has new features and options that were previously unavailable. Lastly, they will have a much higher price tag that will depreciate quickly with the first few hours of use.

Used Lift Truck Equipment - The first benefit you will notice when purchasing used forklifts is its considerably lower price. You can avoid all of the hassles that come with new models such as finding a knowledgeable mechanic and having any of the necessary recalls done. When it breaks down, you will find that parts are easy to locate and you might even be able to find used parts to keep costs down. If you select your purchase carefully, you can locate one in great shape that might even come with additional parts and options.

Unfortunately, the lifespan may be considerably shorter and there is often a higher repair cost because of the number of parts wearing out and the lack of warranty. This option is generally best for companies that will use the machinery frequently, but not enough to warrant the cost of a new one.

Many dealers offer both new and used forklift trucks, so you can compare prices easily. Make sure to inquire about the difference in service plans between new and used models.