When to Buy a New or Used Forklift

For many businesses, forklifts are an essential tool to handle heavy loads in an easy and efficient way. But choosing between buying new or used forklifts is another question entirely.

While some might prefer to save costs and buy second hand, it ultimately depends on the conditions of the job. Some work sites demand more from their machines, making used forklifts ultimately not worth it.

Whether running a construction site or managing a warehouse, below are some main considerations for choosing between new and used.

Amount of Usage

Some businesses require a forklift to be active more than 4 hours per day, 5 days per week. For those with similar schedules,  you may wish to focus on purchasing a brand new machine. Second hand forklifts in these conditions will wear down quickly, as they are better suited to more sporadic usage.

Operational Needs

Businesses with more unique requirements such as an unusual mast height or specialised accessories may also prefer to buy new. Second hand forklifts that meet these conditions could be difficult to find, and are better suited for general requirements. Consider as well the environment it will be operated in, as you may wish for a smaller frame to fit through narrow spaces.

Maintenance and Reliability

Second hand forklifts generally have higher maintenance costs due to older components and a history of use. As such, they will likely need longer periods of downtime. During these periods, they could potentially halt operations from being out of use. New machinery, in comparison, will likely have lower maintenance needs for a longer period of time.

Warranty

Buying new generally guarantees a longer warranty period, minimising potential repair costs. For example, at Jialift Australia, new forklifts can come with a warranty up to 5 years. 

Delivery Times

New forklifts can sometimes take a long time to deliver. As such, those wishing to get immediate access to a forklift are usually better suited to buying second hand. However, at Jialift Australia, plenty of new forklifts are constantly in stock, so delivery time is less of a hassle.

Jialift Australia’s Range of New and Used Forklifts

Once you ultimately choose between buying new or second hand, Jialift Australia has a vast array of reliable, well-maintained forklifts in both categories for you to consider. As with our new forklifts, our used ones have been tested and adhere to Australian quality and safety standards, making us an excellent choice whatever your needs.

For a more detailed guide on buying used, look here, or contact us today on 1300 000 168 to find out more.