Should I buy a New or Used Forklift?

This question is not easily answered as there are many factors that should be considered when weighing up this decision. There is no ‘hard and fast rule’, and because things vary on a case by case basis, the customer needs to decide, not a salesman.

Saving Money – This would be the main point in buying a used unit over a new unit. For example; A New name-unit with 2.5 Ton capacity could cost $36,000. On the other hand, the same brand and spec unit with low hours, say under 5,000, could be purchased for less than half of the original price!

Service Life – Used Toyota Forklifts are known for their long service lives, comparable to new units. Most low hour used units come with a warranty which can add a degree of ‘peace of mind’ if you are unsure about buying a used unit.

Usage – Forklift trucks in a high-use industry (such as transportation) may be used up to 8 hours a day. In this case it may be justified to purchase a new forklift. On the other hand, smaller operations may only use 1-2 hours per week. In which case, purchasing a new forklift is a lot harder to justify.

Depreciation – Making the New or Used decision is much like buying a new car. It is nice to buy new if you can afford it and justify it, but a used forklift will do the same job, at a reduced price. Just like a car as soon as you take delivery of your new forklift, it significantly devalues.

If you require an unusual forklift (for example a 12 Meter Reach Truck Forklift), sourcing a second-hand unit may be difficult – there may be no choice but to buy new.

The biggest factor in either new or used is make sure you get the right forklift for your application and make the informed decision yourself, with the input of experts. To help with this decision, the friendly staff at Eureka Forklifts are more than willing to help. Contact us today to learn more about our used Forklift solutions on (07) 3865 1205.