Construction equipment can be expensive, especially if you don’t know what your options are. Are you interested in buying a used forklift, but not sure if you should opt for new instead? That’s fair – buying anything that large used can be an intimidating experience, especially if you don’t know what to look for.
What you need is someone who knows better.
Luckily for you, then, we’ve compiled our list of the three top signs you should buy a forklift, used.
When You’ll Be Using It For Fewer Than Four Hours A Day
Speaking generally, the best rule of thumb when buying a used forklift is to get one if you’ll be using it for no more than four hours a day. This specific amount of time ensures that no matter what shape it’s in, you’ll be getting the most use out of it, per day, without going “too hard”.
Keep in mind, this is a guideline. Your vehicle may need a softer touch, or you might find you can use it all day long, just fine (and a mechanic may agree with you). The only real important element, here, is to try and find a forklift that’s in good shape.
When You Need To Save Some Money
It’s a simple fact of life: budgets factor into most people’s decisions to buy any kind of vehicle. While we’d all like to be idealists and buy brand new forklifts, right out the box, a lot of the time it just doesn’t work like that.
Buying a new vehicle means saying goodbye to capital, whichever way you slice it, and there are some great used forklifts out there for good prices. Do your research (something we’ll recommend a few times in this article) and see what there is. Find a used vehicle with a carrying capacity that matches what you’ll need, and you’ll be saving a bundle by going pre-owned.
Also keep in mind that most of the retailers who sell you these vehicles will need to be able to show you forklift inspection papers before you buy.
You’ve Researched A Model That Repairs Well
One of the more exciting prospects of deciding to buy used forklifts is that they’re easier to repair and find used construction equipment parts for. Many newer brands hit the markets and their spares go out of stock immediately. Or the manufacturers run into shipping issues with that part after their first shipment and it gets delayed.
Whatever the case, an older forklift will often have these issues ironed out well in advance, giving you less to worry about. Just make sure you know what you need to do with it, and what models are out there.
Wondering When To Buy A Used Forklift?
Ultimately, your decision to buy a new or used forklift should come down to one word: planning. If you know what it is you want, what your local dealers are charging, and you’ve researched a few options, you should be ready to make your decision.
Hopefully, with a little help from today’s article, you’ll be ready to pull the trigger on a used forklift for your next purchase.
Got a big construction job coming up? Check out some of our other professional articles on used construction equipment, today, and start making some moves, today!
