Buying a used forklift is a smart business decision, and we are going to tell you why. Like buying a used car, you will find used forklift trucks still have many years of usage in the tank.
Choosing to buy new over used may seem like a smart idea at first but you will spend a lot more and will find yourself with a machine that does exactly the same as a used forklift.
Okay, new forklifts do have manufacturers’ warranties etc. but you will most likely find that the manufacturer’s warranty is only used to fix innovation issues that are not really your fault. When it comes to the fundamentals such as movement, lift and engine, there is very little difference between a new and a used unit. We have put together 8 key reasons why you should buy used forklift trucks. We hope this guide helps you to make the right decision when it comes to buying your next forklift.
1. Lower Upfront Cost
The main reason most opt to buy used forklift trucks is to save on upfront costs. Like buying a used car or any other item that is used, you will benefit from significant cost savings. Whilst there is a clear advantage to purchasing a shiny new forklift, a used forklift will provide you with many years of operation and will most likely only require maintenance and the occasional part changing throughout its lifespan with you. Some do buy new to benefit from finance options as they do not have the money to pay for a used forklift. However, if you do really want to buy a used forklift but do not have the money, with smart money management you can look for low-interest loans and pay for the used unit that way. By doing this you get to purchase a used forklift (which you actually wanted to do) and save a significant amount of money compared to buying new. In fact, the amount you will save could in fact be enough for you to buy a second used unit in the near future if your operation continues to grow.
2. No Manufacturing Waiting Period
When buying new, you may believe that you simply select a unit at the dealership. In some cases this is true, but you are most likely going to be presented with long waiting periods whilst your forklift is manufactured. This can be frustrating, especially if you require the unit straight the way. By buying used, you can have your unit within a much smaller amount of time. All used dealerships will have already carried out inspections and completed quality assurance checks. So if you need a forklift fast, consider buying used.
3. Depreciation Has Already Occurred
We all know that the second you take a new forklift out of the showroom it will instantly depreciate in value. In an instant, your £20,000 unit becomes £11,000. This is a bitter pill to swallow and can often leave you feeling ripped off. Whilst it is perfectly normal for depreciation to happen, it is understandable why most choose to purchase used forklifts. Overall, forklifts are purchased to perform tasks. They’re not a statement in the same way a car is so you won’t benefit from the same social advantages gained by buying a new car. Simply put, you have a choice of buying a used forklift that completes the same tasks as a new unit, or to buy new and see the value of the unit drop instantly.
4. No Pressure to Buy Add-ons
Do you want the superduper anti-milkshake stain, gloss effect seat padding? Probably not. And this is the kind of question you get asked when buying new. New unit dealers are always looking to increase the cost of the new unit by offering you add-ons that aren’t really necessary. Okay, they may add extra shine to the unit, but overall the add-on is not worth the amount they charge. It is easy enough to say no but the new unit dealers will apply pressure that makes you feel like you’re missing out if you do not purchase the add-ons. By opting to buy used, you will avoid this unnecessary pressure and will only be sold what you actually need. Used forklifts are exactly what you see. It is a simple way of purchasing without jargon or terms to bamboozle you into purchasing something you don’t need.
6. No Need for Extra Training
In some cases, new units will require extra training because they have new innovations. This does not necessarily mean official training, it could simply mean studying the manual. However, if you buy used, the unit most likely has parts that you are already familiar with, so you will know exactly how the unit works. This saves time and makes for a much quicker integration period when adding your newly purchased forklift to your operation. We do recommend that you read the manual when purchasing new forklifts to ensure you are completely aware of anything that may be new. However, it goes without saying that if you buy a unit that you are already familiar with, you will save a lot of time when it comes to training.
7. Lower Insurance Premiums
When buying our next forklift, we often forget about things such as insurance. When buying used forklift trucks, you will benefit from lower insurance premiums as the unit itself is worth less than used. Insurance companies will charge you based on the value of your unit. If your used forklift gets stolen (touch wood this never happens) the insurance companies will know that it will cost less to replace than new. So overall you will find yourself saving more if you opt to buy used.
8. Lower Maintenance Costs
Used forklifts can be serviced by any mechanic qualified to work on your particular forklift. Whereas new forklifts will most likely need to be serviced by the forklift brands own mechanics to keep the unit within its warranty. You can be sure that branded mechanics will cost a lot more for annual servicing and that their guidelines to keep you within the manufacturer’s warranty will be a lot stricter than what the law requires. Buying used forklift trucks makes for simpler maintenance without the fuss that comes with buying new.
10. Good For the Planet
Whilst new forklifts may benefit from newer innovations that reduce the amount of Co2 they release whilst being used, they’re still a new unit. This means that more metal has been forged, more parts made and more fossil fuels used during manufacturing. By the time you purchase and use a new forklift you most likely find that the efficiencies are the same as buying used. Choosing to buy a used forklift can still be good for the planet, especially if you keep it well maintained and drive in an efficient manner.
Buying a forklift truck is the right decision for most businesses that have to manoeuvre heavy items around a warehouse, building site or agricultural environment.
Of course, there are many different types of forklifts trucks. Some are built for rough terrain, others are designed to be used on flat even surfaces. Whilst forklift trucks do have their differences, their usages are essentially all the same – to lift and move items. When buying a forklift, you may be unsure whether to buy new or used. Overall, we recommend buying used so long as you can find a unit that is in good condition and has clearly been treated well.
Trucks Direct UK stock a wide range of used forklifts and always offer our customers competitively priced units. We ensure that all units that we stock are in good condition and provide our customers with complete transparency before the purchase is completed. We welcome you to browse our website and view all forklifts that we have for sale. If you would like to see any forklifts in person, you can visit our showroom where we have experienced advisors that can help you when it comes to choosing the best unit for your requirements.