Whether you are moving heavy goods and pallets or loading materials and stacking crates with a mini forklift, for many businesses, a reliable forklift is an indispensable piece of machinery. If you are thinking of purchasing another forklift truck or replacing an older machine, before you rush to buy a brand-new forklift, you should consider the benefits of a second hand forklift.
Of course, a brand-new forklift truck will always be an easy option, but for many businesses, a used forklift could be a better choice. In this guide, we will take a look at the benefits of buying second hand forklifts so that you can decide whether your next machine really has to be new.
1) Save money with a second hand forklift
The moment a forklift starts work, it will depreciate in value, with new machines often being a major purchase for businesses on a budget. A second hand forklift will be a cheaper alternative to a new machine, allowing your business to save money and use the cash for other priorities.
A reliable forklift dealership will be able to recommend machines that are proven high performers, so you are sure to find a great deal. In many cases, there are also a variety of ex-fleet and hire forklift trucks available, which you can be sure have been maintained well. It is also very common for used forklifts to be sold with a warranty for additional peace of mind.
2) Choose a green forklift brand for an eco-friendly option
If your business is looking to reduce its carbon footprint, a green forklift brand will be a more environmentally friendly option. If your current machines are older models, they may not be as efficient as newer forklifts, which means you could be wasting money and producing more pollution than necessary.
Newer models are designed to be more energy-efficient, with green options also available in the used market at great prices. For example, there is a growing range of second hand electric forklifts which offer a cleaner power source, with the ability to recharge quickly. As more businesses make the switch to greener forklifts, the second hand range is increasing and there are many great machines available.
3) Improve sustainability with a quality used forklift
Purchasing a well-maintained and serviced used forklift is a sustainable option for your business, with many used machines available with a proven track record. If you are familiar with a particular model, there is a high chance you will be able to find a used option available, which will provide the added benefit of spare parts, quick repairs, and ongoing cost-saving benefits.
The familiarity of an older machine can provide businesses with many benefits, especially as your team will be able to start straight away without needing training on the features. It may even be possible to purchase a used machine with a higher specification than a new forklift, which means you may actually get a more efficient, cheaper to run and better-quality machine from a leading brand.
4) Save time with quick purchasing
If you need a forklift urgently, a brand-new forklift may not be the best option, as the lead time can often be weeks away. In comparison, used forklifts are available to purchase immediately so that your business can get to work quickly.
If your workload has changed dramatically or you are looking to take advantage of a new opportunity, a second-hand fleet will help your business expand immediately. Although the forklifts are used, when you purchase a machine from a reputable dealer you will have peace of mind in knowing that it has been thoroughly inspected and serviced by an expert team of mechanics.
5) Reduce downtime with a second hand forklift
In addition to the quick availability of second hand forklifts, it is possible to further reduce potential downtime with used models. For example, if you are replacing an older electric machine with a newer model, you are likely to benefit from the improved charging efficiency. In addition, you may find that your budget will provide you with enough cash to purchase two second hand forklifts instead of a single brand new truck. This would allow you to use one of the forklifts while the other recharges, so you will no longer struggle with periods of downtime.
6) A wide range of second hand forklifts for sale
When compared to purchasing brand new forklifts, a used range will include a much wider selection of models. There is no need to limit yourself to the latest range, which means that you can scour the market to find the ideal forklift truck for your operational needs.
Here at Fork Truck Direct, we offer a wide selection of both new and used forklifts. As a leading dealer in the Essex and Suffolk area, you can rely on our team to offer the best prices for new machines and the highest quality used manual forklift options.
Our experienced team will help you find the best second hand forklift for sale based on your specific requirements, and you may even be surprised at the cost of our new machines. To find out more, please contact our team on 01245 322252.