With proper service and maintenance, a high-quality forklift truck can put in years of service, even in a busy materials handling operation. And depending on the unique requirements of your operation, an older used machine could potentially do the job just as well as a brand new truck.
However, it can sometimes make sense to upgrade to a newer model. Manufacturers release new trucks and upgraded versions of existing models on a regular basis, and the improvements in these updated models could potentially make a big difference to your operation.
To use the example of the UniCarriers TX3 electric counterbalance, the updated version of the older model, launched in 2017, featured dramatically improved energy efficiency and a new design aimed at giving the driver excellent visibility all around the truck. These upgrades offer significant advantages, such as longer truck operating times between charges, and reduced damage to trucks due to poor driver visibility — two things which would lead to increased efficiency and reduced costs.
Naturally, it's not always possible to upgrade an entire fleet of forklifts (or even a few trucks) at the same time, especially if your company owns them. However, if you're interested in the benefits that truck upgrades can bring, then leasing could be a good choice.
Since a leasing contract is for a finite period (often three, four or five years), when it expires, it will be replaced by a new contract which will involve the supply of a new replacement truck. This new truck will have all the design improvements that will have been incorporated into the truck’s design during that time – for example, improved health and safety features, greater operator comfort, and higher energy efficiency.
Interested in finding out more about other benefits leasing can bring? Click the button below to get our guide, 7 reasons why forklift leasing could be the perfect choice for your business.