Why buy or lease? Some things to consider.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Whether you buy or lease a forklift comes down to your operation, your cash flow, and how long you actually need the machine. Here’s a straightforward breakdown.
Buying
A quality forklift is a significant investment, but you own it outright. You can use it as much as you like, and there are no monthly payments once it’s paid for. Buying makes sense if you need a machine long term, you want full control over how it’s maintained, or you’re in a position to use it as a depreciating asset. The trade-off is the upfront cost.
Leasing
You get the machine without the capital outlay. Fixed monthly costs, no surprises, and at AFH the tyres are included. Leasing suits businesses that want to keep funds free, prefer predictable costs, or need to upgrade equipment regularly without the hassle of selling old machines.
The trade-off is that you don’t own it. But for many operations, that’s exactly the point.
What about hire?
If you need a forklift for a short period – a few hours, a few weeks, or while your own machine is being serviced – hire is the practical option. No long term commitment, just the right machine when you need it.
Every situation is different
The honest answer is that the right option depends on your specific situation. How long do you need it? What does your budget look like? Do you have a maintenance team or do you need us to look after it?
Give us a call on 0800 367 544 and we’ll talk it through.