When choosing man lift, you are often faced with two options; you can purchase a used man lift or a new man lift. New man lifts are obviously more expensive, but many fear that used man lifts are not safe or are of lesser value than when new. In reality, used man lifts can be just as beneficial to your job as new ones. The lower price tag of course makes them more beneficial, as they do not take as much money from your budget. There are a few things you can do to make sure the used man lift you choose is quality enough for your job.
When you are making a large purchase such as used construction equipment, it is sometimes tempting for you to pinch pennies. In reality, saving a few hundred extra dollars does not make a huge difference for your budget. It can however drastically change the condition of the used man lift you are choosing to rent or purchase. You want your boom lift in top condition. This will save you from the problems of maintenance and repairs down the road. You will spend a lot more money on repairs than you will save by purchasing a man lift in poor condition.
While it is important to maintain man lifts when they are new to make sure they do not develop any problems, it is just as important to provide proper maintenance as the machine increases in age. If you are able to access the maintenance and repair records of the used man lift you intend to purchase, you should look for a man lift with regular maintenance and no serious issues. It might even be possible for you to have a mechanic examine the lift before you purchase it. This would be ideal as it will allow you to make sure there are no issues with the machine that will surprise you later on.
As used man lifts have been owned by others, it is possible that their previous users modified the equipment. Keep an eye out for any cutting, welding, or altering of the railings and/or bucket walls. If these modifications fit your needs, then they are a plus. It is also possible that they changed the man lift so that it no longer fits your needs. You must make sure the equipment you decide to purchase is in good working order.
Check the hour meter to find the real age of the man lift. If a man lift is 5 years old but has a low number of hours, its real age is younger than 5 years. This works both ways. If the machine is only 1-year-old but has many hours, it is older than 1-year-old. You should always measure age by hours of usage instead of by time.
We can help you find a used man lift that will fit all of your needs. Give us a call today to get started.