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What is the Best Time of Year to Buy a Forklift?

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When it comes to investing in heavy machinery like a forklift, timing is key. Businesses looking to purchase a forklift can save significant money by buying at the right time of year. Understanding when to buy a forklift depends on several factors, including market trends, industry needs, and seasonal influences. In this article, we’ll explore the best time of year to buy a forklift, helping you make an informed decision that maximizes value while minimizing costs.

1. The Importance of Timing in Forklift Purchases

Purchasing a forklift is a major investment, and the cost can vary significantly depending on when and how you buy it. Just like buying cars or other equipment, there are certain periods during the year when forklift prices are lower due to market dynamics, seasonality, and supply chain factors. By understanding these patterns, businesses can plan ahead and make a more cost-effective purchase.

Forklift purchases aren’t just about timing discounts. It’s also about availability, market trends, and business needs. For instance, during peak industrial seasons, forklift prices may increase due to higher demand, and businesses may face longer delivery times. On the other hand, buying during slower periods may offer significant savings.

Two industrial forklifts in outdoor storage area

2. New vs. Used Forklifts: Timing Differences

Before diving into the specific best times to purchase a forklift, it’s essential to determine whether you’re looking for a new or used machine. The timing for new and used forklift purchases can differ significantly.

  • New Forklifts: Timing for purchasing new forklifts revolves around market conditions, dealer promotions, and manufacturer release cycles. Discounts and sales events often occur at certain times of the year.
  • Used Forklifts: With used equipment, factors like depreciation, inventory turnover, and auction schedules heavily influence pricing and availability. Used forklifts can often be found at lower prices during off-peak industrial periods or when companies are upgrading their fleets.

3. Best Times for New Forklift Purchases

Several key periods during the year offer potential discounts and better deals for new forklift purchases:

a. End of the Fiscal Year

One of the best times to buy a forklift is at the end of the fiscal year. For most businesses, this falls in December, but it can vary depending on the country or business structure. Dealers and manufacturers are often eager to close out the year with strong sales numbers, so they may offer significant discounts to boost revenue and clear out inventory before starting the next fiscal period.

Many businesses also align their equipment budgets with the fiscal year, meaning that the final months of the year can be a prime time to negotiate better deals. Dealers are more likely to offer competitive pricing, financing options, and extended warranties to meet sales quotas.

b. End of the Calendar Year and New Year Promotions

The end of the calendar year (typically from November through January) is another excellent time to purchase a new forklift. Similar to the fiscal year-end, manufacturers and dealers often offer special promotions to hit sales targets or to clear out old stock before new models arrive. During this period, businesses may find significant discounts on both new and older models of forklifts, especially if manufacturers are introducing newer models in the coming year.

Additionally, the start of the new year may bring promotional offers, financing options, and extended warranties to encourage first-quarter sales, making January an ideal time to purchase a forklift if you missed the year-end deals.

Yellow forklift in snowy outdoor industrial lot

c. After New Model Releases

In the forklift industry, as in the automotive industry, when manufacturers release new models, the prices of previous models may drop significantly. Typically, new models are introduced in the second half of the year, so late summer to early fall can be a prime time to find discounts on older models that are still in excellent condition.

Dealers are often looking to make room for the latest inventory and may offer substantial price reductions on forklifts from the previous year’s lineup. Even though these machines may be a year older, they still offer top-tier performance and modern features, often at a much more affordable price.

4. Best Times for Used Forklift Purchases

Used forklift pricing and availability fluctuate throughout the year based on market conditions, equipment turnover, and auction cycles. Timing your purchase for when there’s greater supply can result in better deals.

a. After Peak Seasonal Demand

Forklifts are in high demand during peak industrial and warehouse activity, which often coincides with the holiday season (September through December) when retail and distribution centers are ramping up operations. As demand peaks, so do prices for used forklifts, especially if businesses are renting or purchasing extra equipment to handle increased workloads.

However, once the peak season subsides, many businesses that rented forklifts for temporary needs will return them, and companies may look to offload excess equipment. This creates a surplus in the market and a drop in prices, making the months after the holiday season (January through March) an excellent time to buy a used forklift.

b. Auction Seasons

Forklift auctions are an excellent opportunity to purchase used equipment at competitive prices, but timing is crucial. The best time to attend forklift auctions is typically during the late winter or early spring, after companies have completed their end-of-year audits and are looking to refresh their fleets. At this time, many businesses may be upgrading their forklifts, leading to a higher supply of used equipment at auction.

Additionally, auctions held in the late summer to early fall can also offer opportunities, as businesses prepare for the busy holiday season and may sell off older models in preparation for new purchases.

Red forklift parked outside a white building

5. Industry-Specific Considerations

The best time of year to buy a forklift can also vary depending on the industry in which you operate. Certain sectors have their own unique equipment purchase cycles that align with seasonal activity, production schedules, or fiscal budgeting processes.

a. Retail and Distribution

In the retail and distribution sectors, forklifts are in highest demand during the late summer and fall as businesses gear up for the holiday season. As mentioned earlier, buying a forklift after this busy period can result in lower prices as companies scale down their operations and return rented equipment. Additionally, manufacturers and dealers may offer promotions aimed at reducing stock before the slower spring months.

b. Construction

For construction businesses, the timing of forklift purchases may depend on the project schedules, with spring and summer being the busiest months for new construction. This means that late winter (January through March) may be the best time to buy a forklift, as construction activity is slower and dealers may offer lower prices to move inventory before the busy season.

c. Manufacturing

In manufacturing, the best time to buy a forklift is often aligned with plant shutdowns or maintenance periods, which typically occur during the summer or at the end of the year. During these slower periods, businesses may be more inclined to sell older equipment or upgrade their fleet, creating opportunities for discounts on both new and used forklifts.

Worker operating forklift in organized warehouse

6. Off-Peak Seasons for Better Deals

One of the overarching themes when it comes to buying forklifts is the benefit of purchasing during off-peak seasons. During times of lower industrial and warehouse activity, demand for forklifts decreases, leading to more competitive pricing and better financing options. Off-peak seasons vary depending on industry, but generally speaking, the months following the holiday season (January through March) and the mid-summer lull (June through August) are prime times to find deals on forklifts.

7. Trade Shows and Equipment Expos

Another excellent opportunity to find forklift deals is at trade shows and equipment expos. These events, which typically occur in the spring or fall, bring together dealers, manufacturers, and potential buyers. Forklift dealers often offer show specials, promotional pricing, or bundled deals that are exclusive to attendees. Additionally, attending these events gives buyers the chance to see the latest models, compare features, and negotiate directly with dealers.

8. Tax Considerations: Timing for Deductions

Tax incentives, such as Section 179 in the U.S., allow businesses to deduct the cost of new or used equipment purchases, including forklifts, from their taxes. The key to maximizing these tax benefits is to make the purchase before the tax year ends, which is typically December 31. Many businesses use this opportunity to make major equipment purchases, taking advantage of the tax deduction while also benefiting from year-end promotions.

Workers operating forklifts in industrial warehouse

9. Year-End Clearance Sales

Finally, year-end clearance sales are a common strategy used by forklift dealers to move inventory and make room for new models. This is especially true for large dealerships that carry a wide variety of forklifts. These clearance events often offer steep discounts on last year’s models or slow-moving inventory, making it one of the best times to buy a forklift at a lower price.

Conclusion

The best time of year to buy a forklift depends on your specific needs, whether you’re looking for new or used equipment, and the industry in which you operate. Timing your purchase around year-end promotions, post-season demand, and auction cycles can save your business money and provide better financing options. By strategically planning your forklift purchase, you can maximize value and ensure that you’re getting the best equipment at the best price.

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chief engineer
Owen Chan

Our chief engineer, guarantees the high quality and advanced design of all our machinery. With vast industry experience, he leads our team in manufacturing premium mini excavators, compact tracked loaders, and skid steer loaders.

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