August 21, 2023
Buying lifting equipment is always a strategic decision that can have both a positive and negative impact on the profitability of your business. Therefore, before investing, you should understand how often you will use it, under what conditions, for what tasks, and whether it is planned to be regularly moved between sites. All this determines which model to choose and, in general, whether such a large-scale purchase makes sense (it is possible that leasing can be enough). That’s why we decided to share a step-by-step guide on how to make the right decision.
The first and most difficult thing you have to do is to formulate what tasks the lifting equipment should solve within the framework of your business.
In particular, as for operating conditions, compact and manoeuvrable models, such as small-sized scissor platforms, are suitable for indoor work, especially when it comes to warehouses with narrow aisles and limited ceiling height. They take up little space, can be moved easily, and are powerful enough to lift heavy loads. If the equipment will be used outdoors, for example, at construction sites, it is worth focusing on models with high ground clearance, a strong frame, and an all-wheel drive base. Telescopic and diesel scissor lifts work better in these cases as they can cope with uneven surfaces and difficult weather conditions.
Another equally important factor is the required lifting height. An error in calculations can lead to the equipment being unusable, so you must consider both the site’s height and the safety margin, as well as the features of access to the working area. As a result, it’s sometimes wiser to buy a model with a slight excess in height than to face limitations later.
Finally, you’ll need to understand how often the equipment will be moved between objects. If the lift is planned to be used stationary, for example, within one warehouse or workshop, you can choose heavy-duty models with a wide frame. In turn, if the lifting equipment requires regular transportation (with a trailer or even manually, between floors), it makes sense to focus on mobile solutions with a compact form factor.
The equipment should work for you, and not you for its manufacturer. Therefore, before buying, you must calculate how many working hours per month it will be used, how much it costs to rent a similar lift, and how many employees can be replaced by one unit.
As for leasing lifting equipment, the calculation formula is quite simple: if the number of months for its use multiplied by the monthly rental cost exceeds the purchase price, the latter option will be more profitable.
New equipment purchased from the manufacturer or official distributor always comes with a warranty, is factory-made (and, therefore, is reliable and safe), and has zero wear. Of course, the price of such equipment will certainly be higher, but the risks of its use are lower. Therefore, if you are going to use lifts regularly and for a long time, this option is often the best.
At the same time, used lifting equipment requires more moderate investments at the start, but before buying, you will have to carefully check its technical condition, service history, and wear period. In general, if your budget is limited, but you still need to protect yourself as much as possible, consider only certified equipment from a trusted supplier.
Investments in a lift can be a starting point for scaling and autonomising your business. Therefore, you need to protect yourself from scammers who sell low-quality lifting equipment, as well as sellers who are unable to interact with their customers in the long term.
To do this, you have to make sure that the supplier has a spare parts warehouse and service support, provides a warranty for maintenance and advice on choosing a model for your needs, and is also able to quickly respond to breakdowns. In general, it is always better to deal with an official distributor or supplier (like Zuma Sales) that has good recommendations and reviews.
Any lifting equipment must have a product passport, operating instructions, as well as safety compliance certificates. Otherwise, you risk not only slowing down the work process due to a lack of understanding of how to work with a specific lift model and where to repair it, but also face potential fines due to emergencies caused by non-compliance with safety regulations.
When investing in lifting equipment, you must think about whether you can sell it in 3-5 years and whether it is suitable for scaling your business (i.e., is the model you choose versatile or not). While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, multifunctional and mobile equipment usually pays for itself faster and maintains its liquidity over the years.
A wise investment in lifting equipment is a balance between technical characteristics, cost of ownership, service, and the goals of your business. In this regard, it is better not to rely on low cost, but to have an optimal price/functionality/service ratio.
Clear goals help you choose equipment that matches tasks, operating environments, and long-term business needs.
Leasing is cost-effective for short-term projects, but frequent use usually justifies a purchase. Calculating ROI helps decide.
New models include warranties, zero wear, and higher reliability, making them ideal for heavy or long-term usage.
Look for suppliers with spare parts support, strong reviews, certifications, and clear after-sales service commitments.
Certification ensures safety compliance, avoids legal penalties, and guarantees the equipment meets operational standards.
