| Option | When to consider it | Questions to settle |
|---|---|---|
| New equipment | A sustained workload with a defined specification | Capital or finance commitment, delivery lead time, warranty and servicing |
| Used equipment | A requirement where condition and specification offer the right fit | Hours, history, battery and component condition, preparation and warranty |
| Hire | Temporary demand or a preference for an agreed hire commitment | Minimum term, hours, maintenance, delivery, collection and return conditions |
Match the commitment to the workload
A seasonal peak, a project with an end date and a permanent production requirement call for different conversations. Write down expected weekly operating hours, the start date and how confidently you can predict the duration. Include your existing fleet: a spare truck may cover a peak but could also be needed when another machine is being serviced.
Compare the complete cost
For a purchase, ask for the equipment price, delivery, any finance terms, charging or fuel requirements, planned maintenance and the condition of key components. For used equipment, confirm hours, service history, battery condition where relevant and the written warranty terms.
For hire, request the hire period and minimum commitment, included operating hours, excess-use charges, delivery and collection, servicing responsibilities, damage terms and any early-return charges. Confirm what happens if a truck is unavailable. A headline weekly rate alone cannot answer those questions.
Include service from the beginning
Compare each option with a clear maintenance arrangement and a separate plan for Thorough Examination. Establish who schedules visits, who authorises repair costs and how a breakdown is reported. Routine maintenance and Thorough Examination are different activities; confirm what your quotation includes.
Make the specification comparable
Use the same load weight and load centre, lift height, aisle width, surface conditions and operating hours for each quotation. Include attachments, low doorways, ramps and indoor or outdoor use. Compare the capacity for your actual configuration, rather than the headline truck rating alone.
Ask IVS for a practical shortlist
Send your site postcode, target start date, expected duration, working hours and the specification above. IVS can compare new equipment, used equipment and hire options, together with service and Thorough Examination. Availability and contract terms are confirmed in the quotation.