john j- I agree with you. Your explanation is excellent on the llife cycle of equipment. I was ranting on the over technical side of the lifts today. Forklifts will go down the same road as other technical commodities. Rather than repair equipment, they'll just be replaced. It'll be the little companies with 1 forklift that'll be left holding the bag- they'll buy newer lifts in the thought of upgrading the equipment, only to find out in the long haul that the older lifts were actully less expensive to maintain.

I work on lifts ranging from the early 60's to lifts just a few years old. It's sad to me that the newer lifts are made so cheaply. I guess it's all in the name of progress. Between plastic bushings being where brass used to be & having to chrome newer cylinder rods because the chrome got to thin & the packing can't seal it to now having wiring harnesses cost upwards of 6,500.00 because of the specialty type wires involved, I just don't see any end in sight.

As far as the original question on the thread- which lift is better?- they're all doing the same thing- cheapening up the lift, adding more electronics & promising less downtime. Do your best to find out which dealer services your area the best, compare their rates against their competitors, decide which is better for you in your circumstance and take the plunge- jump into the deep end of the pool & hope you can swim