Managing a fleet of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) involves making strategic decisions to maximize performance, safety, and return on investment. One of the most critical decisions is determining when to retire, refurbish, or sell a MEWP.
Rather than immediately retiring aging equipment, it’s important to evaluate whether refurbishment or resale might be a more viable option. Haulotte offers a range of reconditioning solutions designed to extend equipment lifespan, improve safety, and increase profitability.
Refurbishment options from Haulotte
Haulotte offers three levels of reconditioning to meet different needs:
1. REFRESH
Give your equipment a visual makeover by replacing labels, wheels, and applying a fresh coat of paint.
- Restore your machine’s appearance
- Increase its appeal and rental value
- Make a strong first impression on customers
2. REFURB
This level involves repairing or replacing major mechanical parts to maintain safe and efficient operation.
- Enhance safety and reliability
- Optimize your total cost of ownership
- Extend the useful life of your MEWP
- Maintain or increase residual value
3. UPGRADE
Add new functions or technologies to boost machine performance.
- Improve user comfort
- Enhance safety and compliance
- Maintain a strong resale value with manufacturer certification
Nine key factors to consider
When deciding whether to retire, refurbish, or sell an aerial lift, consider the following criteria:
- Age of the Equipment
• Most MEWPs have a service life of 7–10 years depending on usage and maintenance.
• Consider depreciation and whether continued operation is cost-effective. - Maintenance Costs
• Rising maintenance and repair expenses can signal the right time to upgrade or sell.
• Frequent downtime reduces profitability and affects customer satisfaction. - Performance and Reliability
• Is the machine still reliable and efficient?
• If safety concerns arise that are not cost-effective to fix, retirement may be the best choice. - Market Demand & Technology
• Is your equipment outdated compared to newer models?
• If demand for a specific model has dropped, it may be time to sell. - Compliance Costs
• New safety or emissions regulations might require costly upgrades.
• If the cost of compliance is too high, consider retiring or replacing the equipment. - Financial ROI
• Evaluate the resale value versus ongoing ownership costs.
• Emissions or safety regulations can require costly upgrades.
• If compliance costs outweigh benefits, replacing may be best. - Fleet optimization
• Streamline operations by phasing out redundant or outdated models.
• A modern, versatile fleet enhances service quality and brand image. - Physical Condition
• Inspect the machine’s structure, hydraulics, and electrical components.
• A long repair history might suggest that the machine is near the end of its lifecycle. - Environmental considerations
• Does the equipment meet current emissions standards? Modern electric or low-emission MEWPs support ESG goals.
• Retiring older models supports sustainability and may help meet your company’s environmental goals.
Choose a smarter replacement option
If retiring is the only viable path, consider replacing old machines with certified pre-owned models. In line with the shift toward a circular economy, Haulotte offers RESTART by Haulotte, a professional reconditioning program for second-hand machines.
Through RESTART, Haulotte:
- Buys back used equipment
- Inspects and refurbishes it according to strict quality standards
- Certifies the equipment’s compliance and performance
Each MEWP goes through more than 50 inspection points at the RESTART Center. Once reconditioned, the platform receives a certificate guaranteeing that it meets the operational and regulatory standards valid at the time of manufacture.
A financially sound alternative
Reconditioned MEWPs from Haulotte allow you to expand your fleet with reliable equipment at a lower investment cost.
- Certified performance at a lower price
- High resale value
- Optimized ROI
Making the right call for your fleet
The decision to retire, refurbish, or sell an aerial work platform shouldn’t be taken lightly. By evaluating key factors such as performance, compliance, costs, and sustainability, you can make informed decisions that strengthen your fleet and support your business goals.
Explore Haulotte’s reconditioning programs to get the most value from your MEWP fleet.