Smart Fleet Growth: Invest in Used and Reconditioned MEWPs

For construction and rental businesses looking to scale efficiently, every equipment investment matters. As market demands shift and budgets tighten, the choice between purchasing as-is, certified pre-owned or reconditioned mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) can play a strategic role in growing your fleet without compromising on quality or performance.

Used MEWPs each offer distinct advantages. The key is knowing which path supports your business goals — whether that’s rapid expansion, cost savings or long-term reliability.

Defining the Used Options: As-Is, Certified Pre-Owned and Reconditioned

As-Is MEWPs are pre-owned machines sold in their current state. These machines can be ideal for short-term needs or budget-conscious buyers who need immediate availability at a lower cost.

Certified Pre-Owned MEWPs undergo a thorough assessment, receive updates and repairs, go through comprehensive testing and complete a comprehensive annual inspection. The certification process is designed to ensure that every certified MEWP meets stringent quality and safety standards. At JLG, the process can include (but not limited to):

• Fresh paint and new OEM decals
• New power track, hoses, cables batteries, boxes and covers
• Replace tire and wheel assemblies
• Engine is replaced with a Deutz Exchange Engine on all Certified+ boom lifts

Reconditioned MEWPs, however, go through an in-depth refurbishment process — often conducted by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). At JLG, reconditioning involves:

• Complete disassembly and rebuild of electrical, hydraulic and structural components
• Engine is replaced with a Deutz Exchange Engine on all Reconditioned boom lifts
• Recoating, repainting and rigorous testing to factory-approved, field-ready condition

The result is a unit that looks and performs like new, often with a factory-backed warranty. JLG^® Reconditioned machines extend equipment life and provide predictable performance, key for businesses scaling operations.

Reconditioned MEWPs also offer an environmental advantage. Refurbishing an existing unit uses significantly fewer resources than manufacturing new, saving tons of steel, water and other resources per machine. This approach aligns with sustainability goals and cost-effectively extends asset utility.

And because Tier 2 and Tier 3 engines in reconditioned units are still compliant with the original standards under which they were built, you can extend their life without violating emissions regulations, as long as they remain within regional guidelines.

At A Glance: Quick Reference Guide

Criteria	As-Is Equipment	Certified Pre-Owned	Reconditioned Equipment
Upfront Cost	Lowest	Moderate (less than new)	Moderate (less than new)
Condition	Varies by seller	Inspected and serviced to meet industry standards	Restored to factory-approved condition
Warranty	Limited or none (unless certified)	Typically includes limited warranty	Often included
Lifespan	Shorter	Moderate	Extended
Sustainability	Moderate	Good – extends equipment life	High – reduces waste and resource use
Best Use Case	Temporary needs, small expansions	Budget-conscious buyers wanting reliability	Strategic growth, long-term ROI

Financing Considerations for Smart Growth

Buying used or reconditioned MEWPs can save money upfront, but financing these purchases takes careful consideration. Unlike new equipment, used units may not always qualify for traditional in-house financing, especially when purchased from rental stores, auctions or third parties. That’s where OEM-backed financing, like JLG Financial^®, adds real value.

Here are three main financing paths available:

1. Revolving Line of Credit

• Best for: Short-term equipment use (e.g., 12 months or less) or equipment held for resale
• Pros: No pre-payment penalties; flexible for reselling machines quickly
• Cons: Harder to secure for newer businesses or those without an established credit history and the approval process is longer and more extensive.

2. Equipment Loans

• Best for: Longer-term ownership
• Pros: Fixed rates, tax depreciation benefits, lower monthly payments
• Cons: Down payments (typically 10–20%), prepayment penalties

Loan approval is based on machine age, brand, usage and price. As a rule, lenders often follow a “10-year age + loan term” standard, where the sum cannot exceed 10 years.

3. Leasing (Rare but Possible)

• Best for: Project-based needs or companies wanting usage flexibility
• Pros: No down payment, possible return at the end of the term
• Cons: Less common, harder to find lenders, early-exit penalties are high, no depreciation benefits as lender owns the asset. 

What Lenders Look At

Before extending financing, lenders evaluate:

• Equipment condition and ownership history
• Fair market value versus asking price
• Your company’s financial standing, credit history, and project pipeline

Financing partners that specialize in the access industry — such as JLG Financial — can streamline this process. JLG Financial offers access to trusted lenders, promotional rates, tailored terms, seasonal payment plans, flexibility to finance 100% of the equipment purchase and even coverage of up to 20% of soft costs, like delivery or inspections. These features can be critical when scaling quickly and efficiently.

Budget Efficiency Without Compromise

Choosing certified used or reconditioned equipment helps stretch your budget without cutting corners. These options:

• Allow for fleet growth with reduced upfront investment
• Offer extended equipment life — especially with reconditioned machines
• Present sustainable alternatives to scrapping old gear, saving resources and landfill space

They also help avoid the costly downtime and unpredictability that can come with unverified used machines.

Maximizing Your Equipment Budget
Whether your fleet growth is driven by new contracts, geographic expansion or the need to refresh older assets, used and reconditioned MEWPs give you more control over how you scale. Combining that knowledge with the right financing, you can make sound financial decisions that benefit your fleet and bottom line.

With options like JLG’s As-Is, Certified Pre-Owned and Reconditioned equipment — combined with flexible financing from JLG Financial — you can expand confidently and efficiently, no matter the market conditions. Get started browsing inventory at JLGUsed.com.