Which inquiry helps the equipment manager to assess the budget needs for upcoming purchases?

The Equipment Replacement Report is the most suitable choice for helping the equipment manager assess budget needs for upcoming purchases. This report provides critical data on equipment that is due or nearing the end of its useful life, indicating when replacements will be necessary. By analyzing this report, the equipment manager can identify which items require funding for replacement, allowing for informed budget planning.

Additionally, this report helps prioritize equipment needs based on urgency and potential impacts on operations, helping to optimize spending decisions. The information gathered can also assist in forecasting future needs based on historical data and anticipated changes in operational requirements. This aligns closely with the overall goal of maintaining operational efficiency while managing financial resources wisely.

The other reports may focus on different aspects of equipment management, but they do not specifically address the immediate budgetary impacts of equipment replacement needs in the same focused manner.