New & Used Forklift Prices: What You Can Expect to Pay in 2024

Are you considering buying a forklift but unsure about forklift prices for both new and used ones?

Well, you are in the right place! By the time you finish this guide on new and used forklift pricing, you’ll not only gain insights into forklift pricing but also learn:

• Why price shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision (and what those other factors are.)
• The advantages and disadvantages of buying new and used.
• How to make sure that your forklift choice will work in your application.
• How long a forklift can last – on average – and what factors can shorten or extend a forklift’s life?
• How to make sure that your final choice makes financial sense.
• Your options for where to buy your next forklift.

With that, let’s dive in.

Just here for the pricing?

• New forklift prices
• Used forklift prices

How To Determine Forklift Pricing

Asking the question, “How much does a forklift cost?” is like asking how much a car costs. If you were to ask a car salesperson, they’d probably respond with a few questions:

• What kind of car? 
• How much horsepower do you want? 
• What options are you looking for? 
• What year do you want? 
• How many miles are acceptable? 
• What kind of a warranty do you need? 

Many different factors go into the prices of forklifts. So, before we get to the actual figures, let’s take a moment to understand how people price new and used forklifts.

The Main Factors for New and Used Forklift Pricing

Here are factors that determine forklift price, whether new or used:

• Capacity.
• Fuel type.
• Mast size.
• Tire type.
• Hydraulic setup.
• Configuration, features & accessories.

We’ll cover each one below.

Capacity

The lift capacity of the tow motor will affect the pricing. The higher the forklift’s capacity, the higher the price. And that’s simply because more material is required to manufacture the truck.

For instance, a 10,000 lb. capacity truck can cost nearly twice as much as a 5,000 lb. truck. So keep that in mind as you shop.

Fuel type

The fuel sources for forklifts include electric, liquefied propane gas (LPG), and diesel.

Generally speaking, electrics cost more than LPG and diesel trucks do. That’s because when you buy electric, you’re paying for fuel upfront, in the form of the industrial battery that powers the lift.

Diesel, on the other hand, costs more than LPG trucks do. That is because diesel trucks come with heavier, more durable parts due to how their engines operate.

LPG-powered trucks, conversely, are usually the least expensive option. Additionally, the cost of the LPG fuel itself is less than the cost of diesel per unit by as much as 50%.

Mast size

Across the industry, an 189″ three-stage mast is standard. But besides that, there are a multitude of different lift heights and configurations.

Some are shorter, so they can fit into confined spaces like semi-trailers. Others are extra tall to reach 25-foot-tall racking.

Usually, the taller the mast is, the more material is needed to make it, which raises the cost.

Tire type

Depending on the truck model you are after, the choice of tires ranges from cushion, air-filled pneumatic, and solid foam-filled tires. Beyond that, additional options are razor-siping for slick conditions and non-marking tires for operations where floor marks are undesirable.

With that said, black cushions and air-filled pneumatic tires are usually the base options for most forklifts. If you want something beyond the standard, like foam-filled or even dual-drive tires, be prepared to spend $1,500 to $4,000 or even more.

Hydraulic setup

Usually, trucks will come standard with a 3-way hydraulic valve and single internal hosing. The truck’s hydraulics are configured to lift and tilt the mast, along with one more function, usually to control the side-to-side shifting action of the side shifter.

If you want to equip your forklift with something a little “fancier,” like a side-shifting fork positioner, paper roll clamp, or a slip-sheet attachment, you’ll need an extra valve section. And this option, in turn, will add to the sticker price of your forklift.

Configuration, features & accessories

The more features you want the lift truck to have, and the more specifically configured you need it for your operation, the more expensive it will be. Some of the upcharges that influence the price include:

• Cab: Expect to pay extra for a full cab with a heater.
• Paint: If you want a custom color scheme, like your company’s colors.
• Specialized options: Cold storage package for freezer applications; ES, EE, EX-ratings for working with/around hazardous materials.

Additionally, accessories can drive up the price.

Items like blue and red zone safety lights, LED headlights, and even suspension seats are becoming popular for many operations due to their positive effect on safety and ergonomics. But they’re usually not free – expect to spend several hundred dollars or even more to outfit your lift with them.

More Price Factors for Used Forklifts

When it comes to prices for used equipment, there are a few additional factors than with new equipment:

• Condition of the forklift.
• Thoroughness of the seller.
• Year.
• Hours.
• Supply & Demand.
• Warranty.
• Paint.
• Attachment.
• Negotiation.

Let’s cover each one.

Condition of the forklift

Forklifts used in an extreme environment will show the wear and tear from that application.

And the price of the lift truck should reflect those defects.

Previous working conditions you should be wary of include:

• Proximity to salt water – causes increased corrosion on machine components.
• Cold environments – seals on the engine and hydraulics become more brittle with the cold.
• Humid environments – moisture may reach electrical systems and increase corrosion.
• Heavy outdoor use – more exposure to the elements leads to wear and tear like rust.

Thoroughness of the seller

Besides the condition, the price of a forklift truck can depend on how much work the seller wants to put into it.

There are some sellers who, frankly, will only glance over a less-than-stellar forklift that they have acquired and are trying to sell. They may only make minor or no repairs before slapping a price tag on the forklift and putting it up for sale. These types of sales will typically be “as is.”

That’s why you’ll often see forklifts on eBay, Craigslist, or auction sites for as little as $3,000 or less. More often than not, you’ll be able to quickly see from the pictures that the truck is rough, with extensive rust, excessively worn tires, and damaged components.

Watch out for the “great deals” you find on the internet. Although they may seem affordable, they could lack quality.

There is not anything wrong with that approach, necessarily. However, the buyer must know that their potential “great deal” will likely need a lot of TLC before being used. And make no mistake – the cost of that TLC will come out of your budget.

Other sellers might wind up with less-than-stellar used forklifts but will still go through the lift, fix what is wrong to ensure the lift is safe to operate, and then try to turn it for a profit.

Self-Promo Alert!

Conger conducts a 47-point inspection on every forklift to guarantee it functions before the sale.

Year

Like an automobile, newer forklifts typically have higher prices than older ones. Older lifts tend to have outdated features simply due to their age.

Also, older forklifts typically have higher usage and wear and tear.

The age of the forklift plays a significant role in used pricing. If possible, aim for ten years or newer.

Although pricing can vary between sellers, usually items older than ten years are generally priced significantly lower.

Hours

The general rules for pricing forklifts by their hour are pretty simple. The more hours a forklift has worked, the cheaper it tends to be.

Unlike automobiles, forklift usage is measured by the number of operated hours rather than miles driven. We usually say that 200 hours on a forklift is equivalent to 3,000 miles on a car. So, if you do the math, a forklift with 5,000 hours on it has roughly the same usage as a car with 75,000 miles on it. 

But hours don’t tell the full story. For instance, 2,000 hours in a facility that produces caustic chemicals will be vastly different than 2,000 hours in an application that makes pillows. Therefore, sellers will often weigh the overall condition of the truck more heavily than the hours it has on it when deciding on a price.

Supply & demand

Some trucks – especially higher-capacity ones – are simply less available than more common “bread and butter” trucks, like 5,000 lb. cushion trucks (the archetypal “warehouse forklift”). 

When this happens, the law of supply and demand will cause the price of the high-capacity forklifts to rise.

Sometimes, though, the supply factor works out in the buyer’s favor.

For example, a used forklift dealer may simply be sitting on too many of a particular truck. If they’ve experienced an influx of lease returns from a particular customer, they might be looking to get rid of that extra supply at a discounted rate.

If the seller is sitting on a lot of a certain type of truck, that can mean a better price for you.

 

And that means a potentially better deal for you, the buyer.

Additionally, the time of year can have an impact on supply and demand, thereby increasing or decreasing prices.

Pneumatic-tired trucks, for instance, are popular in the springtime. And cab trucks are popular in the wintertime.

So if you can anticipate your need, wait until the offseason to purchase what you’re looking for. Otherwise, you may find yourself paying a premium for a hard-to-find truck.

 

Warranty

Whereas new forklifts can come with a warranty period of one to five years, it’s not nearly as long for used forklifts. 

The warranty options do vary from seller to seller and lift to lift. For instance, we’ve already mentioned the “as is” forklifts, which are often in rough shape, sold at a discount, and come without a warranty. Other common warranties include 30-day parts and labor warranties, 60-day parts and labor warranties, and six-month powertrain warranties.

Likewise, the cost of a warranty will be highly dependent on the particular situation, the lift, its hours, and frankly how badly the seller wants you to buy. But expect to spend anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to $2,500 or more for a warranty.

If you’re looking to buy a forklift out of state, however, don’t expect a warranty at all. That’s because it’s difficult and expensive for dealers to offer warranties for equipment that’s not in their territory.

Paint

Do you want a fresh paint job, along with body work done to your used lift? Some buyers do, but for different reasons. 

While some operations require their forklifts to maintain their paint to safeguard against product contamination from paint chips, others do it to preserve the integrity of the forklift. Because if operators see a nicely-painted lift, they’ll be more likely to take care of it.

Regardless of the reasoning, however, be prepared to spend anywhere between $1,000 and $2,000 for a fresh paint job.

Paint jobs

Attachment

By default, most trucks will come with a side shifter at no extra cost. But other times, the truck might have a paper roll clamp, box clamp, or any number of other attachments, depending on the application it came from.

While normally the exception rather than the rule, some sellers prefer to keep the attachment with the truck it’s currently on and sell the whole thing as a package deal.

Depending on which type of attachment it is, its inclusion with the truck can bump the price of the whole package up by thousands of dollars. So it behooves you to ask if they’re willing to sell the lift truck without the attachment. Sometimes they will, other times they won’t. But it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Negotiation

Negotiation is as much a part of the used forklift business as it is the used car business. 

And that can be quite good news for you, the buyer. Because you have a chance of reducing the price of the lift you’re after or getting some “freebies” thrown into the deal to make the sale. 

Depending on the seller, you may be able to negotiate for “freebies,” like a fresh coat of paint, new tires, or an upgraded attachment.

You might be able to convince the seller, for instance, (if they’re a dealership) to throw in a paint job for free. Or, perhaps they’d be willing to include a new set of foam-filled tires, an upgraded attachment, or free out-of-state shipping. 

In the end, these “freebies” can add up to thousands of dollars in savings for you.

 

Do Factors That Affect Forklift Price Affect Order Pickers and Pallet Jacks?

While many factors influencing forklift pricing also apply to order pickers and pallet jacks, there are some distinctions to consider.

Similarities with Forklift Pricing Factors:

1. Capacity: Like forklifts, the weight capacity of order pickers and pallet jacks can impact their prices. Higher weight capacities typically entail higher costs due to increased material requirements and capabilities.

2. Fuel/Power Type: The choice of power source, whether electric, manual, or other, can affect pricing similarly to forklifts. Electric models may be more expensive upfront due to battery costs, while manual options may be more budget-friendly.

3. Features and Accessories: Additional features and customizations, such as specialized attachments, ergonomic designs, and safety enhancements, can influence the pricing of order pickers and pallet jacks, mirroring the customization options available for forklifts.

Distinct Factors for Order Pickers and Pallet Jacks:

1. Functionality: While forklifts excel in lifting and transporting heavy loads, order pickers and pallet jacks are specialized for specific tasks. Pricing may vary based on the intricacies of their design and functionality tailored to order picking or pallet handling operations.

2. Size and Maneuverability: Order pickers and pallet jacks often have compact designs optimized for maneuvering within narrow aisles and confined spaces. Factors such as size, weight, and maneuverability can influence pricing, reflecting the specialized requirements of different industries and warehouse layouts.

3. Load Handling: Unlike forklifts, which utilize forks for lifting pallets, order pickers may feature platforms or forks designed for picking individual items from shelves. Pallet jacks, on the other hand, are primarily focused on pallet handling. Pricing considerations may revolve around the specific load-handling capabilities and mechanisms of each equipment type.

In summary, while many factors affecting forklift pricing apply to order pickers and pallet jacks, there are nuances inherent to each equipment type. Understanding these distinctions can help buyers make informed decisions based on their operational needs and budget considerations.

 

Your Burning Question Finally Answered

Okay, now that we’ve laid the groundwork for understanding new and used forklift pricing, it’s time to get into the actual numbers.

The following is a rough range of prices for the most common types of forklifts.

How Much Does a New Forklift Cost?

Brand-new forklift prices are admittedly a bit difficult to find.

This is because prices are typically only revealed through a quote (as opposed to retail stores where the price is out there in the open). 

That being said, we looked through our records, and, combined with our experience, we feel these prices give a good rough estimate of what you can expect to pay for the most popular models and configurations of forklifts, across a variety of brands. 

We used these specs and options as we devised to price list, to maintain an apples-to-apples comparison:

• 187″ mast
• Battery & charger included with electric
• Included 1-year basic, 3-year powertrain warranty for all trucks

Truck Model	Price Range
3,000 lb. Electric	$36,500-$39,500
3,000 lb. Cushion	$29,500-$32,000
3,000 lb. Pneumatic	$31,900-$33,500
5,000 lb. Electric	$37,000-$44,500
5,000 lb. Cushion	$35,000-$37,000
5,000 lb. Pneumatic	$38,500-$43,000
10,000 lb. Cushion	$68,500-$74,000
10,000 lb. Pneumatic	$77,000-$80,000
15,000 lb. Cushion	$105,000-$125,000
15,000 lb. Pneumatic	$105,000-$125,000

How Much Does a Used Forklift Cost?

We were able to get a little more granular with the used pricing. That’s because there are a plethora of used equipment trading websites online that openly list the prices of many different kinds of equipment. 

We ended up examining 87 listings of the most common types of forklifts, each within the range of the following specs (again, to get as close to an apples-to-apples comparison as possible):

• 2010 or newer
• 5,000 hours or less
• 149″ to 200″ mast
• Located in the United States

As you can see, a used forklift could be sold from $9,900 to $91,000, depending on the capacity and hours

 

Truck Model	Low Price	High Price	Average Price
3,000 lb. Electric	$9,900	$28,000	$17,200
3,000 lb. Cushion	$9,900	$28,000	$18,200
3,000 lb. Pneumatic	$11,500	$24,900	$18,600
5,000 lb. Electric	$17,900	$29,700	$22,800
5,000 lb. Cushion	$17,800	$29,700	$22,900
5,000 lb. Pneumatic	$17,900	$29,900	$26,800
10,000 lb. Cushion	$24,500	$47,800	$32,600
10,000 lb. Pneumatic	$24,000	$55,900	$38,800
15,000 lb. Cushion	$46,000	$79,900	$61,800
15,000 lb. Pneumatic	$43,000	$91,000	$62,800

Keep in mind…

Some of the listings we took the above numbers from did include paint in the price. But none explicitly stated that they came with a warranty.

 

Do Not Just Compare Prices When Shopping for a New or Used Forklift

Now that you know the range of prices for both new and used equipment, I’d advise you not to stop there. Too often, price is the only consideration when shopping for a forklift. But there are other, very important factors to consider as well.

To explore those other factors, let’s examine the various advantages and disadvantages that come with buying both new and used forklifts. Once we’ve run through them, you’ll see exactly why you shouldn’t fixate only on price when making your decision. 

And in the process, you’ll be in a better position to avoid making a major (and embarrassing) financial blunder.

Buying a New Forklift: The Advantages

Although the price is higher, there are still a lot of advantages you should be aware of concerning buying a new forklift, instead of a used one.

Let’s go through them individually.

Get the latest features

Much like automobiles, forklifts are constantly being updated and improved.

Whether that’s improvements like integrated dashboards with onboard diagnostics, enhanced safety features, better emission controls, or more comfortable operator compartments, engineers are constantly trying to make tow motors safer, more productive, and more ergonomic.

When going the new route, you have the advantage of getting these updated features as they come out. And that means making your operation run smoother, with less downtime and lower risk of operator injury.

Choose the exact mast height

If your material handling operation has tall racking or takes place within confined spaces like semi-trailers and railroad cars, chances are you may need a non-standard mast.

Because some masts are simply harder to come across than others on the used market, the advantage of buying new is that you have more flexibility to choose exactly the mast size you need.

Lower shipping costs

A frequently-overlooked but important detail is the transportation charges for forklifts. 

If buying new, you’ll usually only be on the hook for local delivery charges. That’s because new lifts, unless already in stock at the dealer, are shipped to the dealership for check-in as well as any aftermarket modifications required by the buyer.

Plus, if you have the capability, you can save even more money by coming to the dealership and picking the truck up yourself!

Whereas, if buying used from an online seller, you might get saddled with a huge shipping bill. We’ll cover that in more detail in the “Buying a Used Forklift: The Disadvantages” section.

Longer warranty

As previously mentioned, depending on the manufacturer, your new forklift will probably come with a warranty that lasts for 12 to 36 months, or up to 2,000 hours or so.

Compared to used forklifts, which either have 30 or 60-day warranties or even no warranty at all, you’ll come away with much greater peace of mind with a new forklift.

Better trade-in cost

The logic is simple: A truck that’s 5 years old with 5,000 hours on it is probably going to be worth more when traded in than a truck that is 10 years old with 10,000 hours on it.

The newer the forklift, the lower the hours, and the better shape it’s in come trade-in time, the better value you’ll get.

 

So if you plan to trade in your truck after only a couple of years, and you’ve bought new, you’re going to get a higher trade-in price for it. Unless, of course, the truck is in extremely rough shape, on account of the environment it was in, poor maintenance, operator abuse, or any combination thereof.

Buying a New Forklift: The Disadvantages

Now that we’ve covered the plus side of buying new, let’s be thorough and go over the downsides.

Costs more

We’ll start with the obvious disadvantage.

As you’ve seen from the range of prices, if you choose to buy new, you’re going to end up paying at least a few thousand dollars more than if you buy used.

Not only is the initial investment higher when buying new, but the depreciation is steeper as well. Just like a new car, once the forklift “rolls off the lot,” that depreciation clock starts ticking.

Granted, if you plan on keeping the forklift throughout your whole life, this may not be as big of a deal to you. As mentioned, since new trucks will typically have a higher trade-in value at the end of their life, that may be all that matters to you.

Longer lead times

Any way you look at it, you’re going to have a wait between the time you order your new truck, it leaves the factory, gets checked in by your local dealership, and is delivered to you.

That lead time can be as long as 18 weeks, depending on the manufacturer, the volume of orders received before yours, and the particular options you’ve chosen for your truck.

Condition of the forklift

If you want a new forklift, you’re generally going to need to wait a few months for it to be produced and delivered to you.

 

So, if you’re in a hurry for a forklift, you might need to consider going used simply because you’ll be able to get it faster. But if that’s not an option, you may be able to strike an agreement with your dealership whereby you can get a rental truck at a discounted rate if you place an order for a new lift.

Buying a Used Forklift: The Advantages

Since we’ve covered the ups and downs of buying new, let’s move on to used.

The lower overall initial cost

As you know, the price of a used forklift is almost universally lower than the price of a new forklift. But going beyond that, there are also some nice price breaks that you can get if you go the used route.

For one, if you’re currently renting a forklift, like it, and want to buy it, you may be able to negotiate a price break based on the amount of rent you’ve already paid for the lift. This will, of course, depend on the dealership that you’re renting it from, among other factors.

This one is easy: Used forklifts are typically cheaper than new forklifts.

 

And speaking of negotiation, remember that you have the opportunity to negotiate not only for a lower price on the used lift, but also for upgrades, like bigger forks, new tires, or perhaps even an upgraded attachment, like a side shifting fork positioner instead of a standard side shifter.

Get it Faster

Sometimes, you can get a used forklift within a matter of days, compared with months for a new one. And if you’re currently renting, you could simply purchase the truck immediately and own it free and clear.

Otherwise, expect to wait anywhere from a few days to a month before you get your used lift.

Faster ROI

Ultimately what the “get it faster” advantage means is that you can start being productive faster. The sooner you get the lift; the sooner you can put it to work. And the sooner you can put it to work, the faster you can recoup your initial investment.

Buying a Used Forklift: The Disadvantages

Okay, so you’re up to speed on the upsides of buying used. 

But what about the downsides?

Let’s go through them.

Higher maintenance costs

This one is obvious. The higher the hours on the truck, the more likely parts are to wear out, the more likely things are to go wrong, and the more expensive it will be to get the truck back up and running.

Granted, the forklift should be in proper working order if you bought it from a reputable seller. But the fact is that you simply never know what’s going to go wrong – or when it will happen – once you’ve put the lift into operation.

Fewer choices of features

If you need a particular configuration, including certain features, your options will be limited if purchasing used.

Features like cabs with heat for outdoor usage, 4-way hydraulic valves to accommodate clamps and other specialized attachments, and LPS or EE-rated trucks for sensitive operations will be harder to find.

Besides the condition, the price of a forklift truck can depend on how much work the seller wants to put into it.

There are some sellers who, frankly, will only glance over a less-than-stellar forklift that they’ve acquired and are trying to sell. They may only make minor repairs or no repairs at all before slapping a price on it and putting it up for sale. These types of sales will typically be “as is.”

That’s why you’ll often see forklifts on eBay, Craigslist, or auction sites for as little as $3,000 or less. More often than not, you’ll be able to quickly see from the pictures that the truck is tough, with extensive rust, excessively worn tires, and damaged components.

Less selection of certain types of models

As we’ve discussed in the “Supply & demand” section above, some forklifts are just plain harder to come by than others in the used market.

For instance, 15,500 lb. cushions are pretty tough to find. Manufacturers simply don’t make them in as large of quantity as they do smaller, more common forklifts. The result is that fewer high-capacity trucks make it to the secondary market.

Likewise, high-capacity forklifts with tall masts are also difficult to find. These lifts are typically ordered new by customers to fit specialized applications. And the same is true of tall-mast reach trucks.

Other specialty forklifts, like articulating narrow aisle forklifts (Aisle Masters and Flexi’s), and high-capacity multi-directional forklifts (Combilifts) are few and far between on the used side.

So, if you need these types of forklifts, you may end up having to bite the bullet and go new.

Unknown quality

You won’t always be able to find out the origin of the used forklift you’ve found. And that can be worrying for several reasons:

• It may not have been taken care of in its previous application.
• It may have come from an abusive environment (chemical plants, concrete plants, food processing facilities, to name a few.)
• It could’ve been “serviced” by a less-than-thorough technician or company.
• If electric, the battery may not have been maintained properly.

To minimize these risks, always ask for service records. And try to find out, if you can, where the forklift was used previously. If you find it was a rather rough terrain operation, it might be best to pass.

Increased costs of shipping

So, you’ve found a great deal on Craigslist (or eBay, or Equipment Trader). But did you factor in shipping?

Shipping a forklift cross-country or even interstate can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 or more. And if the lift is oversized or especially heavy and requires special permits, the costs can be quite extraordinary. 

So, make sure to factor that additional cost into the sale if shopping online.

Shorter warranties

When browsing online equipment sites, you won’t often find any mention of a warranty. That’s because it’s much more expensive for a dealer to try to service a tow motor that’s sold to a customer who’s out of state.

Warranties for used equipment usually range from 30 to 60 days. Unless buying out of state, that is – sellers generally don’t provide warranties in that case.

 

If you’re working with a local dealer, you can expect a warranty of 30 to 60 days. That usually covers parts and labor. If you want or need a longer warranty, however, be prepared to spend more.

Lower trade-in cost

If you purchased a used forklift and put a ton of additional hours on it, chances are good you’re only going to get a fraction of what you paid for it in trade-in value.

Here’s a rough set of guidelines for typical trade-in values for well-used forklifts:

• 5,000 lb. capacity or less internal combustion forklifts will bring $800 to $2,000.
• 5,000 lb. capacity or less electric forklifts are worth $1,000 to $1,500 (if the battery is included, which accounts for most of the value).
• 10,000 lb. capacity and up internal combustion forklifts can bring a couple of thousand dollars.
• Scrap values for electric and internal combustion forklifts alike are based on weight, and rise and lower with the market price of steel – but you won’t usually get more than a few hundred dollars.

On the other hand, a forklift that was bought new is only a couple of years old, only has a couple thousand hours, and could fetch you up to two-thirds of the purchase price.

Greater difficulty getting parts

If you’ve bought an especially old forklift or a one-off model, you might have a difficult time finding parts for it.

Keep in mind parts availability as you shop. Finding parts for some forklifts is harder (and more expensive) than others.

 

And if you do manage to find them, be prepared to spend extra to get them. That’s both in terms of the parts themselves and extra shipping costs, as sometimes the parts are only available overseas.

How to Choose Between New and Used

Alright, we’re at the end of the road.

Let’s quickly recap everything we’ve covered so far. You’ve learned:

• The price ranges for new and used forklifts.
• What factors can raise or lower the prices of both new and used forklifts?
• Why price isn’t the only factor you should consider when shopping for a forklift.
• The major advantages and disadvantages of buying new and used.

Now it’s time to put it all together and map out a decision-making process that’ll help you make the right choice for your material handling operation and budget.

To do that, we’ll need to answer the following questions:  

1. What do you need for your operation? 
2. How long will a new or used forklift last? 
3. Does your choice make financial sense?

Let’s get started.

What Do You Need?

The first step is, of course, to take into consideration your operation and what type of forklift will work in it.

With that in mind, let’s go through each question you’ll need to answer.

Capacity?

Do you need a 3,000 lb. lift for light duty in your warehouse? Or a monstrous 30,000 lb. diesel truck for heavy-duty work in a fabrication facility?

One of the first questions to answer when forklift shopping is: What lifting capacity do I need?

 

As previously mentioned, it’s usually harder to find high-capacity trucks on the used market. Therefore, simple availability may narrow your options.

Mast size?

What mast size do you need for your application?

Some common mast sizes include:

• 131″
• 171″
• 189″
• 199″
• 200″
• 210″
• 240″

The “standard” size for a mast is 189″. And finding that mast on a “standard capacity” used truck (3,000 lb. to 10,000 lb.), shouldn’t be too hard either. But something like a 370″ mast on a used reach truck, on the other hand, will be harder to find.

Heavy use?

Do you plan on using the forklift for 4 hours or more per day? If so, that’s considered “heavy use.” And it means that you may want something newer (with fewer hours) to stand up to the extra usage.

If you elect to go the used route, remember that hours on a used forklift are relative to the capacity of the lift. In other words, the higher the capacity truck, the more significant higher hours are. 

For instance, 10,000 hours on a 15,500 lb. truck is much different than 10,000 hours on a 3,000 lb. electric 3-wheel. Whereas the electric can still potentially keep going – all things being equal – the 15,500 lb. forklift may well be near the end of its life.

All things considered, try – if you can – to limit your search to trucks at the 5,000-hour mark we previously discussed. That’s typically when dealerships will convert their rentals to the used market, as it strikes a nice balance between the company getting their money’s worth out of the lift while still leaving enough useful life left in it.

Environment?

Consider the environment you’ll be using the forklift in. 

Are there corrosive chemicals that it’ll be in contact with regularly? Is there a lots of dust and debris in your facility? If so, the next question is: Will a used lift be able to function well enough in that environment? 

If the answer to that last question is “no,” it might be best to consider either a used truck with low hours on it instead of something near the end of its life. 

Conversely, you might opt to go with one that is at the end of its life, simply because the cost will be lower and it can more easily be treated as a “disposable” unit.

Outside or inside?

Will the forklift be working outside, in the elements? Is a cab required? 

If so, you’ll need to try to find a truck with a cab that also meets your specifications. And that may reduce your options. 

The other route is to have your local dealership price out the cost to install an aftermarket cab on whichever forklift you choose. Then, take that cost and weigh it against the cost of a new lift with a factory-installed cab.

If you’ll only be using the lift inside, there are a couple of things to consider as well. 

Do you have short doorways? How about narrow aisles? The answers to those questions can limit the dimensions of the tow motor, thus paring down your choices.

Are emissions a concern?

If using inside, does the fuel type of the forklift make a difference in your material handling operation?

Perhaps you work in a medical manufacturing facility or a food processing plant. In those cases, you’ll likely need an electric forklift, which does not generate emissions. And just like that, your choice of options has narrowed.

What type of attachment do you need?

The type of attachment you may need for your lift is an important consideration before you buy.

As we’ve said, a sideshifter is typically a standard feature on most new and used trucks. As such, it shouldn’t cost you any more. But do you need something more specialized, like a fork positioner, paper roll clamp, or single double attachment?

Knowing upfront the type of attachment you need will help you narrow down your choice of forklift.

If so, make sure that whatever truck you look for – new or used – has the proper hydraulic setup (i.e. hosing and control valve) to accommodate the attachment. Plumbing a forklift to accommodate an attachment it wasn’t built to handle is very expensive ($4,000 or more, depending on the model and mast size).

Also, make sure that the capacity (and class size) of the attachment will work with the forklift you want. Remember: the capacity of your attachment will limit the capacity of your truck. For example, if your truck is rated to lift 10,000 lb., but your attachment is rated for 7,250 lb., the lower of the two (7,250 lb.) is your actual lifting capacity.

What about the battery?

Batteries for new and used electric forklifts are treated a little differently.

For new electric forklifts, batteries are usually sold separately from the truck. The reason is that the major forklift manufacturers (Toyota, Hyster/Yale, Mitsubishi/Caterpillar, UniCarriers, etc.) don’t make batteries. That is the domain of other manufacturers, like GNB, Hawker, Enersys, and the like. 

This ultimately means more choice of battery features and specs when you buy new. But the extra choices do come at a cost – expect to spend anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000 (or even more) for a new forklift battery.

But for used electric forklifts, often what happens is that the seller will include whatever battery they currently have in stock. So, that will limit your choice of things like year, manufacturer, configuration, etc. In other cases, a battery may not even be included in the sale.

Used electric forklifts may come with a less-than-stellar battery. In that case – and as with buying a new electric forklift – you might need to consider buying a new battery.

Thus, make sure to ask the seller if the truck you’re looking at includes a battery.

Then, ask for the make and year of the battery. A battery should last roughly 5 years (if maintained and not used excessively).

Next, make sure to ask what capacity the battery tested out at. The dealer should offer a battery that is 80% or better. That equates to roughly 4 hours of usage before a charge is required.

If you feel that 4 hours of run time isn’t enough, or if the battery is pushing 4 or 5 years of age, or if the thought of gambling on a used battery just plain makes you queasy, it might be advisable to buy a new battery. 

See if the dealer will give you a deal on a new battery by subtracting the cost of the used battery from the sale. Conversely, keep the battery as is but try to negotiate a lower price for the truck.

And if you’re wondering, “What are some used forklift battery prices?” the answer is: it depends on the size of the truck, and thus the size of the battery needed. That being said, expect to spend anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000.

What about the charger?

When shopping for electric forklifts, chargers are usually treated the same way as batteries are. That is, chargers for new trucks are sold separately. And chargers for used trucks are sometimes included, other times not.

You may be surprised to find out that not all sellers include chargers with electric forklifts. That’s why you should always make sure to ask.

So, if buying a used lift, make sure to ask if a charger is included with the sale (if you need one). Keep in mind that specialty options, like opportunity chargers, multi-volt chargers, and 110-volt chargers are usually not an option on the used side – without paying extra.

A new charger can set you back $3,000 to $6,000. And a used one can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $1,500 or more.

How Long Will a New or Used Forklift Last?

To arrive confidently at your decision, you’ve also got to have an idea of how long you can expect a forklift – new or used – to last.

But if we get a little more specific, what we are trying to determine is:

“Will the used forklift last me long enough to justify the price I pay for it? Or otherwise, am I better off spending more upfront and getting a new forklift that I’m all but guaranteed will last me for quite some time? Ultimately, whatever lift truck allows me to get more work done with fewer repairs will help me to better justify the cost.”

So, let’s get to answering that question.

The 10,000-hour rule of thumb

With proper maintenance, the average forklift in the average operation should be able to last about 10,000 hours.

If you buy Toyota, simply because Toyota is known to last longer, you may even be able to get 15,000 to 20,000 hours out of it. We’ve seen numerous LPG-powered Toyota forklifts with over 30,000 hours on them, and an electric Toyota with over 50,000 hours on it!

But of course, many factors come into play that can add to or subtract from those figures. Some of these factors we’ve touched on already, others not.

Either way, we’ll explore the major ones next.

Electric forklifts last longer

New or used, an electric truck will almost always last longer than a new or used internal combustion truck. 

That’s because there’s usually less maintenance required with electrics since there are fewer moving parts. The major concern with electrics, though, is eventually having to replace the battery, which as you know is not an inexpensive thing to do.

The shape you got it in

If you bought a new one, of course, this won’t be a concern. But not so much if you bought used. 

Some applications are tougher than others on forklifts. If buying used, the operating environment the machine came from will play a big role in how long it will last.

Did the forklift come out of an abusive environment? Was it previously maintained properly? Did the dealer or individual you bought it from do a proper condition report and fix all needed repairs before you received it?

Operating environment

Just as the operating environment that the forklift came from matters, so too does the environment that the forklift will be going into.

If you plan to put the lift into use in an environment that is full of corrosion, dirt, and debris, or excessive heat, cold, or moisture, you may have some longevity issues.

Each of those environmental factors can wreak havoc on sensitive components in the forklift, causing breakdowns and shortening its useful life.

Thus, anyway that you can limit the amount of time or exposure that the lift has to these inclement conditions will help you make your investment last longer.

Hours used

As mentioned, we define “heavy use” as 4 or more hours per day. And how much the tow motor is used has a major effect on how long it will last. 

If your operators are using the forklift for two shifts every day, it simply won’t last as long as if they were only being used for 4 hours per day. That much is obvious.

Not only will operating a forklift multiple shifts per day increase wear and tear, but it will also increase maintenance expenses.

Also, keep in mind that heavy use will necessitate more frequent – and thus more expensive – maintenance. And that can sink your ROI quickly.

Maintenance practices

Speaking of maintenance, can you commit to regularly maintaining the truck?

Things that we commonly see, like running the lift on worn tires, not doing thorough pre-trip inspections, not keeping the battery watered and charged, and ignoring small problems can all add up over time.

Skipping recommended repairs because they’re costly is an easy temptation. But doing so will reduce the useful life, and thus investment on the forklift. Not to mention the possible safety implications, depending on the nature of the problems being ignored.

Operator behavior

As mentioned, pre-trip inspections are crucial for catching small problems before they turn into bigger problems. But how about the way the lift is used during shifts?

Do your operators misuse the inching pedal? That can fry the transmission after a while, leading to an expensive repair.

Operator behavior can have a significant impact on how long your forklift will last.

Are collisions common? We find them to be a major source of concern, with damage to the structure of the truck, including the mast, drive axle, and steer axle being somewhat common and expensive repairs to make.

All in all, if you’re not sure that your operators will take care of the forklift, you can assume that it simply isn’t going to last as long as it otherwise could.

Capacity

As we’ve mentioned, capacity does play a role in the useful life of a forklift. That’s because higher-capacity tow motors typically don’t last as long as lower-capacity ones.

They’re usually put to work in harder, more demanding applications. And repairs are more expensive on bigger forklifts. 

So the breakpoint at which it’s too expensive to repair and would be cheaper to buy another lift comes sooner than with smaller lifts.

What to Look for When Buying a Used Forklift

When buying a used forklift be sure to evaluate your equipment options carefully. You can choose equipment based on factors like age, service hours, application history, and condition to either minimize your upfront costs or maximize quality in areas that are important to you.

For a brief overview of what to look for when buying a used forklift, watch the video below!

FORKLIFT AGE

If you’re trying to save money we recommend you look for equipment that is at least 5 years old. Any newer and you may end up paying closer to the original value than you’d like.

TOTAL HOURS

A used forklift’s hours are determined by both key hours and usage hours. Many forklift models will track both and are available on the dash.

Key hours are tracked whenever the key is turned on, including idle time. This means they aren’t a great representation of equipment usage since many areas of the machine are not in use during idle time. In contrast, usage hours provide a more accurate depiction of equipment use.

Usage hours vary by machine but can be tracked based on the operator and their actions. For example: when driving, using the pump, or lifting. In standing models, the operator’s presence can be calculated when the pedal is depressed. For sit-down units, usage hours may be tracked using a seat switch which is activated when the operator sits down.

How many hours should your used equipment have? When looking for used equipment, part-time use is best.

Similar to a used car’s mileage, a used forklift’s hours can be an indicator of wear and tear. The more hours on a machine, the more likely you are to find issues with the hydraulic motor and lines.

APPLICATION HISTORY

Forklifts that were previously used in an extreme environment will show the wear and tear from that application and you may end up paying more in maintenance costs. Previous working conditions you should be wary of include:

• Proximity to salt water – causes increased corrosion on machine components.
• Extremely cold environments – seals on the engine and hydraulics become more brittle with the cold.
• Extremely humid environments – moisture may reach electrical systems and increase corrosion.
• Heavy outdoor use – more exposure to the elements leads to wear and tear like rust.

CONDITION

To determine the condition of used equipment we recommend you inspect it before you make a purchase. Ideally, you should have a certified technician inspect the equipment as well. Major areas that should be inspected include:

• Forks – check for damage like cracks, blades that aren’t straight, or blades with uneven heights.
• Lift Chains – look for excessively large gaps between links. If you’re concerned have the chains measured with a chain gauge – most technicians will have one.
• Safety Elements – confirm that the seatbelt, lights, and horn are functioning properly.
• Mast – check for smooth operation without slippage. Make sure you check both with a load and without one.
• Tires – examine the tires for chunking, radial cracks, and tread depth. Poorly maintained tires can cause excessive damage to the forklift.
• Engine – make sure it starts easily. For diesel forklifts, the exhaust should be minimal.
• Leaks – check along the mast, tile cylinders, transmission, and radiator after the forklift is warm.

USE CAUTION WHEN BUYING USED

Before committing to any used equipment, a few areas could indicate future challenges and additional costs.

• Try to determine the previous maintenance history. Improper maintenance with previous owners can lead to unexpected maintenance costs for you. Often reputable forklift dealers will provide you with an equipment history including the application history and the maintenance history. If you can’t get your hands on the maintenance history, leaking fluids or trouble starting the engine could be indicators of improper maintenance.
• Avoid models that aren’t in current production. You could have issues finding replacement parts at a reasonable price.

Using a reputable forklift dealer will reduce your risk when buying used.

How long will YOUR forklift last?

Now that you understand the factors that determine how long a forklift can last, you need to consider your unique situation and environment. 

Ask yourself how much of an influence each of those factors will have on the forklift that you eventually put into your facility. Make sure to take some time to consider them. 

And be honest with yourself as you do.

Expect worst-case scenarios. Because it’s easy upfront to think the forklift will only be used in a clean environment, by careful operators, and with regular maintenance. But in real life, things tend to not work out so nicely.

And when in doubt, make sure to speak to a qualified professional at your local dealership. They will be able to put a second set of eyes on your material handling operation, make sure you’ve got all your bases covered, and help you determine what kind of service life you can realistically expect from your tow motor.

Once you have as clear an idea as possible about how abusive the environment is and realistically speaking, how well the forklift will be cared for, you should also have a good idea of how long it might last.

You can take that data and move on to the final step, which is to determine if your choice of forklift – new or used – makes financial sense.

Does it Make Financial Sense? How to Calculate the Economic Life of Your Forklift

So, now that you know the approximate length of time a forklift can last, you have most of what you need to make an informed decision. The last step is to determine the economic life of the forklift.

What does the “economic life” of a forklift mean?

The economic life of a forklift (or any asset for that matter) is the point at which maintenance of the truck becomes more expensive than replacing the truck.

It is important to know the economic life because it gives you a proper financial perspective on your potential investment. You’ll be able to use it to tell if it makes more financial sense to go the new or used route.

Here’s how to do just that.

How to calculate the economic life of your forklift, using an example

Let’s walk through an example. Once we finish the example, you’ll understand how to use the specifics of your situation to calculate this important number for yourself.

Say you find a used 5,000 lb. pneumatic forklift for sale. It’s currently got 7,000 hours on it. And using what you’ve read in our post here, you feel it’s a good price for the offer.

You’ve considered all the factors that go into new and used pricing, what the prices are, how long a forklift can last, and what the major advantages and disadvantages of buying new and used are. And you know that the upper limit for useful hours on a forklift is around 10,000 hours.

Using that information, you estimate that the operating conditions of your facility mean you’ll probably not be able to get to 10,000 hours. Perhaps you feel confident, though, that you can get to 9,000 hours. That means you’ve got about 2,000 hours of useful life left on that truck.

Here’s how you can take that information, and use it to determine the economic life of the forklift.

1. Estimate the number of hours per day you expect to use the forklift.
2. Estimate how many days per year the lift will be in operation.
3. Take the amount of hours you’ll have on the forklift at the time of replacing it, less than the hour meter when purchased.

Important!

For our example, let’s say it’ll be used 4 hours per day, 5 days per week (260 days per year), and will have 9,000 hours on it at the end of its serving life.

Now, plug all those numbers into this free economic life calculator.

When we do, we get 1.9 years. That means, in just less than 2 years, we’ll have reached the point at which buying a new forklift will be cheaper than repairing the current one.

Now, use your situation, expected use, and choice of forklift – combined and tempered with what you’ve learned in this post – and put your numbers into the calculator. All this together will help you determine whether a buying new or used forklift makes more sense for your needs and budget.

And with that, we’ll move to the final section of this post.

Where to Buy a Forklift: Your Options Explained

You’ve learned all the different pieces of the new/used forklift-buying puzzle. Now you’ve got to decide: Where do I buy my next forklift?

Your options for where to buy a forklift include:

• Buying online from a website specializing in industrial equipment sales.
• Buying from individual companies (that no longer need their forklift).
• Buying direct from a dealership.

Let’s go through each one.

Buying online from an equipment sales website

There are a lot of websites that offer this service, among them:

• IronPlanet.com
• LiftsToday.com
• EquipmentTrader.com

Forklifts for sale on these sites often come from dealer stock. The dealer is simply leveraging the visibility of the site to get more eyeballs on their lift trucks. That, of course, increases the chances that they will be able to sell them.

The upside of buying online is the greater choice of trucks. That is, you have a choice of forklift not limited to just your local geographic area. So, if you need something specialized, you’ll have a better chance of finding it online.

But there are a couple of issues with buying from these websites:

• You may not be familiar with the seller, especially if they’re out of state.
• It’s hard to get a good idea of the shape of the lift – you’re relying on the pictures and videos (if even that.)
• Shipping can be expensive – especially if the company is located in a different state than you are.

Buying from individual companies

The other option is buying locally – or online – from companies who are selling their lifts. 

Sometimes, a company goes out of business and needs to sell their trucks. Other times, companies that “liquidate” companies who’ve gone out of business will acquire forklifts they need to get rid of.

The upside is that you can find these trucks quite cheap. When companies or liquidators are selling, they simply want to get rid of the truck. And often, they’re willing to let it go at a reduced price – or even a loss – just to get rid of it.

The downside of these kinds of sales is, again, you don’t often know the quality of the lift truck. Most likely, the seller won’t be able to provide any kind of service or operational history. Thus, you’re taking a gamble when you buy this way.

Buying from a dealership

Your last option is to buy from your local forklift dealer.

Now, being a forklift dealer ourselves, we admit that we’re biased towards this avenue. But we feel that the benefits of doing so speak for themselves.

Speak with your local Conger dealer if you are in (Green Bay, Neenah, Wausau, Richfield, or any other nearby town/city)

See the forklift in person

First of all, buying locally means having the ability to see the forklift. You can arrange for pictures, videos, or to see the tow motor in person, for yourself. You can give it a test run, look it over, check all the operational features, and make sure that it will work for operation.

Better after-sales support

Another advantage of buying from a dealer is that you usually have much better after-sales support. If you experience an issue with the lift, and you’ve purchased a warranty, the dealer can send a technician to your location to inspect and repair it.

Professional sourcing

A further advantage is the reach of the dealership. If you’re looking for a lift that they don’t currently have in stock, the dealer can source the particular piece of equipment you’re looking for from a variety of sources. Depending on what you want, they can bring the lift in, inspect it, fix any issues, and turn it around for you to purchase from them. 

That way, you don’t have to bother with the logistics and negotiation headaches that can come when working with out-of-state sellers. You’re essentially getting the positives of buying online without all the negatives.

Purchasing advice

Another advantage is that you can get the assistance of the sales team. This is a plus for you since the salesperson can visit your facility, see where you plan to operate the lift and make sure that the lift you want will work for what you want it to work for. 

Buying a forklift is an expensive decision – and one that involves a lot of different factors to consider. It is easy to overlook a minor detail upfront and find out that the lift you’ve chosen won’t work once it’s delivered. Trained and experienced salespeople – the kind you’ll find at a factory-authorized forklift dealership – can help you avoid these costly and frustrating issues.

The moral of the story? You have several options for where to buy a forklift. But we do feel that factory-authorized dealerships (like Conger) can be the easiest and most reassuring way to go about your purchase.

Conclusion

There you have it: A comprehensive guide to new and used forklift pricing. We hope you find the information helpful so that you can decide on the right forklift for both your needs and budget.

Now, we’d like to hear from you.

What questions do you have about new and used forklifts?

Or maybe you’ve been burned on a “great deal” forklift before?

Either way, let us know in the comments below.