Electric forklifts are powered by either fuel or battery cells that supply power to an electric motor. Electric forklifts are ideal for indoor factory or warehouse use, yet they can be quite expensive brand-new – starting at $5,000 for a small model. It’s no wonder that many business owners either lease or purchase a used electric forklift to cut costs on the jobsite.
For many business owners that require a forklift for indoor use, a used electric forklift is both an economical and environmentally friendly option. On the jobsite, an electric lift truck improves air quality by reducing pollution since the vehicle is emission-free. Research has confirmed that electric forklifts also cost less to operate throughout their lifetime compared to ICE lift trucks, thanks to lower fuel costs.
If you’re looking for another eco-friendly option in your machinery, Toyota released a diesel-electric hybrid vehicle in 2009. For those who prefer a used diesel forklift due to its fuel efficiency, a used diesel-electric hybrid will give you the best of both worlds.
How to compare manufacturers
So… which manufacturer of forklift should you select? Should you limit your search to one manufacturer, or search across several brand names? Are Nissan forklifts better quality than Hoist? Are Daewoo lift trucks just as good as Mitsubishi forklifts?
Because of the abundance of different forklift manufacturers out there, we at The Used Forklift Genie recommend doing a bit of browsing before you settle on a manufacturer. This website provides a thorough Forklift Manufacturer Guide for a basic crash-course on each manufacturer, and the equipment offered.
If you’re not concerned at all about manufacturers, skip the research and try the Used Forklift Finder. By answering a few questions about what you need, we can then connect you to up to 5 forklift dealers that can provide the used forklift that you need.
How much do used electric forklifts cost?
Similar to cars, used forklift pricing and features will vary significantly by brand, which is why this site is organized by forklift manufacturer (see the entire used forklift dealer list on our homepage). On top of that, pricing doesn’t always reflect the quality and reliability of a vehicle. The price of a used forklift can depend upon the features you are looking for, the area you live in, and the dealer that you buy from.
A premium used electric forklift brand may be more expensive but will also offer newer technology and improved durability for heavy usage. Before making a final purchase decision, it is important to decide exactly what you’ll need in terms of features:
Questions to ask before you get prices
What weight capacity do you need?: What is the typical load size and weight that you expect to lift? Forklifts will be rated based on the weight that they lift, starting as low as 3,000 pounds and ranging to over 35,000 pounds. The average lift sizes on the market are 3,000, 5,000, and 8,000 pound vehicles. 5,000 pounds is standard for an electric forklift.
What height capacity do you need?: Since an electric forklift is primarily for indoor use, you must consider the average height that you need to lift in your warehouse. If your highest warehouse shelving is 25 feet, then a forklift needs to be able to comfortably reach that height to meet your needs.
Important Safety Note: Always purchase used machinery for the largest weight and height capacity that you expect to lift, even if it’s not your average lift size. This will protect both the driver and other employees during operation.
Types of electric forklifts
The different types of electric forklifts include:
- Stand-Up Rider Forklift
- Stand-Up Narrow Aisle Rider
- Sit-Down Rider
- Reach Forklift
- Electric Pallet Truck
- Electric Pallet Stacker
When searching for used forklifts, keep in mind that forklift dealers keep a stock of used forklifts on hand – in fact, used forklifts make up a significant part of their business. The Used Forklift Genie is a site that can find used forklift dealers near you, so you can get the best price on a lift truck.
