Do you have to move heavy things for your work? Want a quicker, safe, and more productive way to go about doing that?

Then you should purchase a forklift!

Wondering how much does a forklift cost and if you and your business actually require one?

In this article, we’re covering everything you need to know about buying or renting a forklift, so you can decide if doing so is the right decision for you!

How Much Does a Forklift Cost?

The cost of a forklift can vary drastically depending on the models you’re looking at and the capacity you need to have. Here are some of the major factors that impact the overall price of a forklift.

Capacity

In general, the higher the capacity and lift height, the more you can expect to pay for the forklift. The most basic models will be between $15,000 and $30,000.  The price can rise quickly though if you need the machine to have greater capacity.

For a rough estimate, calculate the typical dimensions and weight of your loads. This will help determine how much capacity you’ll need it to have.

If you expect your load capacity to vary, you’ll want to purchase a forklift that has the capability of carrying more. You should also expect to pay more if you need your forklift to reach heights greater than 20 feet.

Brands

The more reputable brands like LiftKing and Genie will cost you more than a lesser-known one.  That cost is well worth it given how much better the technology of those top-tier brands is. And when you rent one of their models, you do so know you’re getting only the most productive and reliable of machines.

So, while it may be tempting to go with a bargain brand for cheaper, it’s best to invest in one of the more established ones. You’ll ultimately pay more for a cheaper one given the number of repairs you’ll have to make to it over time.

Electric vs Internal Combustion

Unsure whether you should buy an electric forklift or an internal combustion forklift? The option you choose will impact the price.

Electric forklifts are more expensive than internal combustion ones. That’s because they have more upfront costs like battery packs and battery rechargers.

But electric forklifts do have some advantages over internal combustion forklifts. They’re typically quieter and more environmentally friendly. They also don’t emit any odor, which internal combustion forklifts do.

If those benefits don’t matter to you though, then there’s no need to pick an electric forklift over an internal combustion one. Simply choose the model that makes more sense for you and your budget.

New vs Used

Are you interested in buying a new forklift or a used one? This too will impact the price.

A used forklift will generally cost about half as much as a new one. But they can end up being more expensive thanks to operating and maintenance costs.

Additionally, if you only plan to use a forklift you can also rent one. Rental forklifts are rigorously maintained and can be repaired should anything happen.

Ready for Your Forklift?

If you’re looking to work more efficiently, you should invest in a forklift. And now that you know the answer to “how much does a forklift cost” you can pick the option that makes the sense for you and your business!

Need a forklift but not sure where to start? Contact us to find out how we can help you with your forklift needs!