Buying a Forklift: What You Need to Know Before You Purchase

Posted by: admin on April 17, 2025

Buying a forklift represents a major investment in your company’s future. Selecting the wrong model leads to unnecessary costs, safety risks, and lost productivity. Knowing the right forklift components to evaluate from the start can simplify the decision-making process. Learn how proper buying a forklift training and certification can protect your investment for years to come.

Why Buying the Right Forklift Matters

Choosing the wrong forklift model causes avoidable breakdowns, accidents, and compliance violations. Matching your equipment to your operational environment, load sizes, and aisle widths prevents these costly mistakes. A properly selected forklift improves safety, enhances workflow efficiency, and reduces maintenance headaches down the road.

What to Consider Before Buying a Forklift

Assess Your Operational Needs

Review the surfaces where forklifts will operate. Warehouse floors and smooth concrete require different tires than rugged outdoor yards. Calculate maximum load weights and lifting heights for daily tasks. Measure aisle widths and racking configurations to determine appropriate forklift size.

Understand Forklift Tire Options

Pneumatic tires perform best outdoors across uneven terrain. Cushion tires, in contrast, work well indoors where surfaces remain flat. Choosing the wrong tire type impacts stability, operator comfort, and overall forklift lifespan.

Battery Types and Power Options

Electric forklifts offer clean, quiet operation ideal for indoor facilities. Lithium-ion batteries outperform traditional lead-acid batteries in lifespan and charge speed. Internal combustion forklifts, powered by diesel, LPG, or gasoline, excel in outdoor and heavy-duty applications.

Forklift Purchase Mistakes to Avoid

Focusing Only on Price

Prioritizing initial cost over long-term value often backfires. Cheaper forklifts frequently cost more in repairs, downtime, and inefficiency over time.

Forgetting to Try Before You Buy

Test-driving or renting before purchasing ensures the forklift fits operational needs. Experiencing different models firsthand highlights differences in maneuverability, lift speeds, and ergonomics.

Overlooking Dealer Reputation

Buying from an unreliable dealer increases risk of hidden defects, poor service support, and warranty complications. Verifying dealer reviews and asking detailed questions builds purchasing confidence.

Ignoring Maintenance and Ownership Costs

Sticker price reveals only part of the forklift’s true cost. Regular maintenance, parts replacement, fuel, and battery servicing should factor heavily into your total cost of ownership calculations.

Forklift Dealer Selection: Key Tips

Prioritize dealers offering strong service contracts, quick part availability, and responsive customer support. Choose vendors providing comprehensive maintenance programs and generous warranties. Inquire about buyback programs, trade-in values, and fleet management services when evaluating options.

Forklift Cost Factors Explained

Entry-level forklifts range from $15,000 to $30,000. Mid-size electric models typically cost between $25,000 and $40,000, while high-capacity diesel units climb beyond $60,000. Add maintenance, energy, operator training, and insurance to understand full cost projections over a 5 to 7 year ownership period.

Certifying Forklift Operators: A Vital Step

Operator skill directly impacts forklift safety and performance. OSHA requires all forklift drivers to complete certification programs tailored to the equipment they operate. Immediate training post-purchase ensures safe handling, preserves the equipment’s condition, and maintains workplace compliance.

FAQs About Buying a Forklift

What is the average cost of a new forklift?

Most new forklifts cost between $20,000 and $50,000 depending on size, features, and fuel type.

Should I buy or lease a forklift?

Buying works best for facilities with consistent, long-term forklift usage. Leasing suits operations needing seasonal or short-term flexibility.

How do I know if a used forklift is worth buying?

Verify maintenance records, inspect tire and mast conditions, test battery health, and check hour meter readings before purchasing used equipment.

What maintenance costs should I expect annually?

Plan for $1,500 to $6,000 in annual maintenance costs, depending on forklift age, usage frequency, and environment.

Smarter Forklift Purchases Start with CertifyMe

Smart equipment investments go hand-in-hand with smart operator training. CertifyMe offers fast, affordable online forklift certification to ensure your team operates new forklifts safely and efficiently. Stay OSHA-compliant with 24/7 training access and free three-year renewals. Start building a safer, more productive warehouse today with CertifyMe.