Stapler für Saisonspitzen: Gabelstapler Leasing oder besser mieten? - BIBERGER

Forklift leasing: costs, alternatives and clear recommendations

Q: What is a forklift lease purchase – and when does it make sense?

At the Hire purchase you pay for the forklift in monthly installments from – and in the end, it automatically belongs to you. So it is not a rental in the classic sense, but rather a Installment purchase with a fixed term . It’s worth it if you know from the start: You want to keep the forklift permanently. You do not have to pay everything at once, but can spread the investment spread over several years – with fixed rates, no surprises. The big advantage: No residual value, no return, no risk After the final payment, the forklift is yours – hassle-free. Ideal for those who prefer to invest in ownership rather than renting or leasing long-term.

Q: What are lease returns – and is it worthwhile for forklifts?

Leasing returns are used forklifts that are returned to the dealer after the expiration of a leasing contract. At BIBERGER, you can regularly find such devices – well-maintained, fully operational and often significantly cheaper than new machines . Especially when you are looking for a reliable device for typical applications, but do not need a new device , returns are an interesting option. Many of them come from controlled first rentals, have been regularly serviced and are technically in very good condition . Our tip: It pays to be quick. Good returns are usually only available for a short time – we will be happy to advise you whether there is something suitable for you.

What You Need to Know

leasingis suitable for companies with stable usage over 3-6 years. You benefit from calculable installments and preserve your liquidity. If you want to regularly access the latest technology or have to manage an entire fleet, leasing is a good option – especially when using framework conditions and full-service contracts.

For shorter assignments under 3 years,Rentthe better choice: full flexibility, no commitment and payment only when used. However, with a very long term of more than 8 years, thepurchaseThis way, you can find the right solution depending on your usage and needs.

What You Need to Know

When order volume increases, you need fast, flexible solutions . Especially in warehouse technology and intralogistics, planning reliability , liquidity , and a sound economic investment in forklifts and industrial trucks are crucial.

This guide shows you when forklift leasing makes sense, when renting is the better choice, and when buying or lease-purchase is the more economically viable option. You'll receive specific lease rate spreads , a transparent TCO example with assumptions , and a checklist for contracts .

Financing options for forklifts & industrial trucks at a glance

Three classic financing options are available for forklifts, electric forklifts, pallet trucks and other industrial trucks: leasing , renting and purchasing .

Leasing lies between buying (high capital commitment) and renting (maximum flexibility). For medium- to long-term use in intralogistics, forklift leasing is often the most economical option.

What does forklift leasing really cost?

Lease rates for forklifts vary considerably depending on the type, lease term, features, and usage. Terms of 39–72 months with fixed monthly payments are typical. It's important to note that "starting from" prices only show basic leases without service .

The following values refer to a 60-month term and show realistic spreads , depending on the scope of service and usage.

Typical leasing rates by forklift type (spreads)

Forklift type	Example	Basic leasing	With full service
Electric forklift 2 t	e.g. B. Jungheinrich / Noblelift FE4P20Q	€200–350	€400–600
3-ton electric forklift	Noblelift FE4P35Q, EP EFL 353	€300–450	€500–750
5-ton electric forklift	Noblelift FE4P50Q electric forklift	€500–700	€750–1,000
Diesel forklift	Doosan / Hangcha	€250–400	€450–700

What factors influence lease rates?

Lease payments are not a fixed amount. They depend on, among other things:

Duration (39 vs. 72 months)
Operating hours (100 h/year vs. 1,200 h/year)
Service level (Basic, Standard, Premium)
Attachments (sideshifter, fork positioner)
Manufacturers (e.g. Jungheinrich, Doosan, Hangcha, Noblelift)

Note: Full service can double the monthly rate , but reduces unplanned costs and downtime.

Leasing vs. Renting vs. Buying – Comparison for Forklifts & Warehouse Equipment

Which financing option is suitable depends on the usage period, flexibility, and liquidity.

Quick comparison of options

criterion	leasing	Rent	purchase
binding	3–6 years	Weeks/Months	In the long term
liquidity	Gentle	Very gentle	Capital intensive
Planning certainty	Fixed monthly rates	Variable	Self-responsibility
State of technology	Regularly updated	Selectable per deployment	Becomes obsolete over time
TCO (3–6 years)	Often optimal	Higher	Rarely minimal

TCO comparison of electric forklifts: 5 years with assumptions

Assumptions: Electric forklift 2 t, 800 operating hours/year, 60 months, incl. maintenance & insurance, without accident damage.

option	Total costs over 5 years	comment
Leasing (Full-service)	€26,400–32,400	High predictability, no residual value risk
Forklift rental	approx. €32,000–35,000	Maximum flexibility
purchase	approx. €30,000–36,000	Depreciation + Maintenance + Residual value

Residual value leasing: Risks expressed in numbers

Residual value leasing involves calculating a future market value. Example:

Estimated residual value: €6,000
Actual market value: €4,500
Additional payment: €1,500

Fixed-value leasing or conservative residual value approaches offer protection.

Full-service leasing: What's included – and what's not?

Typical full-service packages (manufacturer-dependent):

Maintenance & Inspections
Repairs & Wear Parts
Replacement device in case of failure
Accident damage
abuse or overtime

Hire purchase vs. leasing – the crucial difference

Hire purchase ultimately leads to ownership, but is usually accounted for like a purchase : capitalization, depreciation, and impact on the equity ratio.

Leasing remains (operationally) balance sheet neutral under German GAAP (HGB) – a key advantage for CFOs.

Leasing used forklifts – opportunities & risks

Used car leasing lowers the rate, but carries risks:

Battery aging in electric forklifts
Higher maintenance costs
Greater residual value risk

Recommendation: Only use used forklifts with service leasing.

Conclusion: Which financing option is right for your fleet?

Forklift leasing is ideal for predictable, medium- to long-term use with clear monthly rates. Renting remains unbeatable during peak periods. Purchase or lease-purchase is worthwhile for very long usage periods.

The right financing option increases liquidity , reduces risks and keeps your intralogistics efficient.

About the author

Benjamin Biberger

Managing Director

Benjamin is the founder and managing director of BIBERGER Arbeitsbühnen & Forklifts.

He is responsible for thecommercial and administrative areasof the company and, together with his team, ensures theOptimization of operational processesand theoptimal customer supportin their projects.

Through his many years of experience in the areas of organization andProject managementIt provides a stable foundation – in its own daily business, in sustainableFurther development of processesas well as in theCollaboration with partners and customers.

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Our editorial quality standards

The subject content on biberger.de are editorially created, reviewed, and continuously updated. The basis is our daily work with aerial platforms, telehandlers, and industrial trucks – in rental, sales, operational planning, and technical support.

Each article draws on real-world experience and is editorially reviewed for clarity, accuracy, and practical relevance according to expert criteria. Technical statements are regularly compared against current industry standards and best practices.

The aim of our publications is to make reliable specialist knowledge accessible and to offer guidance to users, decision-makers and industry partners. BIBERGER sees itself as an independent information platform for safe, economical and modern height access technology – well-founded, comprehensible and free from advertising influence.

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FAQ

How much does forklift leasing cost?

Monthly leasing rates for forklifts depend on several factors, including theDevice type, demNew value, theLeasing period, theintended use(e.g. hourly performance) and any agreedServices.

As a rough guide:

Compact electric forkliftsor used devices start at around €290–470 per month
Heavy diesel forkliftsor special equipment can cost €500–1,200 and more

Also important:

When leasing, aFinal installment or a calculated residual valueMaintenance, insurance or wear and tear repairs are usuallynot included, but can be integrated via full-service leasing.

👉It is best to get an individual offer– this will give you a realistic assessment based on your desired device and usage profile.

What is a forklift lease purchase – and when does it make sense?

At theHire purchaseyou pay for the forklift inmonthly installments from– and in the end, it automatically belongs to you. So it is not a rental in the classic sense, but rather aInstallment purchase with a fixed term.

It’s worth it if you know from the start:You want to keep the forklift permanently.You do not have to pay everything at once, but can spread the investmentspread over several years– with fixed rates, no surprises.

The big advantage:No residual value, no return, no riskAfter the final payment, the forklift is yours – hassle-free. Ideal for those who prefer to invest in ownership rather than renting or leasing long-term.

What are lease returns – and is it worthwhile for forklifts?

Leasing returns are used forkliftsthat are returned to the dealer after the expiration of a leasing contract. At BIBERGER, you can regularly find such devices –well-maintained, fully operational and often significantly cheaper than new machines.

Especially when youare looking for a reliable device for typical applications, but do not need a new device, returns are an interesting option. Many of them come from controlled first rentals, have been regularly serviced and aretechnically in very good condition.

Our tip:It pays to be quick.Good returns are usually only available for a short time – we will be happy to advise you whether there is something suitable for you.

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