What You Need to Know
Are you looking to purchase, replace, or temporarily cover a forklift? This guide provides a structured walkthrough of the technology, costs, risks, and formalities – so you can quickly find the best solution.
New, used or rent – what suits your needs?
Frequency of use, load profile, lift height, operating environment, and budget are crucial. New is worthwhile for intensive, continuous use and specific requirements. Used is ideal if you need capacity at short notice or want to reduce costs. Rental offers flexible coverage for peak periods and projects.
Important factors in the purchase decision
Before you decide on a forklift, you should consider the following points. They will help you assess whether buying new or used , renting, or leasing is best for your business.
| criterion | What you should pay attention to |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Frequency, load weight, lifting height, indoor/outdoor, ramps, paths |
| Drive type | Electric (quiet, emission-free), diesel/gas (outdoor, range) |
| Load capacity lifting height | Set the maximum load realistically; consider the free lift/residual load capacity |
| Ground Tires | Hall, cobblestone, gravel; non-marking, superelastic, air |
| Dimensions | Passage width, door height, turning radius in the racking aisle |
| Ergonomics Safety | Visibility, seating/standing, cameras, reversing alarm, load protection |
| Service parts | Local service, spare parts availability, response times |
| financing | Purchase, leasing, hire purchase, subsidies |
Price orientation: New vs. used
To quickly put it into perspective: These are typical market segments for solid mid-range devices. The ranges vary depending on the brand, mast, features, and (in the case of electric devices) battery condition. Used devices are usually 30–50% lower , depending on age, operating hours, and condition.
| drive | ≤ 2 t | ≤ 3.5 t | 3.5 t |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (new) | €15,000–20,000 | €20,000–30,000 | from 30,000 € |
| Gas (new) | €16,000–22,000 | €22,000–35,000 | from 35,000 € |
| Electric (new) | €20,000–25,000 | €25,000–40,000 | from 40,000 € |
| Needed | typically 30–50% cheaper – depending on age, bra, condition |
How will the value develop? (Estimate)
| Old | New goods: residual value | Used (from ~3 years): residual value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | ~70% | — |
| 2 years | ~60% | ~65% |
| 3 years | ~50% | ~60% |
| 5 years | ~40% | ~55% |
Checklists
Buying a new device: What should be on the checklist?
If you're looking to purchase a new forklift, don't just look at the price. The following points will help you make the right choice and avoid any surprises later:
| Test aspect | Your check |
|---|---|
| Technology | Load capacity, lifting height, mast, hydraulic circuits, residual load capacity |
| Noise emissions | Emissions standard (for combustion engines), noise level |
| Security | Reversing alarm, cameras, load protection valves, Blue-Spot |
| equipment | Sideshift, fork positioner, attachments |
| service | Maintenance contract, warranty, response time |
| Cost | Total costs including energy, insurance, wear and tear |
| financing | Purchase, leasing, hire purchase, subsidy programs |
How do you recognize a good used forklift?
Used is great – if the condition, history, and price are right. Take your time to properly inspect it.
| Test aspect | Your check |
|---|---|
| General condition | Frame, paint, rust, welds, corrosion |
| Operating hours | Comparison with service booklet, plausibility |
| Hydraulics/Drive | Oil loss, cylinders, hoses, noises |
| Mast/forks | Cracks, warping, fork wear (heel measurement) |
| Tires/Brakes | Profile, cuts, braking effect |
| Battery (electric forklift) | Capacity test, cycles, charger, cell voltage ( used forklift batteries ) |
| test drive | Acceleration, steering, braking, lift/lower test under load |
| Documents | UVV report, maintenance records, serial numbers |
| Warranty | Clarify dealer warranty/remaining warranty |
Which drive type is the right one?
Electric vehicles are the standard in industrial buildings: quiet, emission-free, and low operating costs. Diesel/gas trucks excel outdoors with their range and robustness. You can get a complete overview here: Forklifts – diesel or electric forklifts , and information on types and designs here: Forklift types .
Where can you find good used forklifts?
- Used machinery exchanges: e.g., Forklift , Machine Finder – large selection, filter by load capacity, drive, lifting height.
- Used machinery dealers: tested equipment with service and warranty.
- Forklift rental companies: decommissioned rental equipment – regularly serviced, often at attractive prices.
- Auctions: e.g., industrial auctions – good bargain opportunities, but check carefully.
Renting instead of buying – when is it worth it?
Do you want to remain flexible, cover peak usage, or test out technology? Then rent a forklift – at a fixed rate, with no capital commitment, and including fully maintained equipment. For continuous use and high annual hours, purchasing is usually more cost-effective.
| Model | Strengthen | Weaken | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| purchase | Ownership, cheaper in the long term, individual furnishings | High initial investment, capital commitment | Continuous operation, core processes |
| Rent/Leasing | No capital commitment, quick availability, predictable costs | More expensive over the term, no activation | Peaks, projects, downtime bridging |
Selling: How to get the best price
| Test aspect | Your to-do |
|---|---|
| Documents | UVV, service booklet, operating instructions, purchase receipts |
| Technology | Fluid levels, eliminate visible leaks, fix minor defects |
| Processing | Interior/exterior cleaning, paint care, sticker removal |
| Expose | Photos (all sides, nameplate, mast, forks), clear data |
| Price | Check comparable offers, residual value/depreciation |
| test drive | Functional test under load, have liability disclaimer signed |
Practical questions – briefly answered
New or used – which is worth it?
For high annual utilization and long holding periods, new is usually the best option. For additional capacity, projects, or budget focus, used is worthwhile.
How do I recognize a good used battery?
Capacity testing, cycle count, cell voltages, charger compatibility. For electric models, the battery is the biggest value driver ( forklift batteries ).
What term do I cover with rent?
From days to 36+ months, everything is possible – ideal for peak periods or model tests without tying up capital.
Conclusion: Decide systematically – and save real money
With clear requirements, realistic pricing, thorough assessment, and suitable financing, you'll make the best choice. New for continuous operation, used for smart savings, or renting for flexibility. If you need support, we'll advise you on the right solution – and show you transparently what's truly worthwhile.
Tip: Want short-term performance without the investment? Check out our rental fleet: Rent a forklift . If you're planning for the long term and want complete control, buy a forklift .
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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.