Straight answers to the most common forklift questions — buying, pricing, choosing, safety, and selling. Still have a question? Get a free quote and ask.
Get Free Quotes 👑Used forklifts average around $21,000, ranging from about $6,000 for a small older electric lift to over $80,000 for a large late-model diesel. New forklifts typically run $20,000 to $45,000 and up. See our full price guide for details, and get free quotes to compare real pricing. Forklift Price Guide →
For regular, long-term use, buying is usually cheaper over time. For short-term projects, seasonal peaks, or occasional use, renting makes more sense. As a rule of thumb, if you need a lift more than about 6 to 8 months a year, buying often wins. Forklift Rental →
Buy new for heavy daily use, full warranty, and maximum uptime over many years. Buy used for the best value, especially for lighter duty — quality used lifts often cost 40 to 60 percent less than new. Compare both to see the real price gap. New vs Used →
Yes. Many dealers offer financing and leasing on both new and used forklifts, spreading the cost over manageable monthly payments with potential tax advantages. Ask about financing when you request a quote. Forklift Financing →
Add up the heaviest load you will lift — including pallet and any attachment — then add a safety margin. The most popular capacity is 5,000 lb, which handles most warehouse work. Undersizing is dangerous and oversizing wastes money. Buying Guide →
Electric lifts are clean, quiet, and cheap to run, ideal indoors. Propane (LPG) offers indoor-outdoor flexibility with fast refueling. Diesel delivers maximum power for heavy outdoor work. Match the fuel to where and how you will use the lift. Electric vs Propane →
OSHA sorts forklifts into seven classes (I through VII) based on power source, tires, and design — from electric indoor rider trucks to rough-terrain outdoor machines. The class system helps match the right truck to the job. Forklift Classes →
That depends on the truck’s width and turning radius versus your aisle width, plus your doorway and ceiling heights. Standard counterbalance lifts need 11 to 13 foot aisles; narrow-aisle models fit much tighter spaces. Forklift Dimensions →
Yes. OSHA requires operators to be trained and certified for the specific type of forklift they operate, with evaluation at least every three years and retraining after incidents or when conditions change. OSHA Certification →
OSHA requires forklifts to be inspected before each shift and at least daily in continuous use. Any lift with a defect must be taken out of service until repaired. Inspection Checklist →
The data plate (or capacity plate) shows a forklift’s rated capacity, load center, mast height ratings, weight, and configuration. OSHA requires it to be present and legible, and attachments change the rating. Data Plate Guide →
Yes. Every attachment adds weight and shifts the load center, which reduces the forklift’s rated capacity. OSHA also requires retraining when an attachment is added. Always confirm the derated capacity with a dealer. Attachments →
We connect you with suppliers offering OEM and aftermarket parts, tires, forks, batteries, chargers, and more for every major brand — so you can compare prices and minimize downtime. Forklift Parts →
Tell us about your forklift — make, model, age, hours, and condition — and we’ll match you with buyers who make competing offers. You compare and choose. It’s free with no obligation, and even non-running machines can get offers. Sell My Forklift →
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