Forklift Price: New, Used & Ownership Costs
Typical price of a new forklift
$20,000 – $60,000
A new standard forklift typically costs $20,000 – $60,000, according to PriceItHere. Fuel type, lifting capacity and attachments move the price within that range.
A forklift's price starts with what it runs on and how much it lifts. Small electric trucks for warehouse aisles sit at the low end, while heavy-duty units that lift large loads sit at the top. Used trucks cost much less, but hours on the meter and service history affect the price as much as age.
The prices on this page come from published buying guides and were checked on Oct 13, 2026. Dealers quote each truck by specification, so treat the ranges as a planning budget and ask for written quotes before you commit.
New forklift price by type
Counterbalance forklifts are the standard warehouse and dock truck, and they come in electric, propane and diesel versions. Electric trucks are common indoors because they produce no exhaust. Propane trucks work indoors and outdoors. Diesel trucks suit rougher outdoor work and heavier loads.
New forklift price by type
| Item | Typical range | Relative price range |
|---|---|---|
| New electric counterbalance, 3,000-5,000 lb | $25,000 – $50,000 | |
| New propane/LPG counterbalance, 3,000-5,000 lb | $20,000 – $40,000 | |
| New diesel counterbalance, 5,000-10,000 lb | $25,000 – $55,000 | |
| New heavy-duty electric, 8,000-15,000 lb | $45,000 – $80,000 |
The ranges overlap, so a mid-priced electric truck and a mid-priced diesel truck can cost about the same. Capacity, mast height, tires and brand explain most of the difference between the low and high ends of each range.
Used forklift price by hours
Hours on the meter tell you how much work the truck has done. A lower number generally means a higher price, and condition and maintenance history matter beyond the number itself.
Used forklift price by hours
| Item | Typical range | Relative price range |
|---|---|---|
| Used forklift, under 3,000 hours | $18,000 – $32,000 | |
| Used forklift, 3,000-6,000 hours | $12,000 – $22,000 | |
| Used forklift, 6,000-10,000 hours (maintained) | $8,000 – $14,000 |
Source: ForkliftMatch: Forklift cost
A high-hour truck can still be a good buy if its records show regular service, but it may need parts sooner. For any used truck, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician is worth the fee, and the Industrial Truck Association recommends documented inspections on used purchases. Ask the seller for maintenance records, and treat a refusal as a warning sign.
Extras that add to the cost
The base price usually does not cover everything you need. Batteries, chargers and attachments can add real money to the total, especially on electric trucks.
Extras and add-ons
| Item | Typical range | Relative price range |
|---|---|---|
| Battery and charger for an electric forklift | $7,500 – $9,500 | |
| Lithium-ion premium over lead-acid | $8,000 – $15,000 | |
| Side-shifter attachment | $800 – $2,000 | |
| Fork positioner attachment | $1,500 – $3,500 |
Sources: PriceItHere: Forklift cost 2026; Modern Materials Handling: Forklift cost; ForkliftMatch: Forklift cost
Electric forklifts often need a battery and a charger, which may or may not be in the quoted price. Lithium-ion batteries cost more than lead-acid ones, so ask which type the quote includes. Side-shifters and fork positioners help with varied loads, and clamps and rotators are priced higher still.
What affects the cost of a forklift
- Fuel type. Electric, propane and diesel trucks are priced differently, and each has its own running costs.
- Lifting capacity. Heavier-capacity trucks need stronger frames and drivetrains, so the price rises with capacity.
- Mast height and type. Taller masts and multi-stage masts add to the price.
- Tires. Cushion tires suit smooth indoor floors. Pneumatic tires suit rough ground and cost more.
- Brand. Toyota, Crown and Hyster-Yale are widely sold in the US, and a dealer network and parts availability influence their pricing.
- Attachments. Side-shifters, positioners and clamps are billed on top of the truck.
- New or used. A new truck carries a warranty. A used truck costs less and may not.
Buying new or used
A new truck gives you a warranty, current safety features and a known history. The cost is the highest price in the tables above and faster early loss of value. A used truck from a dealer may come with an inspection and a short warranty, which a private sale rarely offers. Match the choice to how many hours the truck will run each year. A truck that works several shifts a day wears faster than one that moves pallets for an hour or two, so a heavy-use operation often gets more from a newer machine with a warranty.
Whatever you choose, compare quotes for the same capacity, fuel type and mast height. A quote for a smaller or older truck will look cheaper, but it may not do the job.
Ownership costs
The purchase price is one piece of what a forklift costs. Electric trucks need charging and, over time, a battery replacement. Propane trucks need cylinder swaps or a fill station, and diesel trucks need fuel storage. Every type needs scheduled service, tires and replacement parts. Operators must be trained and evaluated before they use a forklift under OSHA rules, so budget for training too. If your use is occasional, renting or leasing may cost less than owning. Get quotes from local rental and leasing companies for your capacity and fuel type.
Questions to ask a forklift dealer
- Is the battery and charger included in the quote?
- What capacity, mast height and tires does the quoted truck have?
- What warranty applies, and who services the truck near you?
- For a used truck, how many hours are on the meter, and are service records available?
- What are the delivery, setup and training charges?
- Can the dealer match your rental or lease needs if you are not ready to buy?
Frequently asked questions
How much does a forklift cost?
A new forklift costs $20,000 – $60,000 according to PriceItHere. Used trucks are cheaper and are priced by hours, as the table above shows.
How much does an electric forklift cost?
A new electric counterbalance truck with 3,000 to 5,000 pounds of capacity is listed at $25,000 – $50,000 by Modern Materials Handling. Heavy-duty electric trucks are listed at $45,000 – $80,000.
How much does a propane forklift cost?
A new propane or LPG counterbalance truck in the same capacity range is listed at $20,000 – $40,000.
How much does a diesel forklift cost?
A new diesel truck with 5,000 to 10,000 pounds of capacity is listed at $25,000 – $55,000.
How much does a used forklift cost?
ForkliftMatch lists trucks with under 3,000 hours at $18,000 – $32,000, trucks with 3,000 to 6,000 hours at $12,000 – $22,000 and higher-hour trucks in good condition at $8,000 – $14,000.
How much is a forklift battery?
A battery and charger for an electric forklift is listed at $7,500 – $9,500. Lithium-ion batteries carry a premium over lead-acid, listed at $8,000 – $15,000.