Equipment Overview

A forklift is a type of material handling equipment used to transport loads around a worksite. There are a huge variety of new and used forklifts for sale out there, each with their own capabilities and features. 

Standard counterbalance forklifts are typically used in warehouses. These models are fitted with forks, which are ideal for handling pallets.

Outdoor forklifts, like rough terrain forklifts or telehandlers, are larger. This makes them better suited for industrial, construction, and agricultural applications.

Forklifts move on pneumatic or cushion tires. Pneumatic tires are air-filled and have deep treads, ideal for traversing uneven terrain. In contrast, cushion tires are smooth and solid. Cushion tire forklifts are only intended for indoor use on flat surfaces.

Purchasing material handling equipment is a great investment for those who need to move loads quickly and efficiently. Of course, this equipment isn’t necessarily cheap. You’ll want to compare pricing on forklifts for sale before you choose.

Keep in mind that you should only buy a forklift if you plan to use it daily or at least for the majority of the year. Otherwise, forklift rental may be a better fit.

If you’d rather rent a forklift, click here. If purchasing a forklift is right for you, learn more about lift trucks below. Then use Heavy Machinery Hub to compare forklifts for sale in your area.

Forklift Specifications

Before you start comparing forklift trucks for sale, it’s important to understand your options. Standard forklifts are typically four to seven feet wide. Forklift capacities can range anywhere from 3,000 pounds to well over 70,000 pounds, depending on the type. The average cushion tire forklift can carry 22,000 pounds. 

Lift height also varies, depending on the amount of reach you need. Different forklift masts have different lifting capabilities.

Warehouse forklifts are designed to accommodate high warehouse racking. Some models, like narrow aisle reach trucks, can lift anywhere from 20 to 40 feet. Standard counterbalance forklifts typically lift between 15 and 25 feet. 

Before you browse forklifts for sale, it’s important to know what specifications you’re looking for. First, consider your workplace. If you work in a warehouse with aisles that are less than 12 feet wide, a narrow aisle reach truck or order picker is the best fit. These forklift types are easy to maneuver through tight spaces and corners. 

On the other hand, if you need to buy a forklift that can operate outside and handle demanding applications, consider a rough terrain forklift or telehandler.
Then, consider your applications. There’s no reason to buy a forklift that can’t accomplish the tasks you need it to. If you plan to use your equipment for construction or agriculture, you’ll need a large forklift with pneumatic tires that can handle rough terrain. Your intended applications will affect the tire type, fuel type, lift height, and load capacity you need.

Forklift Prices

Forklift prices vary greatly. Size and forklift type both play a huge role. You’ll want to buy a forklift that fits not only your needs but your budget. A new machine can cost anywhere from $20,000 to over $80,000. Of course, pricing on used forklifts for sale is much more affordable than new models.

Large pneumatic forklifts are the most expensive option, while small capacity warehouse forklifts are the cheapest. Forklift prices vary extensively, but capacity plays a big role. Here are some general price averages based on forklift capacity.

Standard Capacity: $15,000 to $35,000

10,000 lb Capacity: $30,000 to $45,000

35,000+ lb Capacity: up to $100,000

These price estimates are based on new models. Used forklifts for sale will typically run much cheaper.

Keep in mind that you can compare forklift prices on the exact equipment you need at any time with Heavy Machinery Hub. Simply select your specifications to receive free quotes on equipment that matches your selections.

Types of Forklifts

There are seven different classes of forklifts. Within those classes, there are five main forklift types. Here’s a quick rundown:

Counterbalance Forklift

A counterbalance forklift can have either pneumatic or cushion tires depending on where you plan to use it. This equipment is ideal for loading and unloading pallets in a warehouse. For basic warehouse operations, compare counterbalance forklift trucks for sale with Heavy Machinery Hub.

Reach Truck

A reach truck is another type of warehouse forklift. These forklifts are better suited for very narrow aisles thanks to their ability to rotate their forks a full 180 degrees without moving the base.

Order Picker

An order picker is another small warehouse forklift. The forks of these machines are integrated with a platform that the operator stands on. Users can operate the equipment from this platform, making it easy to case pick or retrieve piece-part orders.

Rough Terrain Forklift

A rough terrain forklift is a counterbalance truck fitted with large pneumatic tires. This forklift type is designed for outdoor use on uneven terrain.

Telehandler

Like rough terrain forklifts, telehandlers are designed for outdoor use. These forklifts are equipped with a long boom arm for extended reach at construction and building sites.

When it comes to comparing forklifts for sale, take into account your applications and workspace. Learn more about how to find the best fit for your needs below.

Comparing Forklift Trucks for Sale

There are thousands of new and used forklifts for sale out there. How will you know which one is the best fit? 

With so many forklifts available, it can be tough to compare all of your options. Visiting or calling different forklift dealers takes ages. Browsing forklift trucks for sale online is the most efficient process. However, not every dealer is trustworthy.

When you’re ready to buy a forklift, use a company you can trust. Heavy Machinery Hub can help you find quality equipment without the hassle.

Do all of your shopping in one place. Compare forklift prices on hundreds of models from top dealers in your area. 

Heavy Machinery Hub partners with trusted dealers to compile the largest selection of forklift trucks for sale. We offer free pricing on each of these machines. Simply let us know what you’re looking for to get started.

Select your equipment type and specifications at the top of the page. Our team will send you forklift prices and information on any inventory that meets your needs.

Compare pricing on new or used forklifts for sale today.

Choosing the Right Equipment

Now that you have access to the best options, how will you make the right choice?

The right equipment will not be the same for everyone. Your choice depends entirely on your needs and applications. Here are a few things to consider before shopping for forklifts for sale:

Tire Type

Remember, you have the option between cushion and pneumatic tires. Cushion tires are used indoors, while pneumatic tires are used outdoors. Pneumatic tires are air-filled with treads, while cushion tires are solid and smooth.

Fuel Type

You can also choose between an electric or internal combustion forklift. Electric models run on a battery while internal combustion (IC) forklifts run on fuel. Popular fuel types include propane, gas, and diesel. 

Propane forklifts are the most popular and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Diesel forklifts are loud, but powerful and efficient. Gas forklifts are the least common type. They are even more powerful than diesel and have faster travel and lifting speeds.
Once you’ve weighed your options, get pricing on forklift trucks for sale that fit your needs. Use Heavy Machinery Hub to compare forklift prices in minutes.