USED EQUIPMENT
Forklifts rather than relying on a single price point.
Financing can also change the overall cost. CLARK notes that interest rates, loan terms, and down payments all affect how much a buyer ultimately pays.
Maintenance and repairs are another consideration. Bobcat warns that used forklifts may not qualify for normal service contracts or warranties and states that“ the cost of servicing older equipment can quickly outpace the upfront savings.”
CLARK similarly identifies higher repair risk, limited or no warranty coverage, and outdated safety and efficiency features as potential drawbacks of used forklifts.
New or Used? The right choice depends on the operation.
New forklifts cost more upfront, but CLARK identifies advantages such as current technology, safety features, warranty coverage, customization, and fleet uniformity. New equipment may make more sense for operations with heavy daily use or specific configuration requirements. Used forklifts can be a better fit when controlling the initial purchase price is a priority, equipment will see limited daily use, or a machine is needed quickly. CLARK also identifies short-term and seasonal applications as situations where used equipment may be appropriate.
Fleet requirements can also influence the decision. Purchasing several new forklifts can make it easier to standardize equipment, while finding identical models in the used market may be more difficult.
Evaluate the Seller The seller is another important part of the purchase.
Toyota recommends choosing a dealer with a history of transparent transactions and customer satisfaction. Buyers should seek accurate information about the forklift’ s condition and ask whether any warranty or guarantee is available.
Comparing prices among sellers or dealerships can also help determine whether an asking price is reasonable. Toyota suggests making sure the price aligns with the forklift’ s age, condition, and features and cautions buyers about deals that seem too good to be true.
The Sum
A used forklift can be a practical way to add equipment without the upfront expense of a new machine. But the cheapest forklift is not necessarily the least expensive one to own.
That’ s where the used forklift equation comes together. Before buying, consider how the forklift
The cheapest forklift is not necessarily the least expensive one to own.
will be used, how many hours it has accumulated, where it has worked, and how well it has been maintained. Inspect the equipment carefully, test its major functions, review its service history, and research the availability of parts and service.
Most importantly, consider future maintenance and operating costs alongside the purchase price. Each factor contributes to the overall cost of the forklift and helps determine whether the equipment is a good fit for the operation.
The decision between new and used ultimately is a matter of balancing purchase price, condition, and operating costs. A used forklift that is properly inspected and suited to the application may provide the value a business needs, but that value comes from looking at the whole equation, not simply from finding the lowest price.
Available in both 36-volt and 48-volt electric configurations, the BC25S-7 can be equipped with Bobcat lithium-ion battery options that provide longlasting power and fast, flexible charging to help reduce downtime. A reliable drive and pump controller, enclosed-type motors, and an automatic parking brake system further support day-to-day operation. The forklift includes Bobcat’ s Guardian Stability System, which automatically adjusts travel speed and mast tilt to support safe handling when traveling with elevated loads.
18 l September-October 2026