Electric Forklifts
Electric Forklifts are powered by a rechargeable battery. They produce no emissions (since they require no fuel) and run quieter than fuel-powered models. However, they do come at a higher cost than diesel or gas lifts and typically require around eight hours for a full charge, with each charge providing about six hours of use.
Lift capacities for electric Forklifts range anywhere from 3,000 to 15,000 pounds. Models are available in cushion or pneumatic tire options, as well as four-wheel, three-wheel, and stand-up configurations.
Why Choose a Used Electric Forklift?
A used electric forklift can be a great investment for your business. Electric Forklifts are incredibly efficient and come with the bonus of no emissions or fuels costs. And while new electric lifts have a reputation for being slightly more costly, a previously owned electric forklift may come in at only half the price of a new unit.
Used models are often ideal for new or smaller companies that are looking for a cheaper alternative to a new forklift. Delivery times for used models are considerably less than new units (especially customized new units), with many being readily available.
It is important to note that, if you are planning to use your electric forklift for more than four hours a day, the condition of the used lift is incredibly important. If you cannot find a used model that is able to handle multiple hours of use each day, it is best to purchase new.
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How Much Do Used Electric Forklifts Cost?
Exact pricing for used electric Forklifts is difficult, as there are multiple factors that determine the final cost. Though the age of the vehicle plays a role in the price, the condition of the lift and how well it was maintained are more important when it comes to the total cost. That being said, here is a general pricing guide to provide an idea of what you can expect to pay for your used electric forklift:
- A starter used electric forklift made anywhere between the 1980s and the early 2000s has an average cost between $4,000 and $8,000.
- A newer, mid-range used electric forklift with a weight capacity of 4,000 to 5,000 pounds has an average cost between $8,000 and $12,000.
- The average cost of a battery and charger is between $2,000 and $5,000.
Always be sure to evaluate the lift before making your final purchase. If a test drive is impossible, request a live video demonstration. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about how it was handled and what it was used for previously.
What to Look at When Buying a Used Electric Forklift
Price is an important factor in any purchase, but it should never be the only factor. When looking for a used electric forklift, don’t forget to consider:
- Age: While this is not necessarily indicative of the quality of the vehicle, the age of a forklift is still something you should pay attention to. Forklifts made within the current year almost always cost the full book value, but older units start to drop in price.
- Condition and history: The condition of a used forklift is perhaps the biggest factor to consider when purchasing. Take a look at the tires to see if there is any uneven or excessive wear (this may be an indication of alignment issues) and be sure that the mast operates smoothly with or without a load. How the lift has been used previously is also important, as the conditions and environments it was exposed to impact future performance.
- Service hours: This is a combination of both key hours and dead man hours, which are both metered of electric lifts. Key hours represent the motor’s running time, or when the key was turned on, which isn’t an entirely accurate measure of its hours of use. Dead man hours represent the time an operator stood on the dead man pedal. Since the lift is still being used while the dead man pedal is pressed, it is a more accurate reflection of the use a lift has seen.