Forklift Guide
New vs Used Forklifts: Which Should You Buy?
A new forklift buys reliability and warranty; a good used one buys capability at a lower price. This guide shows when each is the right call — and exactly what to check before you buy used.
The Trade-Off
New or Used — Where Each Wins
Choose New When…
- ✓Maximum reliability and uptime for heavy daily use
- ✓Full manufacturer warranty and the latest safety features
- ✓You want a specific new configuration or attachment
- ✓Financing a long-term core asset
Choose Used When…
- ✓Lower upfront cost and gentler depreciation
- ✓Light, occasional, or backup-unit use
- ✓Faster availability — often ready sooner than new
- ✓Stretching a fixed equipment budget further
Buying Used
What to Check on a Used Forklift
We inspect and service every used unit before delivery — but here's what a proper check covers, so you know what you're getting.
- ✓Hour meter reading versus age (usage intensity)
- ✓Mast, chains, and rollers for wear or play
- ✓Forks for cracks, bending, or heel wear
- ✓Tyres — type, wear, and condition
- ✓Hydraulics and cylinders for leaks
- ✓Engine (diesel/LPG) or battery health (electric)
- ✓Service history and maintenance records
Keep Reading
Still Weighing It Up?
Not sure you need to own at all? Compare renting against buying — and match the right forklift type to your work.
Common Questions
New vs Used FAQ
A well-maintained used forklift from a reputable supplier can be very reliable — many have plenty of service life left. The key is condition and history, not age alone. We inspect and service every used unit before delivery, so you're buying a checked machine rather than an unknown.
Used forklifts cost significantly less upfront than new, and they've already taken the steepest depreciation, so they hold value better through your ownership. Exactly how much you save depends on the make, age, hours, and condition — tell us your budget and requirement and we'll show you the options.
Check the hour meter, mast and chains for wear, forks for cracks or bending, tyres, hydraulics for leaks, the engine or battery condition, and the overall service history. Because we inspect and service used units before sale, this checking is done for you — but the checklist on this page is worth knowing.
Warranty options are available on our units — ask us what cover applies to a specific used forklift when you enquire. A warranty-backed used truck gives you much of the peace of mind of buying new at a lower price.
For light or occasional use, a good used forklift often makes the most sense — you get the capability you need without paying the new-unit premium for hours you won't run. For heavy daily use where uptime is critical, the warranty and predictability of a new unit can be worth it. If usage is uncertain, consider renting first.
Tell Us Your Budget & Use
We'll show you the new and used options that fit — every used unit inspected and serviced before delivery, with warranty options available.