Starting a new business means you’ll need to buy some important equipment. It can be quite a shock when you’re looking at forklifts for sale and find out that the machinery you need costs way more than you expected. Even more frustrating is discovering later that you could have gotten the same thing cheaper somewhere else.
In Australia, finding the right forklifts for sale can be confusing because of unclear prices and not enough information. This can lead people to pay too much or even give up on buying what they need if it seems too expensive.
This guide is here to help clear things up. We’ll show you what you can expect to get for your money at different price levels for forklifts for sale. Our goal is to help you match what you can afford with the right forklift for your business.
Forklifts’ Price up to $20,000
In the Australian forklift market, if you’re looking to purchase a brand-new machine for under $20,000 AUD, the selection available to you is somewhat limited. Typically, these machines offer a loading capacity of under 2 tonnes. This range mostly includes manual pallet trucks or small electric pallet movers from well-known brands, as well as stackers and order pickers from emerging brands. Among the notable brands, the 2023 Yale MPC15 Pallet Truck features a 1.5-tonne loading capacity and a lift height of 115mm. Similarly, Hangcha’s Walkie Stacker 1T offers a 1-tonne loading capacity with a lift height of 3m. EP’s ES12-25DM Stacker boasts a 1.2-tonne loading capacity and a 2.9m lift height. These models are all electric forklifts, ideally suited for operations in confined spaces such as warehouses and retail environments, where maneuverability and emission-free operation are essential.
On the other hand, in the same price range on the second-hand forklift market, you can find conventional forklifts from reputable brands that are over a decade old, typically with over 10,000 hours of use. Their loading capacities usually range between 2 to 3 tonnes. For instance, a 2013 Toyota 328FG25 offers a 2.5-tonne loading capacity and a 5m lift height. Additionally, a 2003 TCM FG30T6H features a 3-tonne loading capacity with a 5m lift height. These models generally operate on LPG or petrol, making them well-suited for outdoor applications in construction sites, yards, and other areas where space and ventilation are not limiting factors.
Forklifts’ price from $20,000 to $50,000
In the Australian forklift market, the price range between $20,000 to $50,000 AUD offers a rich selection of forklifts. Both well-known and emerging brands’ new base model forklifts fall within this bracket, generally offering loading capacities between 3 to 4 tonnes. For instance, the 2023 Yale GLP30MX, powered by LPG or Petrol, delivers a 3-tonne loading capacity and a lift height of 3 meters. Similarly, the 2023 Heli 3.5t Rough Terrain Forklift, a diesel-powered model, provides a 3.5-tonne loading capacity and a 4.5-metre lift height. These machines are perfectly suited for demanding outdoor environments and rugged terrains where superior power and durability are required. EP ICE351 lithium battery forklift also offers a 3.5-tonne loading capacity and a 4.5-metre lift height. This forklift is ideal for indoor operations and environmentally sensitive areas, boasting advantages such as zero emissions, low noise levels, and reduced operating costs.
In the second-hand forklift market within this price range, diesel forklifts from reputable brands with 7 to 10 years of service history are more commonly found. Their loading capacities are slightly higher compared to new machines in the same price bracket, generally ranging between 4 to 5 tonnes, with usage typically under 5000 hours. The 2017 HYUNDAI 45D-9K offers a 4.5-tonne loading capacity and a 3-meter lift height. The 2015 Toyota 8FD40N provides a 4-tonne loading capacity and a 3.7-metre lift height. And the newer generation Toyota 8FD50N features a 4.5-tonne loading capacity and a 4.7-metre lift height. These models are well-suited for intensive industrial and commercial applications where high capacity and reliability are paramount.
Forklifts’ price from $50,000 to $100,000
In the Australian forklift market, forklifts priced between $50,000 to $100,000 AUD showcase the flagship models from both leading and emerging brands, featuring high-performance electric forklifts, mid-sized internal combustion forklifts, and models with advanced functionalities such as side shifting and free lift capabilities. This price bracket sees an increase in tonnage to around 5 tonnes compared to more basic models. Among renowned brands, the 2024 Yale GDP50UX6 diesel forklift and the 2022 CLARK C50SL LPG forklift offer a 5-tonne loading capacity with lift heights of 3 and 4 meters respectively. These forklifts are predominantly designed for heavy-duty applications in outdoor and industrial environments where robust power and endurance are crucial. The 2024 EP CPD50F8 lithium battery forklift also provides a 5-tonne loading capacity and a 4.5-metre lift height, distinguishing itself with significantly reduced emissions and operational costs, optimal for indoor usage and areas sensitive to environmental impact.
In the realm of second-hand forklifts, higher-tonnage diesel models from reputable brands become prominent. These machines, with 3 to 7 years of operational history, offer loading capacities ranging from 5 to 7 tonnes. The 2019 HYUNDAI 70DF-7 and 2021 MITSUBISHI FD70NH both boast a 7-tonne loading capacity, with lift heights of 4.3 meters and 5.8 meters respectively. These units are not only recognized for their robust performance and reliability but also for their enhanced safety features, fuel efficiency, and adaptability to a wide range of operational demands. They excel in rigorous settings such as construction sites, manufacturing plants, and logistics hubs, where their capacity for heavy lifting and precision in load handling dramatically increases operational efficiency.
Forklifts’ price from $100,000 to $150,000
In the $100,000 to $150,000 AUD price bracket, the Australian forklift market sees an array of brand-new models from both renowned and emerging brands, including large, high-performance internal combustion forklifts, telehandlers, rough terrain forklifts, and electric forklifts equipped with the latest technology and advanced safety features. Typically, these forklifts offer a tonnage range of 7-10 tonnes. Among the well-known brands, the 2023 EP EFL702 lithium battery forklift shines with its 7-tonne loading capacity and 3-meter lift height, making it ideal for environmentally conscious operations within indoor facilities and urban construction sites, where its zero emissions, low noise, and high efficiency can significantly contribute to sustainable practices and compliance with strict environmental regulations.
In the second-hand forklift market, specialty models that meet specific requirements, such as large stackers and container handlers with tonnages ranging from 10-20 tonnes, begin to appear, often surpassing 10,000 hours of use. For example, the 2014 TOYOTA 4FD200 Stacker, with its impressive 20-tonne loading capacity and 5-meter lift height, is a standout for heavy industrial applications and warehouse logistics, where its capacity for handling bulky goods is indispensable. The 2019 KALMAR DCG100-45ED7 Container Handler, with a 10-tonne loading capacity and an extraordinary lift height of 18.8 meters, demonstrates its formidable capability in port operations and freight terminals, handling shipping containers with ease and efficiency in demanding work environments.
Forklifts’ price above $150,000
In the Australian forklift market, forklifts priced above $150,000 AUD typically fall into the category of high-end, specialized, or large-scale equipment. These machines boast advanced functionalities, greater loading capacities, or are designed for specific industrial applications. Most of these machines are pre-owned, with tonnage, lift height, and hours of use varying significantly across models. For instance, the 2016 TOYOTA 4FD230 Stacker, which has logged 13,000 hours of use, offers a 23-tonne loading capacity and a 4.5-metre lift height. It is commonly employed in heavy industrial settings and logistics hubs for tasks requiring substantial lifting power, such as moving large machinery or heavy loads within ports and manufacturing plants. The even larger 2018 KALMAR DRG450-65S5 Container Handler, with its astonishing 45-tonne loading capacity and 15.2-metre lift height, is typically used in port operations and freight terminals. Its capacity to handle shipping containers with ease and efficiency makes it indispensable for streamlining cargo movements and optimizing logistics operations in high-volume shipping environments.
Find the Right Forklift for Sale:
Choosing a forklift? Consider new ones for the latest tech and reliability but remember they’re pricier and lose value faster. Second-hand forklifts save money upfront and depreciate less quickly, but might cost more in maintenance later.
Looking at newer brands? They could offer innovative features at better prices, but ensure they’re reliable and have good after-sales support.
In summary, balance your immediate budget with future needs. Whether it’s new, second-hand, or from an emerging brand, the right forklift should match your business’s operational demands and growth plans.
Need guidance? Our forklift experts, with over 10 years of experience, are here to help. Contact us for personalized advice to find the best forklift solution for you.
