The price of a forklift is dependent on the specification of the unit and the work it needs to perform. Capacity, lifting height and fuel types, age and any specialised features will affect the the build and change the purchase price. Therefore, comparing forklift prices in Australia should be reviewed against similar machines, rather than price lists alone. Your search with Fork Force starts with the loads, site conditions and workload the forklift needs to handle.
While a forklift is a great addition to your operations, not every model is suitable for your application. A 2.5-tonne forklift unloading pallets at ground level has different specification needs from a 2.5-tonne machine placing the same loads high into warehouse racking. Additional features such as container access or an attachment changes the required configuration even further. Finding the forklift price in Australia can best be estimated once you understand the application of the forklift. When you compare machines with Fork Force, the pricing of the unit will depend on the specification and reflect the work the forklift will perform.
Forklift Prices in Australia
Understanding how much a forklift costs in Australia changes with the class and specification of machine required. Economy and standard-capacity counterbalance machines sit at the lower end of the market, while higher-capacity, lithium-electric and specialised forklifts can be significantly higher. This pricing comes from the equipment specification: capacity, fuel type, mast configuration, attachments and any additional features.
Forklift prices are affected by the lift capacity required and what the machine must do with that load. WorkSafe Queensland advises that your forklift also has to carry the required load safely at height without affecting the rated capacity. A higher mast height, container mast configuration or forklift attachments can also affect rated capacity, and is best to speak to a forklift specialist for advice on which forklift suits your needs and budget.
New and Used Forklift Pricing
How much a used forklift costs depends on the age, operating hours, maintenance history and component condition. On an electric forklift, battery condition also affects used forklift prices as you may need to replace the battery – so should be considered if the purchase price is on the lower end.
The warranty coverage also contributes to the long-term cost of the unit after purchase.Our new Enforcer forklifts carry a five-year parts and labour warranty which can reduce additional expenses, while most of our used forklifts have a one-year parts and labour warranty. The new-versus-used calculation therefore includes the condition and warranty sitting behind the quoted price.
Electric, Diesel and LPG Costs
An electric forklift price includes a different cost structure for refuelling compared to diesel forklift or LPG forklift equipment. Battery-electric and lithium-ion machines require suitable charging arrangements, LPG units have easy bottle swaps with stable pricing and diesel incur fuel costs which can fluctuate. Servicing requirements also differ between engine systems.
For that reason, an electric vs diesel forklift price comparison should estimate the hours of operation. Purchase price is paid at acquisition; energy, fuel and servicing accumulate as the forklift works.
Forklift Specification Checklist
Before comparing quotes, consider the conditions the machine must handle:
- Maximum load weight and dimensions of loads
- Maximum lift height and available overhead clearance.
- Indoor, outdoor or mixed operation.
- Required attachments and the loads carried with them.
- Expected daily or weekly operating hours.
- Charging access where battery-electric or lithium equipment is being considered.
Safe Work Australia also requires attachments to be suitable for the load and used within the safe working limits of the industrial lift truck. Choosing a cheap model with the wrong specification will be an expensive headache down the line.
Purchase Price and Total Cost of Ownership
The amount on the quote is one part of forklift cost in Australia. Total cost of ownership also includes finance or ownership costs, energy or fuel, scheduled servicing, repairs and parts, downtime exposure and eventual residual value.
The way you acquire the same forklift changes cash flow as well. Outright purchase can be a significant upfront investment, while our Rent-To-Own®, Lift Now – Pay Later and Hire-Try-Buy® options spread or restructure that commitment under different terms. When you compare forklift prices in Australia, calculate the machine you actually need first, then compare what owning and operating it will cost.
Assess your forklift price in Australia with Fork Force today.