Used Electric Forklifts for Sale: Compare Models, Prices, and Battery Options
A used electric forklift can cut your initial equipment cost significantly, but the cheapest listing on the lot isn't always the best deal. If the battery is near the end of its life or the mast height doesn't clear your racking, that "bargain" machine turns into a repair bill within weeks.
Buyers who merely compare model year & asking price usually get burnt. The real value of a truck to your organization depends on battery condition, lift capability, mast configuration, aisle width, tyre type and shift schedule.
So what can you expect to pay? Used electric forklifts typically range from $8,000 to $30,000; however, the ultimate price will vary based on the type of equipment, age, capacity, & remaining battery life. Use that as a starting point, then check pricing vs. current inventory before you buy anything.
This blog covers the main electric forklift types, realistic price ranges, lead-acid versus lithium-ion batteries, what to inspect before buying, and how to match a used forklift for sale to your actual Ohio warehouse conditions.
planning range. Equipment type, age, capacity, and remaining battery
life determine the final number. Confirm pricing against current
inventory before you commit.
Quick comparison
Used Electric Forklifts for Sale: Compare Brands, Prices, and Batteries
Swipe left or right to view the full table.
| Brand | Electric Equipment Types | Avg Price Range | Battery Materials Used | Available Voltage Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Three-wheel and four-wheel sit-down forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, and pallet jacks | $1,900–$35,000 | Lead plates and sulfuric acid electrolyte; compatible units may use lithium-ion cells | 24V, 36V, or 48V, depending on equipment |
| Yale | Three-wheel forklifts, reach trucks, and stand-up forklifts | $12,000–$15,000 | Lead plates and sulfuric acid electrolyte; compatible units may use lithium-ion cells | Usually 36V or 48V; confirm by equipment |
| CAT/Caterpillar | Four-wheel electric sit-down forklifts | $12,000–$15,000 | Lead plates and sulfuric acid electrolyte; compatible units may use lithium-ion cells | Usually 48V; some equipment may require a higher voltage |
| Crown | Sit-down forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, and stand-up forklifts | $13,000–$20,000 | Lead plates and sulfuric acid electrolyte; compatible units may use lithium-ion cells | 24V, 36V, or 48V, depending on equipment |
| Raymond | Sit-down forklifts, reach trucks, and order pickers | $13,000–$18,000 | Lead plates and sulfuric acid electrolyte; compatible units may use lithium-ion cells | Usually 24V, 36V, or 48V |
| Hyster | Three-wheel sit-down forklifts and narrow-aisle reach trucks | $11,000–$19,000 | Lead plates and sulfuric acid electrolyte; compatible units may use lithium-ion cells | Usually 36V or 48V |
| Komatsu | Four-wheel electric sit-down forklifts | Contact for current price | Lead plates and sulfuric acid electrolyte; compatible units may use lithium-ion cells | Usually 48V; confirm before purchasing |
| Linde | Electric pallet jacks and warehouse equipment | From $3,950 | Lithium-ion cells or lead plates with sulfuric acid electrolyte | Often 24V for pallet jacks; confirm by equipment |
| UniCarriers | Electric pallet jacks and warehouse forklifts | From $2,950 | Lead plates and sulfuric acid electrolyte; compatible units may use lithium-ion cells | Commonly 24V, 36V, or 48V |
| Jungheinrich | Turret trucks and narrow-aisle equipment | Prices vary | Lithium-ion cells or lead plates with sulfuric acid electrolyte | May require 48V, 72V, or 80V |
| Mitsubishi | Electric warehouse and sit-down forklifts | Contact for current price | Lead plates and sulfuric acid electrolyte; compatible units may use lithium-ion cells | Commonly 36V or 48V |
| Nissan | Electric warehouse and sit-down forklifts | Contact for current price | Lead plates and sulfuric acid electrolyte; compatible units may use lithium-ion cells | Commonly 36V or 48V |
| Doosan | Electric sit-down and warehouse forklifts | Contact for current price | Lead plates and sulfuric acid electrolyte; compatible units may use lithium-ion cells | Commonly 36V, 48V, or higher |
| Clark | Electric sit-down and warehouse forklifts | Contact for current price | Lead plates and sulfuric acid electrolyte; compatible units may use lithium-ion cells | Commonly 36V or 48V |
| Hyundai | Electric material-handling equipment | Contact for current price | Lead plates and sulfuric acid electrolyte; compatible units may use lithium-ion cells | Voltage depends on the equipment type |
| TCM | Electric warehouse and material-handling equipment | Contact for current price | Lead plates and sulfuric acid electrolyte; compatible units may use lithium-ion cells | Commonly 36V or 48V |
Note: Prices, battery materials, and voltage requirements vary by forklift model. Confirm compatibility before purchasing.
Complete Forklift Brand Directory, Pricing, and Battery Specifications Guide
1. Toyota Forklifts
- Price Range: $12,000 – $30,000+
- Primary Models: Cushion 4-Wheel, 4-Wheel Electric Sit-Down, Pneumatic Propane
- Power Options: Electric (Lead-Acid / Lithium-Ion) or Internal Combustion (LPG / Diesel)
- Battery Voltages: 24V (pallet jacks), 36V (narrow aisle/compact), 48V (standard 4-wheel sit-down), and 80V (high-capacity electric pneumatic).
- Battery Chemistry Details:
- Lead-Acid: Lead dioxide (PbO₂) positive plates, sponge lead (Pb) negative plates & sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) liquid electrolyte.
- Lithium-Ion: Advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) cells with integrated carbon anodes & smart BMS.
2. Hyster Forklifts
- Price Range: $10,000 – $28,000+
- Primary Models: Pneumatic 4-Wheel Sit-Down, High-Capacity Big Trucks
- Power Options: Heavy-duty internal combustion engines or high-capacity electric setups
- Battery Voltages: 36V / 48V (standard warehouse electric sit-down) and 80V (high-capacity big trucks).
- Battery Chemistry Details:
- Lead-Acid: Industrial tubular plates built for deep discharge cycles using heavy lead grids.
- Lithium-Ion: Modular LiFePO₄ packs engineered for rapid opportunity charging.
3. Yale Forklifts
- Price Range: $10,000 – $27,000+
- Primary Models: Pneumatic Propane, 4-Wheel Electric Sit-Down, Cushion Propane
- Power Options: Electric and LPG
- Battery Voltages: 24V (light-duty pallet trucks), 36V / 48V (cushion and pneumatic sit-down), 80V (heavy-duty electric utility).
- Battery Chemistry Details:
- Lead-Acid: Standard industrial plate structure utilizing reactive lead components & liquid sulfuric acid.
- Lithium-Ion: Sealed LiFePO₄ maintenance-free packs with thermal-regulation sensors.
4. Cat® (Caterpillar) Forklifts
- Price Range: $14,000 – $32,000+
- Primary Models: Heavy-Duty Pneumatic & Cushion Tire Industrial Trucks
- Power Options: High-performance electric or diesel/LPG engines
- Battery Voltages: 36V / 48V (mid-range warehouse electrics) and 80V (heavy industrial multi-shift models).
- Battery Chemistry Details:
- Lead-Acid: High-capacity, ruggedized lead cells in reinforced polypropylene casings acting as structural counterweights.
- Lithium-Ion: High-density sealed LiFePO₄ power solutions built for extreme multi-shift environments.
5. Crown Forklifts
- Price Range: $11,000 – $26,000+
- Primary Models: Narrow-Aisle Reach Trucks, Order Pickers, Turret Trucks
- Power Options: Electric (24V, 36V, 48V, 80V)
- Battery Voltages: 24V (pallet jacks/stackers), 36V (narrow-aisle reach trucks), and 48V/80V (high-reach trucks, turret trucks).
- Battery Chemistry Details:
- Lead-Acid: Compact-profile batteries using traditional lead-acid (Pb / PbO₂ / H₂SO₄) chemistry.
- Lithium-Ion: Custom-engineered compact LiFePO₄ energy packs.
6. Raymond Forklifts
- Price Range: $12,000 – $29,000+
- Primary Models: Narrow Aisle Reach Trucks (e.g., 750-R45TT), Electric Pallet Jacks, Stackers
- Power Options: Electric
- Battery Voltages: 24V (pallet jacks/stackers), 36V (standard narrow-aisle reach trucks), and 48V (advanced high-reach trucks).
- Battery Chemistry Details:
- Lead-Acid: High-efficiency tubular lead-acid batteries with heavy lead plates.
- Lithium-Ion: Proprietary rapid-charge LiFePO₄ packs with automated cell balancing.
7. Linde Forklifts
- Price Range: $13,000 – $30,000+
- Primary Models: Electric Sit-Down, Hydrostatic Drive Industrial Forklifts
- Power Options: Electric and hydrostatic
- Battery Voltages: 24V (compact warehouse utility), 36V / 48V (electric sit-down), and 80V (heavy-duty turret trucks).
- Battery Chemistry Details:
- Lead-Acid: Heavy-duty lead plate arrays coupled with liquid sulfuric acid electrolytes.
- Lithium-Ion: High-performance sealed LiFePO₄ setups with automated thermal management loops.
8. Komatsu Forklifts
- Price Range: $11,000 – $28,000+
- Primary Models: Electric Sit-Down, Internal Combustion Pneumatic Trucks
- Power Options: Electric or LPG/Diesel
- Battery Voltages: 36V / 48V (electric sit-down models). (IC models run on LPG/Diesel).
- Battery Chemistry Details:
- Electric Models: Standard industrial deep-cycle lead-acid units (PbO₂ / Pb / H₂SO₄).
- IC Models: Powered by internal combustion engines running on LPG or Diesel (no batteries).
9. Mitsubishi Forklifts
- Price Range: $10,000 – $25,000+
- Primary Models: Cushion and Pneumatic Tire Sit-Down Models
- Power Options: Electric or IC
- Battery Voltages: 36V / 48V (standard sit-down electrics) and 80V (high-performance counterbalance models).
- Battery Chemistry Details:
- Lead-Acid: Standard commercial build utilizing sponge lead, lead dioxide, and liquid sulfuric acid.
- Lithium-Ion: Clean, maintenance-free LiFePO₄ energy storage options.
10. Nissan/UniCarriers Forklifts
- Price Range: $9,000 – $24,000+
- Primary Models: Cushion Propane Forklifts (e.g., MCP1F2A25LS), Electric Warehouse Trucks
- Power Options: LPG or Electric
- Battery Voltages: 24V / 36V / 48V (electric warehouse trucks). (Cushion propane models run on LPG tanks).
- Battery Chemistry Details:
- Electric Line: Standard industrial-grade lead-acid battery packs housed in steel trays.
- IC Line: Driven by fossil fuels or LPG (utilizes steel fuel tanks).
11. Doosan Forklifts
- Price Range: $10,000 – $25,000+
- Primary Models: Electric and Internal Combustion Material Handling Trucks
- Power Options: Electric or LPG/Diesel
- Battery Voltages: 36V / 48V (standard electric warehouse trucks) and 80V (heavy material-handling electrics).
- Battery Chemistry Details:
- Lead-Acid: Cost-effective heavy lead-grid construction with liquid acid electrolytes.
- Lithium-Ion: High-efficiency economic LiFePO₄ packs.
12. Jungheinrich Forklifts
- Price Range: $14,000 – $35,000+
- Primary Models: Turret Trucks (e.g., EKX 410), High-Reach Electric Stackers, Order Pickers
- Power Options: Electric (Lithium-Ion / Lead-Acid)
- Battery Voltages: 24V (stackers/pallet trucks), 48V (high-reach trucks), and 80V (high-performance turret trucks).
- Battery Chemistry Details:
- Lithium-Ion (Primary Focus): Integrated LiFePO₄ chemistry built specifically for high-reach turret trucks requiring continuous voltage output.
- Lead-Acid: Traditional deep-cycle lead-acid units.
13. Clark Forklifts
- Price Range: $8,000 – $20,000+
- Primary Models: Legacy and Commercial Utility Forklifts
- Power Options: Electric or LPG/Diesel
- Battery Voltages: 24V / 36V / 48V (electric utility & commercial warehouse models).
- Battery Chemistry Details:
- Electric Variants: Durable, long-lasting lead-acid assemblies.
- IC Variants: Internal combustion engines running on LPG or Diesel.
14. Hyundai Forklifts
- Price Range: $9,000 – $22,000+
- Primary Models: Pneumatic Propane (e.g., 25L-9A), Electric Sit-Down Trucks, and Electric Stand-Up Trucks
- Power Options: LPG or Electric
- Battery Voltages: 36V / 48V (standard sit-down electrics) and 80V (high-capacity electric pneumatic models).
- Battery Chemistry Details:
- Lead-Acid: Conventional lead-acid systems requiring standard watering & cooling protocols.
- Lithium-Ion: Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries that are modern & maintenance-free with fast charge cycles.
15. TCM Forklifts
- Price Range: $8,000 – $21,000+
- Primary Models: Heavy-Duty Diesel and LPG Material Handling Trucks
- Power Options: Internal Combustion (Diesel/LPG) or Electric
- Battery Voltages: 36V / 48V (conventional electric configurations).
- Battery Chemistry Details:
- Electric Units: Conventional industrial lead-acid cell configurations.
- Combustion Units: Heavy-duty mechanical diesel & LPG powertrains.
Which electric forklift fits the job?
Equipment category narrows the search faster than brand. A tight aisle can rule out a good counterbalance truck before price enters the discussion.
| Equipment type | Best application | Main advantage | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-wheel electric forklift | Tight indoor travel paths | Small turning radius | Capacity, tires, and floor conditions |
| 4-wheel electric forklift | General warehouse handling | Stability and broader capacity choices | Aisle and turning space |
| Reach truck | Narrow aisles and tall racking | High lift in a compact footprint | Rack height, aisle width, and floor quality |
| Order picker | Case or item picking | Operator access to elevated stock | Platform height and safety equipment |
| Electric pallet stacker | Light stacking and short travel | Compact size and lower entry cost | Capacity and duty cycle |
Electric pallet jacks move palletized loads horizontally, with enough lift to clear the floor. They suit dock work and routine pallet transport but can't replace a forklift that places loads in elevated racking.
Compare popular used electric forklift models by warehouse task
3-wheel electric forklift vs. 4-wheel electric forklift
A 3-wheel electric forklift design turns tighter, which suits cramped indoor aisles & moderate loads. A 4-wheel electric forklift trades some maneuverability for stability & a broader capacity range, suiting general warehouse work when there's room to swing the machine. Don't choose by wheel count alone. Compare actual turning radius, capacity, tire configuration, & floor surface. Families like the Toyota 7FBCU & 8FBCU are worth considering, though the right unit depends on your application.
Narrow-aisle reach trucks and high racks
A reach truck extends its forks into the rack while keeping a compact chassis, letting it work in aisles a standard counterbalance forklift can't. Match it to your aisle width, rack height, pallet weight, & floor condition. One thing buyers often overlook: residual capacity drops as lift height increases, so check the load chart at your actual working height, not just the maximum rated capacity.
Order pickers for case and item fulfilment
An order picker lifts the operator as well as the cargo, something to think about for multilevel fulfilment, parts storage, or distribution tasks where people are pulling individual items rather than complete pallets. Compare platform height, travel speed & safety equipment between units. Only include Crown or Raymond order pickers if it matches existing inventory.
Electric pallet stackers and pallet jacks for lighter-duty work
Not every job needs a full counterbalance forklift. An electric pallet stacker, or an electric pallet jack for horizontal moves without stacking, handles lighter loads & short distances at a lower cost. Walk-behind & rider-style stackers differ in speed and operator fatigue. Just don't expect a stacker to substitute for a forklift in every application; capacity limits are real.
Lead-acid vs. lithium-ion forklift batteries
Battery chemistry changes the daily routine. It affects charging time, labor, floor space, and the number of hours the truck can stay available.
| Decision factor | Lead-acid | Lithium-ion |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Charging | Longer charge and cool-down routine | Faster charging |
| Maintenance | Watering, cleaning, and equalization may be required | Minimal routine maintenance |
| Charging during breaks | Usually a poor fit | Commonly supported |
| Typical use | Predictable single-shift work | Multi-shift or high-use work |
| Facility needs | Dedicated process, space, and ventilation planning | Compatible charger and electrical supply |
Lead-acid works for a single-shift warehouse with time to charge, cool, and maintain the battery. Missed watering or poor charging habits shorten useful life.
Lithium-ion costs more up front but charges faster & supports charging during breaks. It can suit multi-shift distribution centers. The battery, charger, truck controls, connectors, and building electrical service must still work together.
Verify battery health before buying.
Ask for the battery manufacture date, voltage, amp-hour rating, service records, and a recent capacity test. Ask how the test was run & whether it reflects a duty cycle similar to yours.
Inspect the case, tray, cables, connectors, and cells. If a charger is included, match its voltage, phase, plug, connector, & amp-hour range to the battery and facility.
Record the battery condition and any promised capacity in the purchase agreement.
Check the warehouse before inspecting the truck
Measure the heaviest load & note its dimensions. Capacity is tied to a stated load center, and attachments or high lifts can reduce what the truck safely carries.
Record the highest pallet position & overhead restrictions. Compare them with maximum fork height, collapsed mast height, and free lift. A free lift matters inside trailers and low rooms.
Measure the working aisle, including pallet length, rack guards, turning space, & pedestrian separation. Match the tires to the floor, dock plates, and any outdoor travel.
Used electric forklift inspection checklist
Use the same inspection process for every candidate.
- Confirm the serial number, model year, hours, and data plate.
- Test steering, brakes, travel controls, lift, tilt, side shift, & attachments.
- Inspect mast channels, chains, rollers, forks, carriage, and hydraulic cylinders.
- Check for leaks, warning lights, fault codes, odd noises, and uneven movement.
- Look for tire chunking, flat spots, and wear near the replacement line.
- Review service records, completed repairs, battery results, and charger details.
- Confirm warranty terms, freight cost, delivery timing, and unloading needs.
We sell serviced and reconditioned equipment along with batteries, chargers, and tires. It also offers financing and nationwide shipping. Confirm the warranty terms for the specific machine.
Conclusion
The best value in a used electric forklift comes when the truck, battery & warehouse requirements work hand in glove. Check the load capacity, mast height, aisle width, tire type, hours of operation, and battery status before you purchase. Then determine freight, charger needs, repairs, & other urgent costs to get a true purchase price.
The cheapest machine is not always the most economical. A forklift that is properly matched, has a tested battery, & meets the right standards can cut downtime, enable safer material handling, and offer reliable service for years.
We can help you compare available electric forklifts, batteries, chargers, and financing options based on your facility and workload. Browse the current inventory or contact us to request a quote and find a used electric forklift that fits your Ohio operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a used electric forklift cost?
Electric Forklifts - Most commonly used electric forklifts go from $8,000 to $25,000 based on equipment kind, hours, capacity & battery condition. Please confirm the price against current listings for an accurate amount.
What is the best used electric forklift for a warehouse?
It depends on the job. Reach trucks suit narrow aisles & tall racking, 4-wheel forklifts suit general handling, and order pickers suit item-level fulfillment. Match the equipment to your aisle width, load, & lift height rather than picking by brand alone.
Is a 3-wheel or 4-wheel electric forklift better?
Neither is universally better. A 3-wheel forklift turns tighter & suits cramped aisles, while a 4-wheel forklift offers more stability and often higher capacity when there's room to maneuver.
How do I check the battery in a used electric forklift?
Request the manufacture date, voltage, amp-hour rating, and a load or discharge test report. Inspect cables & cells for corrosion, and confirm the charger matches the battery's voltage & connector type.
Is lead-acid or lithium-ion better for a used forklift?
Lead-acid is generally cheaper up front & good for dependable single-shift labour. Lithium-ion recharges faster and needs less maintenance, which is why its higher price tag is often justified in multi-shift operations.
What should I inspect before buying a used electric forklift?
Check hours, data plate information, mast & hydraulic components, tires, service records, and battery test results. Confirm warranty and delivery terms before purchasing.