How Much is A Forklift? A Comprehensive Guide

Quick answer: A new counterbalance forklift on Vovlift is listed at $19,875.00 to $59,849.05 (electric, propane or diesel; listed prices on November 5, 2026). Electric models run from $19,875.00 (EOSLift CPDS15, 3,306 lb) to $47,498.50, propane models from $30,589.05 to $59,849.05 (EKKO EK50LP, 10,000 lb) and diesel models from $31,919.05 to $46,834.05. Warehouse trucks for tall racking cost more: reach trucks and electric order pickers are listed up to $80,191.56, and the EOSLift LCA15 turret truck is $125,238.63.

Forklift prices on Vovlift by type

Listed prices on Vovlift on November 5, 2026, for new trucks. Prices can change, so check the current price on each listing.

Businesses that move heavy materials or run a warehouse need a forklift that fits the job and the budget. If you're asking "How much is a forklift?" or "how much does a forklift cost?", the answer depends on the type of truck, its lift capacity, the mast and the options you add. This guide explains what drives the price, what buying, renting and leasing involve, and which running costs to plan for.

Factors That Determine the Cost of a Forklift

1. Type of forklift

• Electric forklifts run on batteries. They suit indoor work, produce no exhaust and have fewer engine parts to service, but you need a charger and a charging area.
• Internal combustion (IC) forklifts run on propane or diesel. On Vovlift they reach higher capacities than electric counterbalance models (up to 10,000 lb for the EKKO EK50LP) and suit yards, loading docks and outdoor work.
• Warehouse trucks such as stand-up reach trucks, order pickers and turret trucks are built for narrow aisles and tall racking; the EOSLift LCA15 turret truck is the most expensive truck in this guide.

2. Capacity and mast

Within one product line, the price goes up with lift capacity and lift height. A triplex or full free mast, a mast height upgrade or a side shifter adds to the base price, which is why one model can have several listed prices.

3. New vs. used

New forklifts come with the manufacturer's warranty and current technology. Used trucks cost less, but the price depends on age, hours, battery or engine condition and service history, so ask for maintenance records and inspect the truck before you buy. The prices in this guide are for new trucks.

4. Attachments and options

Enclosed cabins, side shifters, fork positioners and other forklift attachments add to the cost, so price the truck with the options you actually need.

5. Brand

Prices differ between brands with the same capacity. Compare the full specifications (capacity, lift height, load center, battery or engine) and the warranty, not just the price.

Renting or Leasing a Forklift

Renting makes sense for short projects or seasonal peaks, and leasing spreads the cost of a truck over several years. Rental and lease rates are quoted by rental companies and lenders and depend on the truck class, the term and your location, so get written quotes and compare the total with the purchase prices above. Some dealers also offer rent-to-own plans.

Running Costs to Plan For

• Maintenance and repairs: follow the manufacturer's service schedule; used trucks can bring unplanned repairs.
• Fuel and energy: IC forklifts need propane or diesel; electric forklifts need charging equipment and, for lead-acid batteries, battery care.
• Operator training: under OSHA rule 29 CFR 1910.178(l), the employer must make sure each forklift operator is trained and evaluated before operating the truck, and each operator's performance must be evaluated at least once every three years (OSHA 1910.178). See our guide to forklift operator training costs.
• Insurance: add the truck to your equipment or business policy.
• Attachments and upgrades: rotators, clamps, extension forks and other attachments are priced separately.

Where to Buy a Forklift

• Dealers and online stores such as Vovlift list new trucks with the manufacturer's warranty.
• Auctions can be cheaper, but trucks are usually sold as-is.
• Rental companies sometimes sell used trucks from their fleets.
• Trade shows let you compare models and talk to manufacturers in person.

Tips for Saving Money on a Forklift

• Match the capacity and lift height to your real loads; paying for capacity you never use raises the price.
• Look at the total cost of ownership: energy, maintenance, training and resale value, not just the purchase price.
• Ask about promotions, trade-ins and financing before you order.

Conclusion

How much is a forklift? On Vovlift, a new counterbalance forklift is listed from $19,875.00 to $59,849.05, and specialized warehouse trucks cost more (November 5, 2026). Choose the type and capacity your work needs, then compare the listed models in our electric, propane and diesel forklift collections.

Related guides

• Forklift certification cost: typical certification prices and what affects them.
• How much a scissor lift costs: new and used price ranges by type.
• What a telehandler is and how it differs from a forklift: capacities, reach and attachments explained.
• Propane tanks for forklifts: tank sizes, swapping and storage.
• The forklift classes explained: what each OSHA truck class covers.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a forklift cost?

New counterbalance forklifts on Vovlift are listed from $19,875.00 (EOSLift CPDS15 electric, 3,306 lb) to $59,849.05 (EKKO EK50LP propane, 10,000 lb) as of November 5, 2026. Reach trucks and order pickers are listed up to $80,191.56, and the EOSLift LCA15 turret truck is $125,238.63.

How much is an electric forklift?

Electric counterbalance forklifts on Vovlift are listed from $19,875.00 (EOSLift CPDS15, 3,306 lb, 3-wheel) to $47,498.50 (EOSLift CPD25, 5,500 lb, with triplex full free mast and enclosed cabin). EKKO lithium-powered 4-wheel models run from $31,919.05 (EK20GT-LI, 4,000 lb) to $43,889.05 (EK40T-Li, 8,000 lb).

How much is a propane forklift?

Propane forklifts on Vovlift are listed from $30,589.05 (EKKO EK20TLP, 4,000 lb) to $59,849.05 (EKKO EK50LP, 10,000 lb). The EKKO EK40TLP (8,500 lb) is $43,889.05, and the GNT GLP series runs from $33,059.05 (GLP40) to $46,834.05 (GLP85).

How much is a diesel forklift?

Diesel forklifts on Vovlift are listed from $31,919.05 (EKKO EK20D, 4,000 lb) to $46,834.05 (GNT GD85). The EKKO EK40D (8,500 lb) is $43,889.05, and the GNT GD series starts at $35,814.05 (GD50).

Do forklift operators need OSHA certification?

OSHA rule 29 CFR 1910.178(l) requires the employer to make sure each forklift operator is competent, through training (formal instruction and practical training) and an evaluation in the workplace, before the operator works alone, and to evaluate each operator's performance at least once every three years.