Electric forklifts are powered by a large battery that generally has enough power to last a full shift. They produce no emissions and so can be used indoors, unlike gas forklifts. With electric forklifts, you don't have to worry about fuel costs, but the purchase price may be higher. They also require time to recharge, and you must have a recharging station.

Electric forklift distributors offer support services to help you create an electric forklift fleet that meets the needs of your individual company. Electric forklift prices vary depending on whether you lease, rent, or buy new or used electric forklifts.

Small and large businesses need electric forklifts. Electric forklift suppliers often offer financing and consulting services to help you choose just the right product. You have many choices, depending on what work you need done, including:

1. Walkie lift trucks (these motorized pallet jacks allow the operator to stand on parallel metal bars while moving goods around a warehouse);

2. Pneumatic tire lift trucks;

3. Walk/ride electric pallet trucks; and,

4. Multipurpose articulated electric forklifts (these versatile trucks allow operators to turn the lift section in different directions without moving the body of the vehicle).

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find electric forklifts for sale from manufacturers

Many companies manufacture electric forklifts in a variety of sizes and strengths. Large electric forklift manufacturers provide management services to help your business design the most cost-effective fleet and choose the best forklift for your needs. You can often make a purchase at a local electric forklift distributor.

I recommend: Electric forklift makers like Yale Materials Handling Corporation offer fleet management services to help you determine if your business should buy, rent or lease. This national company sells several models of electric rider trucks through local distributors such as Berry Material Handling of KS or Pacific Material Handling Solutions, which has branches in CA, OR and WA.

Purchase used electric forklifts

Consider buying a used electric forklift to save money for your business.

I recommend: Each used electric forklift sold through Raymond goes through a 20-point quality assurance process. Pro Forklift Service inspects systems such as the engine, fuel system, steering and brakes to guarantee the quality of their used electric forklifts.

Consider renting or leasing an electric forklift

When you need extra equipment, want to test an electric forklift before purchase or need an electric forklift for a short-term project, you may prefer to rent or lease. Leasing can offer tax advantages for businesses, does not tie up bank credit lines the way a loan for a purchase would, and provides flexible terms and the option to return unnecessary equipment.

I recommend: Many local distributors such as Acculift Forklift Rentals of New York, Kansas Forklift Inc. or Sunbelt Industrial Trucks offer competitive rental prices for electric forklifts. Raymond, among others, offers flexible leasing terms.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure electric forklift parts and accessories such as forklift extensions are easy to find and affordable before you decide which electric forklift to purchase.