How Much Does a Sit-Down Forklift Cost? New, Used & Leasing Breakdown
August 19, 2025 - Last modified: August 19, 2025 @ 11:22 amQuick Summary:
Sit-down forklift costs can vary widely based on power type, lift capacity, condition, and other optional features. This price guide breaks down what you can expect to pay for a forklift in 2025, regardless of if you're buying new, used, or leasing equipment.
Compare Forklift Prices from Top DealersAverage Cost of a Sit-Down Forklifts
Forklift pricing is determined by several different factors: vehicle make and model, load capacity, power type, tire type, and features or accessories. The chart below breaks down the average costs of sit-down forklifts based on condition and power type of the average model.
| Condition | Power Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| New | Electric | $22,000 - $35,000 |
| New | Propane/Gas | $25,000 - $40,000 |
| Used | Electric | $10,000 - $22,000 |
| Used | Propane/Gas | $8,000 - $24,000 |
| Lease | All Types | $350 - $800/month |
Factors Influencing Used Sit-Down Forklift Costs
In addition to all of the factors influencing the costs of new forklift models, used machines prices can fluctuate according to the following characteristics:
- Usage Hours: lower usage hours usually correlate to higher prices.
- Service History: documented service records that show regular maintenance can increase resale value.
- Attachments & Optional Features: forklifts retrofit with smart tech or optional attachments can increase the cost in used models.
- Market Conditions: the supply and demand for the type of machine in your region.
- Battery-life (only applicable in electric forklifts): battery replacements requirements can boost sit-down forklift costs.
If you’re looking to buy used, here’s a chart showing the general estimate of forklift costs based on the age of the machine.
(Tip: Age is based on the assumption that the machine operated on a single-shift schedule, which is roughly 2,000 hours per year):
| Age | Price Estimate | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 3 Years | $18,000 - $25,000 | Often off-lease, low hours, great value |
| 4 - 6 Years | $12,000 - $18,000 | Moderate wear, check maintenance records |
| 7+ Years | $8,000 - $12,000 | Best for light use, low upfront investment |
“Don’t just compare price tags. Think about total cost of ownership — maintenance, fuel, and downtime all add up.”
— Marcus Leland, Fleet Procurement Lead, Midwest Warehousing Inc.
Understanding the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Whether you’re buying new or used, the total cost of ownership (TCO) is an important factor for potential buyers to understand. Buying the forklift you want is only one piece of the puzzle. It’s going to cost money to operate and maintain your machine, too.
TCO is a projection of how much you can expect to pay over the course of owning and operating your forklift on top of the initial purchase price. It’s influenced by items like maintenance and repairs costs, refueling/recharging, insurance, and depreciation.
Example 5-Year TCO (Single-Shift Operation)
| Cost Factor | New Electric | Used Electric | New Propane/Gas | Used Propane/Gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $35,000 | $18,000 | $28,000 | $15,000 |
| Energy/Fuel | $3,500 | $3,500 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Maintenance/Repairs | $7,000 | $12,000 | $12,000 | $18,000 |
| Major Component | $6,000 (battery) | $6,000 (battery) | $0–$5,000 | $5,000–$8,000 |
| 5-Year TCO | $51,500 | $39,500 | $70,000 | $63,000 |
Propane/Gas Sit-Down Forklift Costs
Propane/gas sit-down forklifts are best for mixed use, indoor/outdoor facilities with high-capacity needs. They are powerful machines powered by propane or gas, so they’re not great for indoor operations with clean-energy requirements.
New Propane/Gas Forklift Models
Average Costs: $25,000 - $40,000+
Used Propane/Gas Forklift Models
Average Costs: $8,000 - $24,000
New vs. Used Propane/Gas Forklift Total Cost of Ownership
The major factors influencing the total cost of ownership for both new and used propane/gas models are fuel costs and maintenance and repairs.
Depending on the costs of gas/propane in your area, these forklifts can accrue up to $4,000-$6,000 in fuel costs per year.
Additionally, gas/propane forklifts require frequent maintenance to check the engine, replace filters, and ensure all parts are running as they’re supposed to. Annual maintenance checks can add up to $2,500 per year, and up to $5,000 - $8,000 more than that if a major component like the engine needs to be replaced.
Therefore, the average TCO per year for gas/propane forklifts can range from $8,500 - $10,000 per year.
Electric Sit-Down Forklift Costs
Electric sit-down rider forklifts are ideal for indoor-only operations because they’re emission-free. They’re not rugged enough for outdoor use, but they’ve gotten consistently better in terms of matching the power of gas/diesel vehicles.
New Electric Forklift Models
Average Costs: $22,000 - $35,000
The sticker price of new electric sit-down forklifts start slightly lower than gas models at $22,000, but that’s rarely the final sales price. New electric forklifts often don’t include the battery or charger in that initial price so that you can customize your battery type and charging setup – both of which can add a combined $7,500 - $9,500 to the price tag.
Used Electric Forklift Models
Average Costs: $8,000 - $15,000
Used electric forklifts start at a much lower cost than new models, but you’ll still have to consider the cost of replacing the battery and buying a charger.
Electric Forklift Total Cost of Ownership
Electric forklifts tend to have a much lower TCO than gas/propane options, simply because of the fuel savings; electric charging can save operators up to 30%-40% annually.
Since there are less moving parts, electric models also need less routine maintenance, dropping annual maintenance costs to around $1,400 - $2,400 per month. At some point in the forklift’s lifespan, the battery will need to be replaced. You should budget between $5,000 - $8,000 to replace the battery every 5 to 7 years.
The average TCO during a year when the battery must be replaced can average $6,400 - $10,400.
Leasing a Sit-Down Forklift
If you’re only planning to use your forklift in the short term, leasing could be a smart, cost-saving option. Lease payments are dependent on 2 main criteria: the equipment value and term length.
It costs slightly more to lease a new forklift than a used one
Lease terms are typically based on 36-60 month agreements. The longer the lease, the lower the monthly payments, but the more you’ll spend throughout the course of your lease.
Other Factors Influencing Lease Costs:
- Maintenance Packages: full-service maintenance leases may cost more upfront, but could save you money on maintenance during the length of your term.
- Hours and Usage: some leases may have hour limits, requiring you to pay the difference if you exceed the hours.
- Early Termination Rules: breaking a lease can result in a large financial penalty.
| Forklift Type | New Monthly Lease | Used Monthly Lease |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | $750 - $1,200 | $500 - $900 |
| Gas/Propane | $650 - $1,000 | $450-$800 |
Get the Best Price on a Sit-Down Forklift Today!
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Fill Out the FormFAQs About Sit-Down Forklift Costs
A used electric forklift, 6+ years old, can cost as little as $8,000 - $10,000 depending on its operating hours and overall condition.
Leasing is cheaper and offers more flexibility in short-term applications, but buying is better in the long-run for extended use and asset ownership.
In general, annual maintenance costs for sit-down rider forklifts can range from $1,400 to $2,500+. The maintenance of gas/diesel models is generally more expensive than electric models since there are more moving parts.
Yes, electric forklifts require less ongoing maintenance. Plus, electricity costs less than the cost of propane, so recharging batteries can save operators up to 30% to 40% in fuel savings per year.
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