The UK forklift market in 2026 is a dynamic landscape shaped by a clear shift towards electric and lithium-ion models, a strong presence of both global and specialist manufacturers, and a robust network of dealers offering new, used, and rental options. This guide provides a comprehensive overview for businesses looking to purchase a forklift in the UK.
Market Overview
The UK forklift market is poised for steady growth, driven by the expanding warehousing, logistics, and construction sectors. A key trend is the increasing dominance of Chinese manufacturers, who have made significant inroads with competitive pricing. The market is forecast to grow at over 15% annually through to 2033, with electric models leading this expansion.
Leading Forklift Brands in the UK
The UK market is served by a mix of global leaders and specialist manufacturers:
Manufacturer Key Models / Specialization
Toyota A dominant player in the UK, offering a full range of electric, diesel, and LPG forklifts.
Linde Another major force, known for its high-quality electric and diesel counterbalance trucks.
Jungheinrich A key player with a strong focus on electric warehouse equipment.
JCB Famous for its innovative Teletruk range of diesel and LPG-powered telescopic forklifts.
Hyundai Offers a wide selection of new diesel and electric counterbalance forklifts, including heavy-duty models.
Combilift A specialist in multi-directional and 4-way forklifts, available in both electric and diesel variants.
Hyster & Yale Part of the Hyster-Yale Group, they provide a broad range of electric and diesel forklifts, including lithium-ion models.
SANY A growing Chinese manufacturer with a new UK dealer network, focusing on telescopic forklifts.
Baoli A Chinese brand offering cost-effective electric counterbalance forklifts.
UN Forklifts An emerging brand with a new range of electric counterbalance trucks and reach trucks for the UK market, distributed by Windsor Materials Handling.
Major UK Forklift Dealers
Tag Forklift Trucks: A key online dealer offering a wide selection of new and used forklifts from brands like Hyundai, Linde, and Combilift.
JCB: Sells its innovative Teletruks directly through its UK dealer network.
Briggs Equipment UK Ltd: A significant player in the UK material handling sector.
TH White: Recently appointed as a new authorised dealer for SANY telescopic forklifts in the West Midlands and Southwest England.
HC Forklifts UK: The official UK distributor for a wide range of forklifts, from 1.5 to 48-tonne lift capacities.
Ful-ton Forklifts Ltd: A UK-wide dealer network for Doosan and Atlet forklifts.
2026 Price Guide
Forklift costs in the UK vary widely based on whether they are new or used, their power source, and their specifications.
New Forklifts
Lease/Rental Offers: Many manufacturers are offering competitive lease deals to encourage the adoption of new electric models.
Hyster XTLG Electric Forklifts: From £99 per week for the J2.0-3.5XTLG model, rising to £170 and £228 per week for larger-capacity models.
Yale MXLG Electric Forklifts: Also available from £99 per week for 2-7 tonne lithium-ion models.
Purchase Examples:
A new 1.5–2 tonne electric forklift can cost well over £15,000 to buy.
A government tender for two new 2.5-tonne diesel counterbalance forklifts had a contract value of £89,680.
An estimated tender for a new 2-tonne electric counterbalance forklift was valued at £30,000 (excluding VAT).
A new Li-Ion electric forklift with a 1,200 kg capacity is available from £8,099.99.
New JCB Teletruks are available with a 0% Interest Hire Purchase offer over 2 years for orders placed by 30 June 2026.
Used Forklifts
The used market offers significant savings, with prices typically 25-50% cheaper than new models.
Linde H70D-03 (Diesel, 2019, 10,920 hours): £40,500.
Baoli KBE 25 (Electric, 2.5t): £9,500 in excellent condition.
Hyster H5.5FT (Diesel): Auction starting from €8,100.
Used 1.5–2 tonne electric forklift: Typically sells for around £4,000–£8,000.
Where to Buy Forklifts in the UK
Online Marketplaces: Websites like Machineryline and Machinio are excellent resources for finding both new and used forklifts from a variety of dealers.
Specialist Dealers: Companies like Tag Forklift Trucks and Recycling Plant & Machinery Ltd offer a curated selection of new and used equipment.
Manufacturer Websites: Brands like JCB, Hyster, and Yale provide direct information and dealer locators on their official sites.
Key Buying Considerations
New vs. Used: New forklifts offer the latest technology, full warranties, and 0% financing offers. Used forklifts provide significant cost savings but require a thorough inspection of the machine's age, hours of operation, maintenance history, and overall condition.
Power Source: The choice between electric, diesel, and LPG is crucial. Electric models are ideal for indoor use with zero emissions and lower running costs, while diesel provides the power for heavy outdoor applications.
Capacity and Application: Choose a forklift with a load capacity slightly larger than your maximum load. Consider your operational environment, including warehouse layout, aisle widths, and lift height requirements.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Look beyond the purchase price. Factor in energy costs, maintenance, battery replacement (for electric models), and potential grants like the Plug-in Truck Grant which can cover up to 20% of the purchase price for large-capacity electric forklifts.
Financial Incentives: The UK’s Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) allows businesses to deduct the full value of a forklift from their profits before tax, making it a strategic time to buy at the end of the financial year.