The cost of a forklift in 2026 depends heavily on its type, power source, capacity, and condition. A new standard model typically costs between $20,000 and $50,000. However, when you factor in the battery and charger for an electric model, the total price can increase by an additional $5,000 to $25,000.
Below is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay.
New Forklift Prices by Type (2026)
Forklift Type New Price Range (USD) Notes
Electric Pallet Jack / Stacker $2,000 – $15,000 Entry-level warehouse equipment
1–2 Ton 3‑Wheel Electric $8,000 – $18,000 Compact, for tight warehouse spaces
2–4 Ton 4‑Wheel Electric $15,000 – $30,000 The most common mid-range warehouse class
Electric Counterbalance (3‑Ton) $20,000 – $35,000 Price is for the truck only; battery and charger are additional.
4+ Ton Heavy-Duty Electric $30,000 – $55,000+ For heavy industrial applications
LPG / Diesel Forklift $20,000 – $50,000 Standard internal combustion models
Electric Reach Truck $20,000 – $40,000 For narrow aisles and high lifting
Order Picker $15,000 – $35,000 For warehouse order fulfillment
Rough Terrain Forklift $30,000 – $70,000 For construction and outdoor use
Brand and Model Examples
Prices also vary significantly by brand and specific model. Here are some real-world 2026 examples to give you a better sense of the market:
Entry-Level Diesel: A Forklift King 2.0FL (2.0-ton diesel) starts at $19,990 + GST.
Mid-Range Diesel: A Tailift PFD 35 (3.5-ton diesel) is priced around $40,610.
High-Capacity Diesel: A Tailift PFD 45 (5.0-ton diesel) can cost $95,350.
Premium LPG: A new 2026 Linde HT25T (5,000-lb LPG) is listed at $35,900.
Premium Electric: A new Toyota Tailift FBD 50 (5,000-kg electric) is priced at $101,500.
Heavy-Duty Electric: An 8,000-lb lithium-ion electric forklift with a triple mast typically costs between $118,000 and $140,000 CAD.
Rough Terrain: A new MAMMUT H35FC (3.5-ton, 2WD rough terrain) is listed at $24,900 (GST exclusive).
Used Forklift Prices
Buying used can offer significant savings, with prices typically ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. However, the exact cost depends heavily on the machine's age, hours of operation, overall condition, and maintenance history.
Basic Used Forklift: A serviceable used forklift may cost approximately $7,500 to $15,000.
Auction Finds: Older, high-hour machines or auction units can sell for less, sometimes as low as a few hundred dollars.
Used Dealer Inventory: Dealers often have a range of used models, such as a Used Toyota 8FGU30 priced at $19,900**, or used Hyster forklifts ranging from **$9,950 to $33,000.
The Most Important Cost Factor: The Battery
For electric forklifts, the battery and charger can represent a significant portion of the total cost. Many suppliers quote the price of the truck only, and the battery and charger are added separately.
Lead-Acid Battery: Adds approximately $3,000 to $6,000.
Lithium-Ion (LiFePO4) Battery: Adds approximately $8,000 to $20,000.
Charger: A compatible charger will add another $1,500 to $5,000.
The total cost difference for the battery alone can be as much as $19,000. While lithium-ion batteries have a much higher upfront cost, they last significantly longer (7–10 years vs. 3–5 years), require no maintenance, and offer faster charging, making them more cost-effective over the long term.
Summary
A new forklift's price can range from under $20,000** for a basic unit to over **$100,000 for a premium or high-capacity model, with the battery being the single most significant cost variable for electric forklifts. Used forklifts offer substantial savings but require careful inspection. When comparing prices, always confirm whether you are receiving an "all-in" quote that includes the battery and charger, or a "truck-only" price, to avoid budget surprises.