Forklifts and loaders: front, telescopic and fork — prices from sellers
Which loader you need
The word “loader” covers several different machines. A warehouse forklift (diesel, gas or electric) lifts pallets. A front loader with a bucket works with gravel, sand and grain. A telescopic handler reaches up high and passes a load over obstacles. First decide what you lift, where and to what height, and only then look for a model.
What decides the choice and the price
- Load capacity and load centre: the data plate gives the load at a certain distance from the fork back. The real capacity at height can be lower.
- Lift height and type of mast: two- or three-stage, with free lift. This is critical for low doorways and containers.
- Engine: diesel suits outdoors, gas suits closed warehouses, electric suits clean indoor spaces but needs charging.
- Engine hours, and the state of the tyres (pneumatic or solid) and hydraulics.
- Brand and availability of spares: Toyota, Linde, Still and Komatsu machines, as well as domestic and Chinese models, differ in price and service.
What to put in your request
- type of loader — fork, front, telescopic, electric;
- buy or hire, and for hire the period;
- load capacity and lift height;
- city and place of work: warehouse, open yard, access;
- model or brand, if it matters;
- year and engine hours — the most you would accept;
- budget, if you want to state it.
Example: “I am looking for a used diesel forklift with a capacity of 3 tonnes, lift height 4.5 m, like a Toyota 8FD30, not older than 2010, up to 10,000 engine hours. My warehouse is in Vancouver. I want to buy, budget up to $23,000.”
New or used, and common mistakes
A new loader gives a warranty and a predictable life, but a used one with a known service history often suits a warehouse with a moderate load. The most common mistakes: buying a machine with “spare” capacity without checking its dimensions, not checking the height of the doorway with the mast raised, and forgetting the charging station for an electric model. Another is not finding out where to get spares for a rare brand.
If you need a loader only for a season, think about hire: then you do not pay for idle months, and the owner takes care of servicing.
How to compare offers
Check that everyone has the same lift height and type of mast, otherwise the comparison is false. Ask whether side shift, a positioner or extra forks are in the price. For a used one, ask for a video of it lifting a load and a photo of the plate with the serial number and the factory capacity. Beware of “wound-back” engine hours: compare the reading with the state of the pedals, the seat and the steering wheel.
For hire, discuss who is responsible for servicing, whether you need your own trained driver, and how idle time is charged. Find out about delivery on a trailer separately.
How searching works here
You do not search through loader sellers' sites, you write one request. Sellers and renters reply with offers that have a price, photos and terms. The system compares them and shows the best one first. Your phone is hidden, and it is free for the buyer.
For small volumes on a cramped site, look at mini loaders. To take the load away you will need tipper trucks, and a wider choice is in the “Heavy equipment” section.
