Forklift Financing and Leasing

The time has come to order a new forklift. You’ve researched your options and know what truck you want, but what about financing?

Is it better to lease or buy a forklift? How do forklift leases work?
(SPOILER ALERT: they’re a lot different than leasing a car).

Read on to learn about your forklift financing options and see two limited-time special offers.

Should I Buy A New or Used Forklift?

Given an unlimited budget, who wouldn’t choose a shiny new forklift with the newest technology and all the accessories? But as Mick Jagger famously sang, “you can’t always get what you want…but you might find you get what you need.”

But therein lies the question. Does your business need a brand-new forklift? Or would a used one work just as well?

How to Get the Maximum Trade-In Value for Your Forklift

When it’s time for a new forklift, you naturally want a high trade-in value for your old equipment. Here are a few ways to ensure you receive top dollar:

Used Forklifts from Toyota Material Handling Northern California


There are many advantages to buying a used Toyota forklift, not the least of which is getting a great piece of equipment for a lower price. Unlike
most forklifts, which only last about 10,000 hours before they become unreliable, Toyota forklifts frequently run for 20,000 hours or more without problems (when properly maintained, of course).

Here are a few more reasons to choose Toyota when you buy a used forklift.
  • Toyota masts are extremely sturdy and built to last
  • The hydraulic system has a reliable control valve that rarely has problems
  • Toyota forklift parts are easy to find
When you buy a used Toyota forklift from TMHNC in Northern California, you get a pre-owned forklift that’s been inspected and refurbished to be as close to new as possible. For electric lifts, we also include a charger.

Top 10 Posts in 2018

As 2018 comes to an end, let’s take some time to reflect on our most popular blog posts. Starting at #10 our list covers product reviews, information on batteries, forklift technicians, safety and more.

Which topic was the most popular? Scroll through the post to find out. 

What to look for when buying a Used Forklift

I am constantly being asked by colleagues, vendors and competitors what I qualifications do I look for when purchasing used equipment. My first question always is, what is its history and where has been. I ask this to be certain it hasn’t been operating in corrosive areas or rough applications.  It is a piece of machinery so I know there’s typically not a perfect application, but if I have an idea of where it came from then I know generally know what I am buying.

How Much Is My Used Forklift Worth?

Whether you're looking to trade-in a used forklift or sell a forklift due to changing operational needs, you may be wondering, how much is my used forklift worth? There are several factors buyers use to calculate the value of a used forklift including hours, age and mast specs.  Equipment appearance and maintenance history can also influence the price. Read on to learn more.

NOTE: If you’re looking to buy rather than sell a used forklift, check out our Buying a Used Forklift page for pro buying tips. Learn about used forklift warranties, how to avoid buying bad equipment and other advice from our experts.

How to Choose the Right Type of Forklift Mast

Choosing the forklift mast is an important consideration when buying a new or used forklift. The mast lifts, lowers and positions the load and there are four common types: 2 stage (V), 2 stage with free lift (FV), 3 stage (FSV) and quad mast (4 stage – QFV).

How to Buy a Used Forklift

In some ways, buying a used forklift is more complicated than buying a new one. If you can find a machine that’s right for your operational needs that’s been well-maintained, you can save a lot of money compared to buying a new forklift. But if you buy the wrong one, you’ll soon be upside down on your investment.

How to Buy a Forklift

Choosing a forklift can be overwhelming. It’s a big investment and there are a lot of options. Below are some questions, developed by our staff, to help buyers choose the best forklift at the best price that will meet their operational needs for many years.

Questions to Answer Before You Buy a Forklift

  • What’s the average load weight the forklift will transport?
  • What's the maximum weight the forklift will transport?
  • What size pallets do you normally use / what are the dimensions of your loads?
    Forklift capacities are based on a standard pallet with a 24″ load center. If you don’t use pallets, or if the load is longer than 48″, this affects which forklift is best for your operation.
  • How high will the load be lifted? You'll need to know the specific height in inches.
  • How many loads will be handled during an eight-hour shift?
  • How many shifts will the forklift operate per day? Per week?
  • How far will the load be transported and across what types of surfaces?

Buying a Used Forklift - Do Hours Matter?

Used equipment is a great way for you to get a quality machine at a lower price. But when choosing a used forklift, too many buyers just look at the price and how many hours the equipment has. Ask these questions listed below if you want to save a lot of heartburn and wasted money. Questions such as:

- How this equipment been well-maintained?
- Does the equipment come with a warranty?
- Is the manufacturer known for long-lasting equipment?

Read on to for our top tips to find a quality pre-owned forklift at an affordable price.

5 Most Popular Forklift Blog Posts

Each week we publish two articles about the business of material handling. Past topics include: forklift training and certification, maintenance and safety tips, and general forklift FAQs. Overtime, our forklift blog has become a library! 

With this post, we wanted to share our top five, most-read blog articles. The most popular posts include a variety of topics including: questions to ask before buying a new or used forklift, safety tips and forklift financing. 

Do Used Forklifts Come With a Warranty?

When buying a used forklift, you want to get a reliable machine for a good price, right? The best way to find quality used equipment is to start with a trustworthy seller who's willing to offer a warranty. 

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