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Purchasing a forklift is a significant capital investment for any business, and the decision between new and used equipment involves trade-offs that go well beyond the purchase price. A used forklift that costs a third of new can look like an obvious financial decision until hidden maintenance costs, unplanned downtime, or an inability to obtain parts erodes that advantage completely.
Mars Forklifts has been supplying forklifts across Sydney and Australia’s east coast for over 25 years. We stock both new forklifts and quality used forklifts to suit a range of operational needs and budgets.
Talk to Mars Forklifts About the Right Equipment for Your Business
New and used forklifts available. East coast. Brands: Toyota, BT, Raymond, Manitou, JLG. Call 1300 736 231.
The Case for Buying New
- Full manufacturer warranty: a new forklift comes with a manufacturer warranty covering mechanical and structural defects for a specified period. Warranty coverage means that early-life mechanical issues do not fall directly on the buyer
- Known history and condition: a new forklift has no operating history, no previous damage or repair, and no accumulated wear on major components
- Latest safety features: newer forklift models incorporate advances in stability, visibility, operator ergonomics, and safety systems that may not be present in older models. For operations with high safety exposure, this matters
- Financing options: many manufacturers and dealers offer structured finance for new forklifts, making the capital outlay more manageable
- Predictable maintenance: new equipment follows the manufacturer’s service schedule without the unknown variables of previous operational history
- Technology integration: modern forklifts may include fleet management systems, digital service records, and operational data recording that older equipment cannot provide
The Case for Buying Used
- Lower upfront cost: a well-maintained used forklift can be acquired for significantly less than the equivalent new model, reducing the initial capital outlay
- Faster depreciation has already occurred: new equipment depreciates significantly in the first few years of operation. Buying a forklift that is three to five years old means the steepest depreciation has already happened for the previous owner
- Suitable for intermittent use: a business that uses a forklift for occasional tasks rather than daily operation may not need the full service life of a new machine, making a quality used forklift an appropriate choice
- Immediate availability: used equipment is typically available immediately. New equipment may have lead times depending on manufacturer supply chains
Key Factors to Assess When Considering a Used Forklift
The decision to buy used should not be based on price alone. These are the factors that determine whether a used forklift represents genuine value:
| Factor | What to check | Why it matters |
| Operating hours | Total hours on the hour meter | High-hours forklifts have more component wear; lower hours do not guarantee good condition but are a positive indicator |
| Service records | Complete, documented service history | Gaps in service history create unknown risk; documented maintenance indicates responsible operation |
| Mast and carriage condition | Chains, rollers, carriage welds, fork wear | Mast components are expensive to replace; inspect carefully or have inspected by a qualified technician |
| Tyres | Tread depth, condition, even wear pattern | Tyre replacement is a significant cost; uneven wear may indicate a structural or alignment issue |
| Battery condition (electric) | Battery test, recorded capacity vs original | Used electric forklift battery condition varies widely; degraded batteries may need expensive replacement soon after purchase |
| Structural damage | Frame welds, overhead guard, counterweight | Previous collision or overload damage may not be visible but affects safe load capacity |
| Parts availability | Confirm parts availability for the specific model and year | Older models of discontinued brands may have limited parts availability |
The Hire vs Buy Question
Before committing to either a new or used purchase, businesses should also consider whether forklift hire better meets their needs. Hire can be particularly well suited when:
- The forklift need is temporary, seasonal, or project-specific
- The business prefers to avoid a large capital outlay and the maintenance obligations that come with ownership
- Operational requirements change frequently and flexibility is more valuable than owning a fixed asset
- The business wants to test a specific model or type of forklift before committing to a purchase
For businesses with a consistent, ongoing forklift requirement, purchasing can provide a strong long-term option. However, long-term hire can also be a practical alternative, particularly for businesses looking for predictable operating costs, greater flexibility, and the ability to adjust their fleet as requirements change. Ultimately, the right option will depend on how the forklift is being used, the business’s financial priorities, and its expected equipment requirements over time.
Making the Decision
The right answer between new and used depends on your specific situation: the intensity and nature of daily forklift use, the budget available, the reliability requirements of your operation (how much downtime can you absorb?), and the availability of quality used equipment in the configuration you need.
💡 Consider the total cost of ownership, not just the purchase price: A used forklift that requires two major mechanical repairs in its first year of use can cost more than the difference between new and used prices. When assessing a used forklift, estimate realistic annual maintenance costs based on the age, hours, and condition of the unit, and compare the total cost of ownership over a five-year horizon rather than just the purchase price.
Browse New and Used Forklifts at Mars Forklifts
Toyota, BT, Raymond, Manitou, JLG. East coast delivery. 25+ years experience. Call 1300 736 231.
Frequently Asked Questions
What brands of new and used forklifts does Mars Forklifts stock?
Mars Forklifts’ fleet and sales stock include trusted brands such as Toyota, BT, Raymond, Manitou, and JLG. View current new forklift stock and used forklift stock on the Mars Forklifts website, or call 1300 736 231 to discuss specific requirements with the team.
Can Mars Forklifts service a forklift I purchase from another source?
Mars Forklifts provides forklift repairs and servicing for a range of makes and models. Contact the team to discuss whether your specific forklift model can be serviced by the Mars Forklifts technical team.
