Forklifts are the most widely used materials handling machines in the UK — warehouses, manufacturing, distribution, construction, and retail all depend on them. When a forklift comes off lease, the fleet refreshes, or the operation changes, the used market is active and the right buyer will pay a fair price.
This guide covers the main forklift types, major brands, LOLER requirements, and what your machine is likely worth in 2026.
Types of Forklift We Buy
Counterbalance forklift trucks — the most common type. Forks at the front, counterweight at the rear to balance the load. Available in electric (3-wheel and 4-wheel), LPG/gas, and diesel variants.
- Electric 3-wheel — smallest turning circle; ideal for confined indoor warehouses and cold stores
- Electric 4-wheel — heavier loads, better stability; indoor and sheltered outdoor use
- LPG / gas — indoor/outdoor versatility; widely used in manufacturing and distribution
- Diesel — outdoor and rough terrain; construction sites, timber yards, ports, and heavy duty applications
Reach trucks — designed for narrow aisle warehouse operation; the forks extend (reach) forward to pick loads without the truck moving into the rack. Exclusively electric. Key feature: mast height (typically 8–12 metres) for high-bay warehousing.
Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) trucks — specialist warehouse trucks for aisles as narrow as 1.5m; require special wire or rail guidance systems. High-value, specialist machines.
Side loaders — pick loads from the side rather than the front; used for handling long loads (timber, steel, pipes, extrusions) in narrow aisles. Available in electric and diesel variants.
Pallet trucks and stackers — walk-behind or ride-on; lower-value than counterbalance forklifts but actively traded. See also our electric pallet truck guide.
Rough terrain forklifts (RT forklifts) — 4-wheel drive, large flotation tyres; designed for outdoor use on uneven surfaces. Used on construction sites, agricultural settings, and outdoor storage yards. Distinct from telehandlers (covered in our telehandler guide).
Order pickers and turret trucks — specialist warehouse equipment for high-bay picking operations.
Major Forklift Brands
Toyota (Japan) — the world's largest forklift manufacturer and one of the most recognised brands in the UK warehouse and logistics sector. Toyota forklifts are known for reliability, the Toyota SAS (System of Active Stability), and strong dealer support. Key models:
- Counterbalance (electric): 8FBE, 8FBMT (3-wheel), 8FBM, 8FBET (4-wheel) — 1.5t–3.5t capacity; the 8FBMT 3-wheel and 8FBET are the most commonly traded Toyota electric counterbalance models in the UK
- Counterbalance (LPG/gas): 8FG, 8FGF — 1.5t–3.5t
- Counterbalance (diesel): 8FD, 8FDF — 1.5t–8t
- Reach trucks: 8FBE, 8FBEF — 1.4t–2.5t; 6–13m lift height
Linde (Germany) — premium German manufacturer; Linde forklifts are regarded as the highest quality counterbalance trucks available and consistently achieve the strongest resale values of any brand at equivalent capacity and age. Key models:
- Counterbalance (electric): E12–E20 (3-wheel), E16–E35 (4-wheel) — the E20 and E25 are the most commonly traded Linde electric models in the UK
- Counterbalance (gas/LPG): H14–H35 T, H40–H50
- Counterbalance (diesel): H14–H35 D, H40–H80
- Reach trucks: R10–R20 — high mast, narrow aisle capability; the R17 and R20 are the most actively traded
Jungheinrich (Germany) — the other premium German brand alongside Linde; particularly strong in reach trucks and VNA applications. Key models:
- Counterbalance (electric): EFG 213–EFG 220 (3-wheel), EFG 316–EFG 320 (4-wheel)
- Reach trucks: ETV 110–ETV 320 — one of the most respected reach truck ranges in the UK market; the ETV 216 and ETV 220 are the most commonly traded
- VNA trucks: ETX 513–ETX 516
Hyster (USA) — widely used across UK heavy industry, ports, and construction. Key models:
- Counterbalance: H2.0FT–H3.5FT (LPG/gas), J2.0XN–J3.5XN (electric), H4.0FT–H8.0FT (diesel/LPG heavy range)
- Big trucks: H12.00XM–H16.00XM — large diesel counterbalance for heavy industrial use
- Yale (USA — same parent company as Hyster) — sold separately but sharing Hyster engineering heritage. Key models: GLP20–GLP35 (LPG), ERP16–ERP25 (electric), GDP25–GDP50 (diesel).
- Still (Germany) — premium German brand; strong in electric reach trucks and VNA. Key models: RX 20, RX 50 (counterbalance), FM-X (reach trucks), MX-X (VNA).
- Crown (USA) — specialist in reach trucks and order pickers. Key models: FC5200, FC5215 (counterbalance), RR 5200, RD 5700 (reach trucks).
- Mitsubishi / Caterpillar lift trucks — widely used in UK manufacturing and logistics.
- Combilift (Ireland) — multi-directional electric counterbalance forklifts for long load handling; a specialist UK market presence.
LOLER Certification — Critical for Forklift Sales
All forklifts used at work in the UK must undergo a thorough examination (TE) by a competent person under LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) at least every 12 months (every 6 months if used to lift people). A current LOLER certificate is expected by all professional forklift buyers — a machine without one is discounted because the buyer must arrange the examination before putting it to work.
If your LOLER has expired, arranging a fresh examination before selling is almost always worth the £100–£200 cost — it typically adds more to the sale price than it costs.
Battery Condition (Electric Forklifts)
On electric forklifts, the battery is the most expensive component after the machine itself — a replacement traction battery can cost £2,000–£8,000 depending on voltage and capacity. Buyers assess:
- Battery age (lead-acid batteries typically last 5–7 years; lithium batteries longer)
- Charge acceptance and state of health
- Whether the battery holds sufficient charge for a working shift
- Any history of cell replacement
A machine with original old batteries will be discounted; a recent battery replacement (documented) adds value.
Indicative Values (2026)
| Model | Capacity | Year | Hours | Approx. Value (ex VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linde E20 / Toyota 8FBET electric 4-wheel | 2t | 2018–2021 | 2,000–5,000 | £8,000–£16,000 |
| Linde E25 / Toyota 8FBET 2.5t electric | 2.5t | 2018–2021 | 2,000–5,000 | £9,000–£18,000 |
| Jungheinrich EFG 220 electric 4-wheel | 2t | 2018–2021 | 2,000–5,000 | £8,000–£15,000 |
| Toyota 8FGF 2.5t LPG | 2.5t | 2017–2020 | 3,000–6,000 | £6,000–£12,000 |
| Hyster H3.5FT diesel | 3.5t | 2016–2019 | 4,000–8,000 | £7,000–£14,000 |
| Linde R20 reach truck | 2t | 2017–2020 | 3,000–6,000 | £9,000–£18,000 |
| Jungheinrich ETV 220 reach truck | 2t | 2017–2020 | 3,000–6,000 | £8,000–£16,000 |
Related Guides
- Sell My Access Platform or MEWP — Complete UK Guide
- How to Transport Plant Machinery Safely in the UK
- Scrapping vs Selling Plant Machinery — Which Pays More?
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