Buying a Used Forklift: Diesel vs Electric & What to Check

A forklift is a big time-saver in any yard, warehouse or farm — but there's more to choosing one than lift capacity. Diesel or electric? What lift height? Which mast? Here's how to buy a used forklift with confidence.

Diesel, electric or rough-terrain?

• Diesel — powerful, hard-wearing and happy working outdoors all day. The go-to for yards, builders' merchants and farms. Refuels in seconds.
• Electric — clean, quiet and ideal for indoor use, warehouses and food environments with no fumes. Lower running costs, but you need to plan charging around your shifts.
• Rough-terrain / all-terrain — big tyres and ground clearance for uneven, soft or muddy sites where a standard forklift would bog down.

Match the fuel type to where the truck will actually work: outdoors and heavy-duty points to diesel or rough-terrain; indoors and emissions-sensitive points to electric.

Lift height and capacity

As with any lift truck, two numbers rule: how high it lifts and how much it lifts. And like a telehandler, capacity reduces as the mast rises — so check the load plate and the rating at your working height, not just the maximum at ground level. Factor in the heaviest, tallest load you'll handle, plus a margin.

Mast types

• Duplex (2-stage) — simple and strong for general lifting.
• Triplex (triple mast) — lifts higher while keeping a low closed height, so you can still get through doorways and into containers. Ideal where you need both reach and access.

Also consider free lift (how high the forks rise before the mast extends), useful for stacking inside containers and low-roof buildings.

What to check on a used forklift

Inspect the mast channels and rollers for wear, the forks for cracks or bending, the tyres, and the hydraulics for leaks and smooth, drift-free lifting. On electric trucks, ask about battery age and condition — it's the most expensive component. On diesels, check for smoke and listen to the engine. Always ask for service history and, ideally, a recent thorough examination (LOLER).

Buy from a dealer who backs it up

We stock diesel, electric and rough-terrain forklifts for sale, and we're the exclusive UK dealer for Goodsense forklifts. Every truck is backed by our own workshop, genuine parts and a 12-month warranty, with delivery nationwide. Tell us the loads and the site and we'll match you to the right truck.