Second-hand electric forklift trucks from Linde, Still, Toyota and Jungheinrich – direct from specialist dealers. If you’re looking to buy a second-hand electric forklift, you’ll find certified machines here from dealers such as Zoch in Aidenbach or Bontebok in the Netherlands – every listing includes the year of manufacture, operating hours, load capacity and lift height, with no middlemen and no commission. Electric forklift trucks are the first choice for workshops and warehouses: quiet, emission-free and economical to run. We’ve summarised here what matters when buying second-hand.
Which electric forklift is right for your application?
1.2 to 2 t – compact for tight warehouses: Linde E12 to E20 (386 series, EVO), Still RX 20, Jungheinrich EFG 216/220. The ideal choice for order picking, loading bays and narrow aisles; available as a 3-wheel model with the smallest turning circle, or as a 4-wheel model offering slightly greater stability.
2.5 to 3.5 t – the workhorse: Linde E25/E30/E35 (387), Still RX 60-25 to RX 60-35, Toyota 8FBMT, Jungheinrich EFG 425/430. Manufacturing, wholesale, beverages, loading – also suitable for short distances outdoors on solid ground. This is where the majority of our fleet is based.
4 to 10 t – heavy-duty electric: Linde E50/E70/E80, Still RX 60-45 to RX 60-80, Toyota 8FBMT50. For steel, paper, timber and foundries, where previously only diesel-powered trucks were used. With these sizes, battery capacity determines the shift length.
Lift height: Duplex masts lift 3 to 4 m, triplex masts 5 to 7 m. Check the overall height of the mast when retracted (gates, containers, lorry loading) and the free lift. As well as the four major brands, we also stock affordable alternatives such as Baoli, Hangcha, EP and Doosan – often a sensible choice for single-shift operation.
What we look for in a used electric forklift
The battery is the most expensive wear-and-tear part. With lead-acid batteries, age, charge cycles and cell condition are key factors – ask to see the state of charge based on load and enquire about the battery’s year of manufacture, not just that of the forklift. Lithium-ion forklifts allow for top-up charging during breaks and do not require battery replacement; make sure to clarify whether the charger is included in the scope of delivery.
Operating hours in relation to the year of manufacture: 8,000 hours from two years of three-shift operation are not the same as 8,000 hours from ten years of single-shift operation. Maintenance records reveal more than the hour meter.
Mast, chains, forks: chain elongation, play in the mast, bent or worn forks (they must be replaced if wear exceeds 10 per cent of the fork thickness). The forklift must hold the load at full lift height without sagging.
Documentation: Annual inspection in accordance with DGUV Regulation 68 (inspection sticker and report), CE marking with declaration of conformity. Without CE marking, a forklift cannot be used commercially in Germany – this applies in particular to grey imports.
Tyres: Solid rubber or super-elastic tyres for indoor use, pneumatic tyres for outdoor use. Worn tyres are not a reason to cancel the purchase – but they are a factor to consider when negotiating the price.
| Drive system | Application | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Warehouses, storage facilities, food, pharmaceuticals | Quiet, emission-free, low running costs | Charging time, battery costs, limited outdoor use |
| Diesel | Outdoors, yard, heavy-duty | Performance, gradients, continuous operation | Exhaust fumes, noise, not suitable for indoor use |
| Propellant | Alternating indoor and outdoor use | Quick cylinder changes, cheaper than electric | Ventilation required, gas system inspection |
Do you need the forklift mainly outdoors? Then take a look at our diesel forklifts. Alternating between indoor and outdoor use: gas-powered forklifts. For high-bay racking: reach trucks.
Brands and dealers
Linde, Still, Jungheinrich and Toyota account for the majority of second-hand electric forklifts in Germany – so the supply of spare parts and servicing is correspondingly good; Yale, Raniero and Kalmar round out the range. Specialist dealers who recondition and inspect their machines themselves advertise with us: Zoch GmbH & Co. KG from Aidenbach in Lower Bavaria, with a wide range of Linde and Still forklifts, many of which have been freshly painted and fitted with new tyres, as well as Bontebok Trading from Friesland, offering export machines at fixed prices. Use the filters above to search by manufacturer, load capacity, lift height, year of manufacture and operating hours – each advert includes the technical specifications and direct contact details for the dealer.
Frequently asked questions about used electric forklift trucks
How much does a used electric forklift cost?
This depends primarily on load capacity, year of manufacture, operating hours and battery condition. A forklift with a new or relatively new battery is worth significantly more than an identical model with a worn-out battery. Some dealers quote fixed prices, others ‘negotiable’ – in which case, enquire directly via the advert and specify your intended use; this will make it easier to receive a suitable offer.
How many operating hours are still acceptable for an electric forklift?
There’s no fixed limit. Electric forklifts have fewer wearing parts than combustion-engine models; the key factors are maintenance, the battery and the condition of the mast and hydraulics. A well-maintained forklift with 10,000 hours on the clock may be better than a neglected one with 4,000.
Lead-acid or lithium-ion – which is the best option for a used forklift?
For single-shift operation with a fixed charging break, lead-acid is sufficient provided the battery is in good condition. For multi-shift operation or frequent intermediate charging, lithium-ion is worth considering – still rarely seen on the second-hand market, but on the rise. In any case, make sure to clarify whether the battery and charger are included in the price.
3-wheel or 4-wheel electric forklift?
3-wheel for narrow aisles and ramps, 4-wheel for higher load capacity, stability and occasional outdoor use. From a load capacity of around 2.5 t, electric forklifts are almost always 4-wheel.
Can an electric forklift truck be used outdoors?
Yes, on firm, level ground – many 4-wheel models are designed for this. In wet conditions, on slopes or on gravel, a diesel or LPG forklift is the more robust choice.
What inspections must a second-hand forklift have undergone?
The annual inspection in accordance with DGUV Regulation 68 (inspection sticker, report) and the CE marking with a declaration of conformity. Operators also require training in accordance with DGUV Principle 308-001 and a written operating authorisation.
Can I lease the forklift or finance it via hire purchase?
For many listings, you can submit a non-binding leasing or hire-purchase enquiry directly. You can clarify the terms with the dealer or their finance partner; the purchase and payment are handled directly between you and the seller.
An overview of all types: forklift trucks & industrial trucks. Heavy loads from 10 t? Then read our guide ‘Buying heavy-duty forklift trucks: load capacity, centre of gravity, operating hours’.