Second-hand forklift trucks and industrial trucks from Linde, Still, Jungheinrich, Toyota, Hyster, Kalmar and SMV – direct from specialist dealers, with no middlemen. Forklift dealers such as Zoch from Aidenbach, Hinrichs from Oldenburg and Bontebok from the Netherlands advertise their reconditioned machines with us: from electric high-lift trucks for warehouses and diesel forklifts for yards to 45-tonne reach stackers for terminals. Each advert shows the year of manufacture, operating hours, load capacity and lift height – as well as direct contact details for the seller. Alongside the big names, you’ll find BT and Crown in warehouse equipment, Doosan and Hyster in diesel forklifts, Manitou and Bulmor in all-terrain and side-loaders, as well as SMV, Kalmar and Konecranes in heavy-duty and reach stackers.
Which forklift is right for your application?
Warehouses and storage areas: electric forklift trucks (1.2–10 t, quiet and emission-free) for production and loading; high-lift pallet trucks and pallet trucks for racking up to 5 m and general transport; reach trucks for high-bay warehouses up to 10 m and beyond.
Yards, building sites, outdoor use: diesel forklift trucks (1.6–8 t) for continuous loads and off-road use; LPG forklift trucks for moving between indoor and outdoor areas.
Heavy loads and containers: Heavy-duty forklifts (10–52 t) for coils, timber and steel; container handlers for empty containers in depots; reach stackers (10–46 t) for full containers up to the fifth level; and terminal tractors for semi-trailers and roll-on trailers.
Specialised equipment: All-terrain forklifts, side-loading and four-way forklifts for long loads, telescopic forklifts, tractors and ride-on forklifts under ‘Other machinery’.
| Type | Load capacity | Place of use | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-lift trucks / hand-guided forklifts | 1–2 t | Warehouses, racking up to 5 m | Electric |
| Reach truck | 1–2.5 t | High-bay warehousing up to 13 m | Electric |
| Electric front-loading forklift | 1.2–10 t | Warehouse, production, loading | Electric |
| Liquefied petroleum gas forklift trucks | 1.6–7 t | Warehouse and yard | LPG |
| Diesel forklift trucks | 1.6–8 t | Yard, construction site, outdoors | Diesel |
| Heavy-duty forklifts | 10–52 t | Steel, timber, port | Diesel |
| Container forklifts | 8–20 t | Empty container depot | Diesel |
| Reach stacker | 10–46 t | Container terminal, rail | Diesel |
| Terminal tractor | 25–36 t Axle load | Port, RoRo, logistics centre | Diesel |
Our guides to this sector: Buying heavy-duty forklifts: load capacity, centre of gravity, operating hours, and reach stackers or container forklifts?
Frequently asked questions about buying used forklifts and industrial trucks
Which machines are classified as forklift trucks and industrial trucks?
These include diesel, LPG and electric counterbalanced forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers and high-bay forklifts, pedestrian and electric pallet trucks, tow tractors and all-terrain forklifts. Key factors in making a choice include load capacity, lift height, drive type and the intended location – i.e. indoors or outdoors.
How do I assess the operating hours on a used forklift?
Operating hours provide an indication of the level of wear and tear, but should be considered in relation to the year of manufacture and the usage profile; a machine operating in multiple shifts will age more quickly than one used only occasionally. More telling than the sheer number of hours are the maintenance history, the condition of the mast, drive system and battery, as well as the vehicle’s handling and lifting performance under load.
What should I look out for with the mast, chains and fork tines?
Check the mast for play and distortion, the lifting chains for elongation, cracks and rust, and the fork tines for wear, bending and cracks in the tine angle. Also relevant to safety are the condition of the rollers and guides, as well as smooth, controlled lifting and lowering without the load sagging when stationary.
What inspections and regulations apply to industrial trucks?
Forklift trucks used for commercial purposes are subject to an annual UVV inspection in accordance with DGUV Regulation 68 or 3, carried out by a qualified person; the equipment must bear the CE mark and be accompanied by a declaration of conformity. Ask to be shown the latest inspection sticker and the inspection report, and note that operators require valid training in accordance with DGUV Principle 308-001.
Which drive type is right for my application?
Electric forklift trucks are suitable for indoor and warehouse use, producing no exhaust fumes and lower noise levels, whilst diesel and LPG forklift trucks are typically used for outdoor operations and heavy continuous loads. For electric forklifts, check the age and condition of the battery as well as the charger, as a weak traction battery can be a significant cost factor.
How do I check the battery and charging system on electric forklifts?
Pay attention to the year of manufacture and capacity of the battery, the condition of the cells, the electrolyte level in lead-acid batteries, as well as the charging cycles and service life under load; lithium-ion batteries offer different charging and service life characteristics. Ask to see the state of charge after a load has been applied, as a worn-out battery significantly reduces the usable operating time per charge.
What role do attachments, tyres and free lift play?
Attachments such as side shifters, fork positioners or clamps extend the range of applications but alter the residual load capacity, which must be noted on the type plate. Also check the tyres (pneumatic, solid rubber or SE) to ensure they are suitable for the ground conditions and verify that the required free lift is available for low clearances or racking work.
Why is the residual load capacity so important?
The rated load capacity stated on the nameplate applies only to a specific load centre of gravity and a specific lift height; the permissible load decreases with greater lift height, greater load distance or the use of attachments. Check the load chart and ensure it matches your actual loads, lift heights and attachments to avoid overloading.
What are the typical pitfalls when buying second-hand?
Common oversights include a worn-out traction battery, worn lifting chains and fork tines, leaking lift cylinders and an overestimated residual load capacity when using attachments. A demonstration with a load, lifting to full lift height and checking the test report and load chart reveal defects that are not visible when the forklift is unloaded.
What should you bear in mind when transporting a forklift?
Check the kerb weight, overall height (particularly with tall mast assemblies) and transport dimensions to ensure you have the correct trailer or low-loader, as well as suitable lashing points. Check whether the mast needs to be lowered or dismantled for transport and whether there is sufficient clearance height and manoeuvring space at the destination.
How do I contact a forklift truck seller?
On the Europe-wide, multilingual marketplace, use the contact function in the advert and get in touch directly with the dealer or supplier, without any intermediaries. You can arrange viewings, demonstrations with a load, price, payment and transport directly with the seller; contact is made via email.
Can I hire forklift trucks, or acquire them via hire purchase or leasing?
For many listings, you can submit a non-binding hire-purchase or leasing enquiry straight away, which is particularly useful when warehouse demand fluctuates; you can clarify the terms with the supplier or financing partner. The purchase and payment themselves take place outside the platform, as it serves purely as a marketplace.