Second-hand heavy-duty forklifts from Kalmar, SMV, Hyster, Linde and Svetruck – direct from specialist dealers. This category, with a load capacity starting at 10 t, is designed for handling steel coils, empty containers, round timber, blocks of stone and machinery. We offer used heavy-duty forklifts ranging from 13.6 to 52 t from the specialist Hinrichs Flurfördergeräte in Oldenburg – with year of manufacture, operating hours, load capacity, load centre of gravity and engine power specified in the listing, with no middlemen.
Which heavy-duty forklift is right for your load?
10 to 16 t: Kalmar DCE/DCF 150–160, SMV 13.6/16, Linde H160D, Svetruck 13.6, Hyster H16XM. Sawmills, steel trading, precast concrete, mechanical engineering – and the handling of empty containers with a spreader.
18 to 25 t: Hyster H20XM/H25XM, SMV 20/22, Kalmar DCG 180–250, Meclift ML1812. Coils, slabs, heavy components, ports.
30 to 52 t: Kalmar DCG 330, Hyster H30XMS/H32.00F, Linde H320, SMV 45/52. Full containers on forks or with a spreader, steelworks, shipbuilding, wind turbine components.
The load centre of gravity makes all the difference: an ‘SMV 20-1200’ can lift 20 t with a load centre of gravity of 1,200 mm – correspondingly more at 600 mm, and correspondingly less with a wide coil. Always compare forklifts based on load capacity and load centre; otherwise, you’re comparing apples with pears. We explain how to do this in our guide to buying heavy-duty forklifts.
What to look out for in a second-hand heavy-duty forklift
Frame and mast: Cracks and repair welds on the frame, mast sections and fork carriages; play in the mast bearings; condition of the lifting chains (elongation, corrosion). With these loads, chains and forks are critical to safety – replace forks once they show 10 per cent wear; cracks in the fork angle are a deal-breaker.
Attachments: Coil hooks, fork positioners, spreaders for 20/40-foot containers, pipe clamps. Each attachment reduces the residual load capacity – the load capacity chart must be suitable for the combination and must be attached to the equipment.
Engine, torque converter, axles: Heavy-duty forklifts run on industrial diesel with power outputs ranging from 110 to 270 kW. Cold start, exhaust fumes, oil pressure, condition of the torque converter, drive axle and steering axle, brakes (often oil-immersed multi-disc brakes). Wet brakes require oil changes according to the schedule – ask to see proof of this.
Tyres: For a 20 t load capacity, a set of tyres costs as much as some small forklift trucks. Check the tread, cracks, age and dual tyres.
Operating hours: Heavy-duty forklifts have long service lives; 20,000 to 30,000 hours with documented maintenance are not out of the question. Without a maintenance history, any hour reading is just a number.
Documentation and transport: Annual inspection in accordance with DGUV Regulation 68, CE marking. From a net weight of around 20 t and a height of 4 m, transport is classified as heavy goods transport requiring a permit – dimensions and weight are stated in the advert.
| Load capacity (at centre of load) | Typical models | Typical load | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13.6–16 t / 600–1,200 mm | Kalmar DCE 150/160, SMV 13.6, Linde H160D | Round timber, empty containers, concrete elements | Sawmill, depot, precast plant |
| 18–25 t / 1,200 mm | Hyster H20XM/H25XM, SMV 20/22, Meclift ML1812 | Coils, slabs, heavy components | Steel trading, port |
| 30–52 t / 1,200 mm | Kalmar DCG 330, Hyster H32.00F, Linde H320, SMV 45/52 | Full containers, steel, large components | Steelworks, terminal, shipbuilding |
Stacking full containers up to the fifth level? That’s what reach stackers are for. Our diesel forklift trucks have a capacity of up to 8 t.
Brands and dealers
Kalmar (Sweden/Finland), SMV Konecranes (Sweden), Hyster (Big Trucks from Nijmegen), Linde Heavy Trucks and Svetruck are the established names; Meclift manufactures compact heavy-duty forklifts with variable reach. Our stock comes from Hinrichs Flurfördergeräte GmbH & Co. KG in Oldenburg – specialising in heavy-duty forklifts and reach stackers, offering refurbishment, Europe-wide dispatch and experience with port and steel industry clients. Filter by manufacturer, load capacity, year of manufacture, operating hours and engine power.
Frequently asked questions about used heavy-duty forklifts
How much does a used heavy-duty forklift cost?
The price range is wide: a 16-tonne forklift from the 2000s costs a fraction of a 45-tonne forklift fitted with a spreader and with just a few thousand operating hours. Factors affecting the price include load capacity, year of manufacture, operating hours, attachments and emission standard. Most of our listings are ‘negotiable’ – enquire with your load and centre of gravity, and you’ll receive a specific quote.
What does the load centre of gravity mean for heavy-duty forklifts?
It is the distance from the back of the forks to the centre of gravity of the load. Small forklifts are specified at 500 or 600 mm, whilst heavy-duty forklifts are usually specified at 1,200 mm (half the width of a container). A 20-metric-tonne forklift with a load centre of 1,200 mm can carry significantly more at 600 mm and significantly less at 1,800 mm. The load capacity chart on the machine specifies the values.
How many operating hours are still acceptable for a heavy-duty forklift truck?
These machines are designed for 30,000 hours or more. The decisive factors are the maintenance history and the condition of the frame, mast, tracks, drivetrain and brakes. A well-maintained forklift with 25,000 hours is better than a poorly maintained one with 12,000.
Heavy-duty forklift or reach stacker for containers?
Empty and full containers in one or two layers: heavy-duty forklift with spreader or forks. Full containers in three to five layers, second rows, railway wagons: reach stacker with telescopic boom. The heavy-duty forklift is more versatile; the reach stacker stacks higher and more densely.
How do I transport a heavy-duty forklift?
By low-loader; from approximately 3 m in width, 4 m in height or 40 t in total weight, this constitutes heavy haulage requiring a permit. Where masts are tall, the mast is often lowered or dismantled. Our dealer can organise delivery throughout Europe on request.
What inspections does a heavy-duty forklift require?
The annual UVV inspection in accordance with DGUV Regulation 68, carried out by a qualified person; CE marking with a declaration of conformity; and, for attachments, the relevant load capacity diagram. Operators require training in accordance with DGUV Principle 308-001, including instruction on the specific machine.
Can I lease a heavy-duty forklift truck or finance it via hire purchase?
For many listings, you can submit a non-binding leasing or hire-purchase enquiry directly. You clarify the terms and conditions 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 · In-depth guide: Buying a heavy-duty forklift truck: load capacity, centre of gravity, operating hours · Reachstacker or container forklift?