The used forklift market in New Zealand moves fast. Good machines at fair prices don’t sit around, and buyers who haven’t done their homework often end up overpaying or taking on someone else’s maintenance problems. This guide covers everything you need to make a confident purchase decision, from working out whether used is even the right call to what to inspect before you sign anything.
Should You Buy Used or New?
For most businesses, a forklift won’t provide a direct return on investment. Unless it’s a chargeable part of your supply chain, it’s a cost, and that reframing matters. It shifts the question from “what can I afford upfront?” to “what’s the smartest use of this capital?”
Ask yourself: where is your investment going to make the best return? If a forklift is a necessity, consider how frequently it’s used, whether it supports a revenue-generating function, and whether owning one outright is the best allocation of funds.
A used forklift typically costs significantly less upfront than a comparable new model. But the savings are only real if the machine is mechanically sound and doesn’t saddle you with unexpected repair bills in the first 12 months.
New forklifts for sale come with manufacturer warranties, the latest safety and efficiency technology, and predictable maintenance schedules. For high-intensity operations or specialist machines, that often tips the decision toward new.
One risk consideration worth thinking through: if your business is heavily reliant on a single forklift, a serious breakdown carries real operational exposure. If you run a fleet with natural failover, that risk is much lower. The greater the hours and the heavier the workload, the stronger the case for a new machine from a manufacturer with a proven reliability record.
For a fuller picture of what ownership actually costs beyond the purchase price, see our guide to forklift operating costs in New Zealand.
Should You Buy or Hire?
Before committing to a purchase, it’s worth considering whether forklift hire better suits your situation.
From a tax perspective, rental costs are fully deductible as a business expense in the year they’re incurred. Owning means claiming depreciation over the asset’s defined life, either according to your internal accounting policy or IRD-imposed depreciation rates. Depending on your cash position and shareholder objectives, one structure will make more sense than the other.
Hire also gives you certainty of costs. Rental agreements generally include basic servicing, which reduces your exposure to downtime and repair costs while giving you flexibility to upgrade as your needs change.
Buying makes more sense when the forklift is in near-daily use and you want long-term control over the machine and its maintenance schedule. We cover this decision in more detail in our guide to renting or owning a forklift.
What to Look for in a Used Forklift
Once you’ve decided to buy, condition is everything. Here’s what to assess:
Hours on the machine
A forklift’s hour meter is your first indicator of wear. As a rough guide, 1,000 hours per year is broadly equivalent to around 50,000 kilometres on a car. A forklift averaging significantly more than that annually, particularly without documented servicing, carries a higher risk of mechanical issues.
Cross-reference the hour meter reading against the service records, as tampering with hour meters is not unheard of in the used equipment market.
Brand and parts availability
The brand matters more on a used purchase than a new one. A well-supported brand with an established service network means spare parts are accessible and qualified technicians aren’t hard to find. A lesser-known or discontinued brand can make future repairs slow and expensive, and resale becomes harder down the track.
Paperwork and identity
Before going any further, verify the documentation. This includes the identity plate with capacity ratings, a detailed service history, and the operator’s manual. Check that all warning indicators are functioning. Missing or inconsistent paperwork is a red flag for maintenance history, compliance, and legality.
Cold start test
Start the forklift from cold and observe how the engine turns over. For internal combustion machines, watch for unusual smoke, which can indicate engine wear or underlying issues. Drive it to check acceleration, braking, turning radius, and handling. Test it on a ramp in both forward and reverse to assess power and stability.
Leak test
Run the engine for at least 10 minutes and operate all hydraulic functions. Then turn it off and check the ground underneath for oil, coolant, or hydraulic fluid. Pay close attention to hoses, seals, and connections. Leaks in these areas compound over time and drive up maintenance costs.
Mast operation
The mast is responsible for lifting and lowering loads, so it needs careful attention. Check for smooth movement with and without load. Look for excessive play in the channels and between the mast and carriage. If the mast creeps down or forward under load, that points to hydraulic issues that need addressing before purchase.
Forks
Inspect the fork thickness at the heel and check against supplier specifications. Look for cracks, warping, or damage that could compromise integrity. A loose fit may indicate worn carriage or hanger points. Replacing forks is an added cost, so factor it into your offer if they’re marginal.
Tyres
Cushion tyres should show no chunking or flat spots. Pneumatic tyres need adequate tread depth. Uneven wear can indicate axle misalignment. If tyres need replacing, price that up before you commit.
Battery (electric forklifts)
The battery is one of the most expensive components on an electric forklift. It can account for 25 to 30 per cent of the total cost of a new unit, and potentially more on a used one. Check the battery’s age, number of charge cycles, and overall condition. Inspect terminals, cables, and electrolyte levels. If replacement looks likely, factor that into the total cost of ownership.
Warranty
Many used forklifts are sold without a warranty, but it’s worth asking for one if possible. Understand the terms: duration, coverage, and exclusions. A warranty provides meaningful protection against unforeseen issues in the early months of ownership.
Choosing the Right Seller
Where you buy matters as much as what you buy. The used forklift market includes dealers, private sellers, and auction houses, and your risk profile differs significantly across those channels.
A reputable dealer will provide transparent history on the machine, back it with a warranty, and have parts and service capability after the sale. That post-sale relationship has real value if something unexpected comes up.
Buying from a dealer who specialises in forklifts also means access to expert advice on maintaining the equipment, and some offer certified pre-owned machines that have been inspected and refurbished.
Private sales can offer lower prices, but you’re buying as-is with no recourse if the history is incomplete or issues emerge. Auctions carry similar risks. You often can’t run the machine properly before bidding, and the format works against careful evaluation.
When speaking with any dealer, ask:
- Can I see the full service history?
- Has the machine had a pre-sale inspection, and what was found?
- What warranty is included?
- Can you support parts and servicing after the sale?
A seller who hesitates on any of those questions is telling you something worth paying attention to.
Get an Independent Pre-Purchase Inspection
For any significant purchase, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified forklift technician is worth the cost. They’ll go beyond what a visual walkthrough reveals, checking hydraulic pressures, load testing, and identifying wear items nearing end of life. The inspection cost is minor relative to the risk of buying a machine that needs immediate significant work.
Managing Risk After Purchase
If you do elect to own a used forklift, you can mitigate ongoing mechanical risk by putting a proper service programme in place. Centra’s Preventative Maintenance Programme (CPMP) is designed to do exactly that. Through frequent, proactive servicing, it minimises exposure to significant repair costs and unplanned downtime.
Talk to Centra Before You Buy
Buying a used forklift is a significant decision, and getting independent advice before you commit is always worthwhile. Our team works across new forklifts, hire and rental, and fleet management, and can help you work out whether purchasing used, going new, or hiring makes the most sense for your operation.
We also provide service and parts support across our branches in Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch, and Palmerston North, so if you’ve already bought used elsewhere and need ongoing support, we can help with that too.
Get in touch with your local branch or call us on 0800 367 548.