What Are the Operating Costs of Forklifts?

The company is growing and it’s time for new investments, but are you worried about the operating costs of a forklift? Growth always comes with expenses, but with proper preparation, they can be managed effectively. Forklifts speed up logistics processes and improve workplace safety, allowing better use of warehouse resources. The cost of owning a forklift includes purchase, leasing, or rental, and the right solution can pay off quickly – saving time, minimizing losses, and giving the company flexibility. In this article, we will show how much forklift maintenance costs and why it is a profitable investment for many companies.

From this article you will learn:

• Purchase costs of different types of forklifts – how much does a forklift cost?
• Forklift operating costs – ongoing operational expenses
• How much does forklift maintenance cost? Additional expenses
• Summary

Purchase costs of different types of forklifts – how much does a forklift cost?

The operating costs of a forklift often depend on the type of drive, intended use, and technical parameters. But before discussing usage costs, many people wonder how much a forklift costs. Electric forklifts are an investment starting from approx. 45,000 PLN net – valued for their quiet and emission-free operation, making them ideal for closed halls and warehouses. Slightly higher forklift ownership costs, starting from approx. 68,000 PLN net, apply to LPG forklifts, which combine mobility with lower refueling costs and universal use in logistics or production. The highest prices are reached by DIESEL forklifts – from approx. 199,000 PLN net – intended for very heavy loads and demanding industrial conditions. The cost of forklift maintenance and price differences are mainly due to engine power, load capacity, drive type, and additional technologies improving comfort and safety at work.

Forklift operating costs – ongoing operational expenses

A well-thought-out investment is one that pays off and translates into increased company efficiency, even if forklift maintenance costs must be borne. These are ongoing operational expenses, often overlooked at the time of purchase. What are forklift operating costs? They include:

• fuel or energy – the main operating cost of a forklift. Refueling with fuel, LPG, or recharging. Importantly, electric forklifts are usually cheaper in daily use.
• service and inspections – electric models usually require less maintenance, while combustion forklifts involve filter, oil, and spark plug replacement.
• consumable parts – tires, chains, filters, or forks wear naturally and require replacement.

Ultimately, forklift operating costs depend on the type of drive, work intensity, and conditions in which the machine is used. Regular service scheduling, fuel consumption monitoring, and matching the model to the company’s needs not only reduce forklift maintenance costs but also extend its service life and improve work safety. This makes investing in forklifts more profitable in the long run.

How much does forklift maintenance cost? Additional expenses

When buying handling equipment, one must also consider fees – sometimes one-time, sometimes recurring. It is not enough to know the purchase price of a forklift, because its operating costs can be surprisingly high. These include:

• insurance – compulsory liability insurance usually costs several hundred PLN per year.
• operator training – training courses and UDT exams cost from 250 to over 1500 PLN, but trained staff reduce the risk of breakdowns and losses. Training is often provided by the manufacturer of industrial machines.
• technical inspections and UDT checks – usually from several hundred to 1500 PLN per year, with additional repair costs possible.

In conclusion, the answer to how much forklift maintenance costs depends on many factors. However, conscious planning of these expenses and understanding forklift operating costs help avoid unexpected financial burdens.

Summary

Fuel or energy costs, regular inspections, spare parts, insurance, operator training, and mandatory technical tests. All of these together make up the cost of owning a forklift, often not considered at the time of purchase. Knowing forklift operating costs allows you to prepare in advance. Such an investment can positively impact productivity and profitability. Therefore, before buying, it is worth analyzing your company’s needs and expected usage intensity. How much does a forklift cost overall? What are the operating costs of a forklift? Find out the details for your company at Cormak. Visit our website and contact experts to choose the best solution tailored to your requirements and budget. Ensure your company’s efficiency and profitability today!