English AUGUST 22, 2025
Buying forklift vs. renting a rough terrain forklift
You have an important choice to make. You can buy a forklift or rent a rough terrain forklift. Your choice depends on how much you use the equipment. It also depends on your budget and how flexible your work needs to be. Many companies in construction and logistics like to rent. You can see this in the table below.
| Industry / Segment | Relevant Statistic / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Businesses preferring rental over buying forklifts (general) | About 41% in 2024 |
| Warehousing and logistics share of total forklift rentals | 36% |
| Construction and industrial sectors share of forklift rentals | 28% |
| Construction projects’ share of rough terrain forklift rental demand | 33% |
| Contractors choosing rough terrain forklifts for temporary site operations | Around 31% |
Think about cost, flexibility, and who will fix the equipment. Your needs are special, so look at these things before you decide.
Key Takeaways
Buy a forklift if you use it often, like more than half the year, to save money over time and have full control.
Rent a forklift for short-term jobs or seasonal work to keep costs low and stay flexible with your equipment needs.
Renting means the company handles most repairs, so you spend less time and money on maintenance.
Buying lets you customize your forklift and use tax benefits but requires a big upfront payment and maintenance work.
Think about how much you use the forklift, your budget, and your business growth to choose the best option.
Buying Forklift
Pros of Buying
If you buy forklift equipment, you get many good things:
You do not pay rental fees all the time. This helps you save money if you use the forklift a lot. Your business keeps more money in the long run.
You control the equipment fully. You can use it whenever you want. You do not have to worry about rental times or if the forklift is available.
Buying lets you pick special features. You can choose mast heights and fork options. You can add hydraulic upgrades for special attachments. You can make the seat more comfortable or add telematics systems to help manage your fleet.
You can use asset depreciation on your taxes. This helps lower your tax bill every year.
You always have a forklift ready for busy times. Your equipment is there when you need it.
Tip: If your business uses a forklift for more than half the year, buying forklift equipment usually saves the most money.
Cons of Buying
Buying a forklift has some problems too:
The price to buy is high. You need a lot of money at first.
You must take care of repairs and maintenance. Used forklifts cost about $3.50 per hour to fix. New ones cost about $1.00 per hour. Emergency repairs and downtime can make costs go up.
Rough terrain forklifts use more fuel. This makes them cost more to run and can hurt the environment.
These machines are big and heavy. They do not fit well in small spaces or inside buildings.
You need special training and certification to use them safely.
Diesel models may have pollution rules in some places.
| Drawback / Risk | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Larger size and weight | Too big and heavy for small or indoor spaces |
| Higher fuel consumption | Diesel engines use more fuel, so costs go up |
| Higher purchase cost | Special features make them cost more to buy |
| Limited versatility | Mostly for outdoor use, not good for every place |
When Buying a Forklift Makes Sense
Buying forklift equipment is best in these cases:
You use a forklift often, like more than half the year. This helps you save money over time.
Your work happens outside on rough ground. Construction sites, farms, military bases, and industrial job sites need rough terrain forklifts.
You want to change your forklift for special jobs or attachments.
You need a forklift ready all the time, with no risk of not having one.
Your business wants to grow, and you want to own equipment for future work.
Note: Buying a forklift is best for businesses that use it a lot. You get more value and save more money when you use the equipment often and can handle maintenance.
Renting a Forklift
Pros of Renting
Renting forklifts has many good points, especially if you only need them for a short time or your work changes a lot. You can get a forklift fast and give it back when your job is done. This helps you handle busy times, like when you have more work in certain seasons, without having to buy new machines.
You do not have to pay a lot of money at the start. This saves you money right away.
Renting is smart for short jobs or if you do not use forklifts all year.
You can get more forklifts when you are busy and return them later.
The rental company fixes and takes care of most problems. This means less work for you and keeps your forklifts working.
You can pick from many forklift types, even rough terrain models for outside jobs.
Renting lets you try new forklift models before you buy one.
You do not have to worry about where to keep the forklift when you do not need it.
Renting helps you keep your monthly costs low and makes it easier to plan your budget.
Tip: Renting forklifts is great for construction, retail, shipping, and farming. You can pick the right forklift for your job and how long you need it.
Cons of Renting
There are some problems with renting you should think about. Sometimes, there are extra costs that make renting cost more than you thought.
Rental deals may have extra fees for bringing the forklift to you, picking it up, or if you return it late.
Rough terrain forklifts can cost more to rent because they are made for hard jobs.
You still have to pay for fuel and some repairs, especially with diesel forklifts.
You might need insurance, and this can make your costs go up if you do not already have it.
If you want special attachments, you may have to pay more each day.
Rental papers are legal documents. You need to read them closely so you do not get charged extra.
| Common Rental Drawbacks | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Higher rental rates for rough terrain models | These forklifts cost more to rent than standard ones |
| Delivery and pickup fees | Charges depend on your location and can be high in big cities |
| Maintenance and fuel costs | You may pay for fuel and some daily upkeep |
| Insurance requirements | Lack of coverage can lead to extra charges |
| Contract terms | You must follow all rules to avoid penalties |
Note: Always check your rental papers for all costs and what you must do. Some deals say you have to check things like oil and tires every day. If you do not do these checks, you might have to pay more.
When Renting is Best
Renting a forklift is the best choice for many jobs and businesses. You should think about renting if you need to be flexible or only use forklifts for part of the year.
Renting works well for outside jobs on rough ground, like building sites or lumberyards.
You can get more forklifts for busy times or special events and return them when you are done.
Renting means you do not have to worry about fixing or storing the forklift when you do not need it.
You can use the newest forklift models and technology for each job.
Renting helps you handle short jobs without spending a lot of money at once.
Renting is good for farming during harvest, setting up events, or any job that changes a lot.
Your business can change quickly and be ready for new work.
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Flexibility for short-term use | Renting is perfect when you need forklifts for weeks or months. You return them after use. |
| Seasonal demand management | You rent during busy times and return equipment when demand drops. |
| Lower upfront costs | Renting means you do not spend a lot at once. You keep your budget free for other needs. |
| Maintenance and service | Rental companies handle most repairs and upkeep. |
| Access to latest models | You can rent new or specialized forklifts for each project. |
| Suitability for intense use | Buying is better if you use forklifts all year or for very tough jobs. |
Tip: Renting a forklift gives you the freedom to change your fleet size, try out new models, and not worry about long-term deals. This helps you save money and be ready for any job.
Cost Comparison
Upfront vs. Ongoing Costs
When you look at buying forklift equipment, you face a large upfront cost. You pay for the machine, storage, and transportation right away. Renting, on the other hand, lets you avoid this big payment. You pay as you go, which helps you manage your cash flow. Rental rates for rough terrain forklifts range from $250 to $689 per day, depending on the size and type. Many rental companies include delivery, pickup, and basic insurance in their fees. This makes renting a good choice for short projects or when you need flexibility.
| Forklift Type | Capacity (lbs) | Daily Rental Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Mast Rough Terrain | 6,000 | $250 - $378 |
| Straight Mast Rough Terrain | 8,000 | $275 - $433 |
| Telehandler Rough Terrain | 10,000 | $689 |
If you use a forklift almost every day, buying forklift equipment becomes more cost-effective over time. Rental fees add up quickly, so long-term rentals often cost more than owning.
Maintenance and Repairs
When you own a forklift, you must handle all maintenance and repairs. This means you pay for parts, labor, and downtime. Well-kept machines last longer and work better, but you need to plan for these costs. Renting shifts most of this responsibility to the rental company. They cover regular service and fix problems fast, so you avoid surprise costs. This can save you time and money, especially if you do not have a maintenance team.
Tip: Renting can help you avoid unexpected repair costs, but owning gives you more control over how and when repairs happen.
Depreciation and Value
Forklifts lose value as they age and rack up hours. If you buy a new forklift, it keeps about 70–85% of its value in the first two years. After ten years, it may keep only 15–25%. Good maintenance records can boost resale value by up to 30%. Electric models lose value slower than diesel ones. When you rent, you do not worry about depreciation, but you also do not build any equity. Buying forklift equipment lets you recover some money when you sell, which helps offset your costs.
| Forklift Age | Approximate Value Retention |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | 70–85% |
| 3 to 5 years | 50–65% |
| 6 to 10 years | 30–45% |
| Over 10 years | 15–25% |
If you use your forklift often and keep it in good shape, buying forklift equipment is usually the most cost-effective over time.
Decision Guide
Usage Frequency
How much you use a forklift helps you choose. If you only need a forklift sometimes, renting is a good idea. You do not have to pay a lot at once. The rental company fixes the forklift for you. If you use forklifts every day, buying saves money in the long run. You can use your forklift whenever you want.
A factory that uses forklifts daily should buy one. Construction companies with sudden jobs can avoid waiting by owning their forklifts.
| Factor | Renting Forklifts | Buying Forklifts |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency of Use | Good for seasonal or rare use | Best for daily or regular use |
| Flexibility | Easy to scale up or down | Always available, no rental limits |
Budget and Cash Flow
Your money and how you spend it matter. Renting and leasing mean you do not pay a lot at first. You pay the same amount each month. This makes planning easier. Leasing lets you get new forklifts and may help with taxes. Buying costs more at first, but you own the forklift. You might get tax breaks later.
| Financing Option | Impact on Cash Flow | Extra Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase | Big upfront payment | Ownership, resale value |
| Lease | Fixed monthly cost | Latest equipment, tax benefits |
| Rent | Short-term payments | No maintenance, easy budgeting |
Maintenance Capacity
If you own a forklift, you must fix it yourself. You need workers who know how to check and repair it. Keeping up with maintenance keeps your forklift safe. If you rent, the rental company does most repairs. You only do simple checks each day.
Renting means less work for you and your forklift stays ready.
Business Growth
Think about what your business will do next. If you plan to grow slowly or have more jobs, buying or leasing is better. You can change your forklifts to fit your needs. If your business changes a lot, renting is best. You can get more forklifts or return them when you do not need them. You can try new models before you buy.
Renting helps new businesses save money and change quickly.
Leasing helps you grow with easy payments and upgrades.
Buying is good for businesses that use forklifts all the time.
You have two main choices for a rough terrain forklift. Buying means you get to use it whenever you want. You also get some tax help. Renting is good if you want to spend less money at first. It also means you do not have to fix it yourself.
| Key Factor | Buying Benefits | Renting Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Best if you use it a lot | Cheaper to start |
| Flexibility | You always have it | Easy to get more or less |
| Maintenance | You must fix it | Rental company does repairs |
Think about how much you will use the forklift. Also, look at your money and if your business will grow. Use the guide to help you pick the best choice. Check your choice again as your business changes to make sure it still works for you.
FAQ
What is the main difference between buying and renting a rough terrain forklift?
Buying gives you full control and long-term savings if you use the forklift often. Renting works best for short-term needs or when you want flexibility. You avoid large upfront costs when you rent.
How do I know if I should rent or buy?
Ask yourself how often you need the forklift. If you use it more than six months each year, buying usually saves money. If you only need it for a few weeks or months, renting is better.
Who handles maintenance when I rent a forklift?
The rental company takes care of most repairs and regular service. You may need to check oil and tires daily. Always read your rental agreement for details.
Can I rent a forklift with special attachments?
Yes, you can rent forklifts with different attachments. Some attachments may cost extra. Ask your rental company about options and prices.
Does renting affect my business’s cash flow?
Renting helps you keep your cash flow steady. You pay smaller amounts over time instead of a big payment up front. This makes it easier to plan your budget.
