Unlocking the Best Material Handling Equipment Deals in 2025

When it comes to moving big objects, using the right equipment can either make or break the rate at which your errands are performed in a safe way. Selecting the appropriate material handling equipment is critical whether you oversee or building something, moving something through narrow warehouse rows, or lifting something on a rocky terrain. The tools are shear variety, so it is important to understand what you require so as to identify the most suitable tool for your business.

It also details all considerations that must be made when purchasing material handling equipment including the types, the features most essential to the purchase, and information to keep in mind to make the most effective purchase. We aim at helping you navigate in the world of material handling equipment to allow you to select the ones that best suit your needs.

What is Material Handling Equipment?

Material handling equipment tools, and machines assist in the movement, storage, regulation, and protection of materials and items in the manufacturing, distribution and disposal processes. Such devices are highly needed as they help workers to be more productive, do less manual labour and keep the workers safe as they transport big or large items.

Key Features:

Secure Load Platform: Keeps materials stable and safe during movement.
Adjustable Lifting System: Handles different load sizes and heights with ease.
Flexible Mobility: Offers manual, powered, or vehicle-mounted options for various job sites.

Types of Material Handling Equipment

Telehandler (Telescopic Handler)

A telehandler is a kind of machine that is helpful in both farm-based activities as well as construction. It also has a boom that can both swing and move up and down making it more useful to take things up high.

Why It’s Effective:

  1. Ideal for uneven or rough terrains, providing stability and lifting power.
  2. Capable of reaching high areas.
  3. Can be equipped with various attachments for additional functionality.

Straight Mast Forklift

A straight mast lift truck is a forklift that is simply designed with only 1 mast to move things upwards and downwards. You would commonly find such a forklift in warehouses and factories where there would not be much space and still the things would have to be lifted.

Why It’s Effective:

  1. Provides straight, vertical lifting for precise load placement
  2. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor operations.
  3. Offers a simple, robust design for heavy-duty lifting.

Industrial Forklifts

The industrial forklifts are applied and helpful in transporting items around in warehouses, distribution centers and factories. They also vary in size and shape, therefore, they can be applied in both light and heavy lifting.

Why It’s Effective:

  1. Wide range of sizes and load capacities for diverse applications.
  2. Equipped with attachments like pallet jacks or extendable forks.
  3. Offers smooth operation, even in high-demand environments.

Truck-Mounted Piggyback Forklift

A Truck Mounted Piggyback Forklift is a multi-purpose forklift attached to the backboard of a truck. This category of forklift can easily be transported and offloaded at any job location.

Why It’s Effective:

  1. Offers mobility and portability between job sites.
  2. Convenient for offloading materials directly from the truck.
  3. Ideal for remote or hard-to-reach locations where traditional forklifts cannot reach.

Rough Terrain Straight Mast Forklift

Heavy duty handling of rough terrain Straight Mast Forklifts is specially designed to lift heavy loads. They are ideal for use in a construction site and outdoors where stability is a significant need.

Why It’s Effective:

  1. Built for uneven, outdoor terrain where traditional forklifts may struggle.
  2. Provides high lifting capacity and stability on rough surfaces.
  3. Ideal for construction, agriculture, and other outdoor industrial applications.

Quick Comparison: Material Handling Equipment Types

Material Handling Equipment TypeEngine TypeLift HeightReach TypeBest For
Telehandler (Telescopic Handler)Diesel,Gas30 ft to 60 ft (9.14 m to 18.29 m)Telescoping/ExtendableConstruction sites, agricultural tasks, rough terrains
Straight Mast ForkliftDiesel, Gas, Electric10 ft to 20 ft (3.05 m to 6.10 m)Vertical LiftIndoor/outdoor spaces, light-to-medium duty lifting
Industrial ForkliftDiesel, Electric10 ft to 30 ft (3.05 m to 9.14 m)Vertical LiftWarehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers
Truck-Mounted Piggyback ForkliftDiesel, Gas10 ft to 20 ft (3.05 m to 6.10 m)Vertical LiftOffloading materials at remote job sites, transportation between locations
Rough Terrain Straight Mast ForkliftDiesel12 ft to 30 ft (3.66 m to 9.14 m)Vertical LiftOutdoor construction, agriculture, and rugged terrains

Why Buy Used Material Handling Equipment?

Used material handling equipment is the right decision that a business can make to cut down on expenditure without compromising on quality of the machines. The primary benefits of purchasing used equipment are the following ones:

Top Reasons to Buy Used:

Cost Savings
Proven Reliability
Depreciation Advantage

How to Choose the Right Material Handling Equipment for Your Project?

Selecting the right material handling equipment involves more than just height. Consider reach, capacity, terrain, and power options. Here are key factors to keep in mind:

Determine the Necessary Lift Height
Assess Horizontal Reach for Accessibility
Identify the Required Load Capacity
Evaluate Available Space and Terrain Conditions
Select Equipment that Meets All Requirements
SpecificationWhy It’s ImportantTypical Range
Platform HeightThe vertical height your equipment can reach.10–60 ft
ReachAdditional horizontal reach for accessing distant areas20–40 ft
Lift CapacityThe total weight the equipment can safely carry3,000–12,000 lbs
Power TypeDetermines the energy source for the equipmentDiesel, Electric, Gas, Hybrid
Drive TypeDiesel, electric, hybridJobsite dependent
Drive TypeEnsures proper maneuverability on jobsite terrain2WD, 4WD

Electric vs. Diesel vs. Hybrid Engines for Material Handling Equipment

Electric Engines

Zero emissions, ideal for indoor use.
Operates quietly, suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
Reduced fuel and maintenance expenses.

Diesel Engines

Suitable for heavy-duty tasks and rough terrains.
Operates for extended periods without refueling.
Increased fuel consumption and maintenance.

Hybrid Engines

Combines electric and diesel for optimal performance.
Eco-friendly, using electric power where possible.
Lower fuel consumption, reducing operational costs.

How Much Do Used Material Handling Equipment Cost in 2025?

Prices can vary significantly based on factors like the type of equipment, age, condition, and usage hours.

Tips for Purchasing Used Material Handling Equipment

Examine the equipment for signs of wear and tear, hydraulic leaks, tire conditions, and structural integrity.
Verify that regular servicing and repairs have been documented.
Equipment with fewer hours often indicates less use.
Operate all controls and systems to ensure everything is working as it should.
Model TypeHeightPrice Range
Electric Forklift10–20 ft$8,000 – $18,000
Diesel Forklift10–30 ft$12,000 – $30,000
Telehandler (Electric)30–60 ft$20,000 – $40,000
Telehandler (Diesel)30–60 ft$22,000 – $45,000
Rough Terrain Forklift12–30 ft$20,000 – $50,000
Towable Forklift (Electric)20–40 ft$10,000 – $25,000
Towable Forklift (Gas/Dual Fuel)20–40 ft$12,000 – $30,000
Truck-Mounted Piggyback Forklift10–20 ft$15,000 – $35,000

Where to Buy Used Material Handling Equipment

There are three main places to buy used material handling equipment:

Auctions: Lowest upfront cost, but higher risk and often less certainty about equipment condition.
Rental Companies: Typically, in decent condition but may have high hours and more wear.
Specialized Dealers: The best balance of value, condition, and trust, offering a more reliable purchase.

At National Lift Equipment (NLEQ), we inspect, recondition, and support every piece of equipment we sell. No surprises, no hidden issues.

How to Inspect Used Material Handling Equipment Before Buying

A proper inspection can save you thousands in repairs. Here’s our pre-sale checklist:

Best for:

Check Hours and Usage
Inspect for Structural Damage
Test Functionality
Examine Tires/Tracks
Review Maintenance Records
Test Controls and Safety Systems
Verify Safety Labels and Capacity Plates
Match Serial Numbers

Why Choose National Lift Equipment?

Buying material handling equipment is more than just getting a tried-and-true source. At National Lift Equipment we assist you in finding the right solution. We offer professional counseling, personal recommendations and a diverse selection of top-conditioned used equipment.

Key Reasons to Choose Us:

Expert Advice
Comprehensive Support
Wide Selection of Equipment

Browse Our Inventory

JLG 450AJ (Articulating)
Genie S-65 (Telescopic)
Skyjack SJ46AJ
Genie TZ-34/20 (Towable)
JLG T350 (Towable)

FAQ

Scroll to Top