Melbourne’s electric forklift market in 2026 is defined by a clear structural shift: lithium-ion battery technology is becoming the new standard, and electric forklifts now dominate indoor warehouse and distribution centre operations. This guide covers the key dealers, representative pricing, and what Melbourne businesses need to know before buying or hiring.
Major Dealers and Brands in Melbourne
Melbourne is served by a network of established dealers offering a wide range of electric forklift brands.
Dealer Brands / Specialization Locations / Notes
TMHA Melbourne (Toyota Material Handling Australia) Toyota electric, lithium, LPG, and diesel forklifts Dandenong South, VIC. Provides sales, hire, repairs, and servicing.
EPower Forklift EP Equipment electric forklifts; specializes in lithium models Showrooms in Truganina, Epping, and Dandenong South.
MLA Complete Forklift Solutions Mitsubishi, Nichiyu Electric, HELI Heavy Forklifts Melbourne branch; also offers a wide range of gas, diesel, and electric forklifts.
Lencrow Forklifts Used Crown electric forklifts and reach trucks Hallam, Melbourne.
Heavy Lift Forklifts Crown electric walkie stackers Melbourne metro with free delivery.
Jialift Forklifts and walkie stackers, including electric options Melbourne-based manufacturer and supplier.
ISS Equipment Big Joe forklifts with lithium-ion technology Melbourne & Victoria.
Linde Material Handling Electric forklifts, reach trucks, pallet stackers Melbourne hire available.
Representative Pricing (2026)
Electric forklift prices in Melbourne vary significantly based on capacity, battery type, and whether the unit is new or used.
Purchase Prices (New and Used)
Used Electric Forklift (1.6t Crown): Approximately $24,200.
Used Electric Forklift (Komatsu FB18M-12): $24,000 + GST (2,560 hours).
3-Tonne Electric Forklift (New, Lithium): Australian warehouses typically budget around $55,000** for a reliable mid-range model. The average price range in Australia is **$15,000 to $120,000, depending on specifications.
Yale Forklifts: Generally range from $15,000 to $50,000.
Operating Costs
The operating cost gap between diesel and lithium-electric forklifts is significant and has widened at 2026 fuel prices.
Cost Item Diesel (3-tonne) Lithium-Electric (3-tonne)
Energy Cost per Hour $9 – $11 $1.50 – $2.50 (grid electricity)
Annual Energy Cost Not specified Approximately $1,500 – $2,500 (based on 250 days)
Electric Forklift Hire Rates in Melbourne
Hiring is a flexible alternative for short-term projects, seasonal peaks, or when testing a model before purchase.
Machine Type Capacity Day Rate Week Rate Month Rate
Electric Forklift 1.5 – 2 tonnes $125 – $175 $430 – $580 $1,150 – $1,550
Electric Forklift 2.5 – 3 tonnes $145 – $205 $480 – $680 $1,350 – $1,850
Electric Forklift 3.5 – 5 tonnes $175 – $250 $580 – $820 $1,650 – $2,250
Note: Rates are indicative dry hire (equipment only), exclusive of GST. Operator costs are additional where required. EPower Forklift advertises electric forklift hire from $129/week.
Key Considerations for Melbourne Buyers
1. Lithium-Ion vs. Lead-Acid
Lithium-ion batteries are becoming the preferred choice for new forklifts in Melbourne. They offer faster charging, more stable power delivery under heavy load, and lower running costs compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. EPower’s 3-tonne workhorse, the EP EFXZ-301, features an 80V / 205Ah lithium-ion system and is telematics-ready for fleet management.
2. Capacity Selection
The 3-tonne category is the workhorse for most Melbourne warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and logistics operations. It is suitable for standard pallets, full-height racking, loading dock operations, and mixed indoor/outdoor use. Choose 3-tonne if your loads are typically 1,000–2,500kg with occasional heavier items. Consider stepping up to 4–5 tonnes for steel coils, concrete products, or consistent heavy lifts above 2,500kg.
3. Dealer Support and Service
Look for dealers with strong local presence and factory-trained technicians. TMHA Melbourne, for example, provides responsive repair and servicing through factory-trained technicians using genuine Toyota parts. MLA Complete Forklift Solutions has a fleet of mobile service technicians to minimise downtime.
4. Licensing
Operating a forklift in Victoria requires an LF (Forklift Truck) licence from SafeWork Victoria.
Summary
Melbourne’s electric forklift market in 2026 is well-served by major dealers including TMHA Melbourne (Toyota), EPower Forklift (EP Equipment, lithium specialists), MLA Complete Forklift Solutions (Mitsubishi, Nichiyu, HELI), Lencrow Forklifts, and others. Prices for used electric forklifts start around $24,000**, while new mid-range 3-tonne lithium models are typically budgeted around **$55,000. Hire rates for a 2.5–3 tonne electric forklift range from $145–$205 per day or $1,350–$1,850 per month. Lithium-ion technology is now the standard for new purchases, offering significantly lower running costs ($1.50–$2.50/hour) compared to diesel ($9–$11/hour). When buying, prioritize lithium-ion battery technology, match the capacity to your actual load requirements, and choose a dealer with strong local service support.