The UK forklift market in 2026 is showing renewed signs of growth. After a period of economic uncertainty that led many businesses to delay fleet investment, the market is expected to rebound, with industry forecasts from the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) projecting forklift truck orders to increase by approximately 9.4% in 2026.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the market, covering key brands, dealer networks, pricing, and essential buying considerations.
Market Overview
The UK forklift market is transitioning from a period of caution toward renewed investment. Key drivers of this recovery include stabilising inflation, more favourable financing, and a growing focus on fleet modernisation and sustainability.
Key Market Drivers:
Electrification: Advances in lithium-ion battery technology are making electric forklifts a viable alternative for many applications previously dominated by internal combustion (diesel/LPG) engines.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Businesses are increasingly analysing the full lifecycle cost of equipment, where electric models are often proving competitive due to lower energy and maintenance costs.
Sustainability Targets: Pressure to reduce carbon emissions is driving a shift from diesel and LPG to electric alternatives, particularly in large distribution centres.
Fleet Age: Many existing fleets are approaching the age where replacement is necessary to maintain efficiency, safety, and productivity.
Major Forklift Brands in the UK
The UK market is served by a mix of global leaders and specialist manufacturers. Key players include:
Toyota Material Handling: A dominant force, offering a comprehensive range of electric, diesel, and LPG forklifts, alongside the BT brand of pallet trucks and warehouse equipment.
Linde Material Handling: A major player known for high-quality electric and diesel counterbalance trucks.
Jungheinrich: A key competitor with a strong focus on electric warehouse equipment.
Hyster-Yale: The group behind both the Hyster and Yale brands, offering a broad range of electric and diesel forklifts, including new lithium-ion models.
JCB: Famous for its innovative Teletruk range of diesel and LPG-powered telescopic forklifts.
Combilift: A specialist in multi-directional and 4-way forklifts, available in electric and diesel variants.
Manitou: A leading manufacturer of rough-terrain forklifts and telehandlers.
SANY: A growing Chinese manufacturer expanding its UK presence through a new dealer network.
Forklift Dealer Network
The UK has a well-established network of dealers. In 2026, there have been notable changes as manufacturers seek to strengthen their distribution.
Recent Dealer Developments:
SANY UK appointed TH White Ltd as its authorised dealer for the West Midlands and parts of the South West, effective January 2026.
Toyota Material Handling UK maintains a large national dealer network, with recent additions like Spartan Forklifts (Bradford) and Global Materials Handling (North West) joining to offer the full Toyota range.
Manitou UK appointed George Browns as a dealer for its agricultural and industrial forklifts in early 2026.
Leading Dealers and Suppliers:
Tag Forklift Trucks: An online dealer offering a wide selection of new and used forklifts from brands like Linde and Hyundai.
HC Forklifts UK (HCUK): Positioned as the UK’s leading forklift and warehouse equipment supplier and the official UK distributor for a top-eight global manufacturer.
Briggs Equipment UK Ltd: A significant player in the UK material handling sector.
TH White Ltd: An established supplier of telescopic forklift trucks and access equipment.
2026 Price Guide
Forklift costs in the UK vary based on whether they are new or used, their power source, and their specifications.
Leasing & Rental Offers (2026)
Many manufacturers are offering competitive lease deals to encourage the adoption of new electric models. These offers often include full repair and maintenance.
Brand / Model Offer Terms
Hyster XTLG Electric (J2.0-3.5) From £99/week 60-month term, 500 hours/year, R&M included
Hyster XTLG Electric (J4.0-5.0) From £170/week 60-month term, 500 hours/year, R&M included
Hyster XTLG Electric (J5.0-7.0) From £228/week 60-month term, 500 hours/year, R&M included
Yale MXLG Lithium-Ion (2–7 tonnes) From £99/week 60-month term, 500 hours/year, R&M included
Note: These offers were valid through 30 June 2026. They provide a benchmark for the cost of leasing new electric forklifts.
Purchase Prices
New Electric (2.5t): A government tender for two new 2.5-tonne electric counterbalance forklifts was valued at £89,680.
New Electric (1.2t): A new 1.2-tonne capacity Li-Ion electric forklift is available from £8,099.99.
Used Diesel (Linde H70D-03): A 2019 used Linde diesel forklift with 10,920 hours is listed at £40,500.
Where to Buy Forklifts
Online Marketplaces: Websites like Machineryline, Machinio, and Tag Forklift Trucks offer extensive listings of new and used forklifts from a variety of dealers.
Specialist Dealers: Companies like HC Forklifts UK, Briggs Equipment, and regional dealers such as East Anglian Forklifts Ltd (for Linde) offer a curated selection of new and used equipment.
Manufacturer Websites: Brands like JCB, Hyster, and Yale provide direct information and dealer locators on their official sites.
Buying Considerations
New vs. Used: New forklifts offer the latest technology, full warranties, and 0% financing offers. Used forklifts provide significant cost savings but require a thorough inspection of the machine‘s age, hours of operation, maintenance history, and overall condition.
Power Source: The choice between electric, diesel, and LPG is crucial. Electric models are ideal for indoor use with zero emissions and lower running costs, while diesel provides the power for heavy outdoor applications.
Key Specifications: Focus on load capacity (matching the maximum weight you lift), lifting height (reaching your highest racking), and tire type (solid for indoors, pneumatic for outdoors).
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Look beyond the purchase price. Factor in energy costs, maintenance, battery replacement (for electric models), and potential grants like the Plug-in Truck Grant.
Inspection: Before committing, inspect the mast, carriage, forks, hydraulics, steering, brakes, and service history. For electric units, check the battery condition and charging system.
Summary
The UK forklift market in 2026 is poised for growth, driven by fleet renewal, electrification, and sustainability goals. The market is served by major global brands (Toyota, Linde, Jungheinrich, Hyster-Yale, JCB) and a network of specialist dealers (Tag Forklift Trucks, HC Forklifts UK). Competitive leasing offers are available for new electric models from brands like Hyster and Yale, with rates starting from £99/week. When purchasing, businesses should carefully consider new vs. used, power source requirements, key specifications, and total cost of ownership to make a sound investment.