The Australian forklift market in 2026 offers a wide range of new and used equipment from major global brands, supported by a comprehensive network of authorised dealers, independent specialists, and online marketplaces. Prices for a new 3-tonne counterbalance forklift – the most popular class in Australian warehousing – range from $30,000 to $70,000 AUD, with used units offering significant savings from $15,000 to $30,000 AUD. This guide covers the major brands, dealer networks, pricing benchmarks, and key buying considerations.
Major Forklift Brands and Dealers in Australia
Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA)
Toyota holds the largest share of the Australian forklift market. The 8 Series counterbalance is widely regarded as the workhorse of Australian sites, regularly running past 15,000 hours – and up to 20,000 hours with proper maintenance. TMHA operates branches in every mainland capital plus a dealer network reaching most regional centres, ensuring spare parts are rarely more than a day or two away.
Model Series Power Type Capacity Range Common Applications
8 Series IC LPG, Petrol, Diesel 1.5 – 3.5 t Outdoor yards, mixed sites
8 Series Electric Electric (lead-acid or lithium) 1.0 – 3.5 t Indoor warehousing, food production
BT Reach Trucks Electric 1.0 – 2.5 t High-bay racking
Tonero Diesel, LPG 3.5 – 8.0 t Heavy industrial, timber, steel
TMHA Current Offers (2026):
Toyota forklifts End of Financial Year Sale
TMHA LHE150 Lithium-Ion Electric Pallet Jack from $2,499
Offers valid on orders from 01/07/2026 to 30/11/2026 while stock lasts
Clark Equipment
Clark Equipment is a major player in the Australian market, known for its Crossover series and heavy-duty S40-55 models.
Series Capacity Power Key Features
L25XE / S25XE Crossover 2.5 t Electric with IC-style performance Bridges gap between diesel and electric; suited for Australian heat conditions
S40-55 Series 4.0 – 5.5 t Diesel or LPG Built for Australia’s toughest worksites; flexible fuel options
C500Y650D 25 t Diesel (Cummins 6CT) Heavy-duty; 6m lift height; sideshift
Clark showcased its S25XE Crossover Series at HIRE26 Sydney (May 2026) and announced that a major Australian customer is now operating a fully electric Clark forklift fleet.
Adaptalift Group – Exclusive Hyster and Yale Distributor
Adaptalift Group is the exclusive Australian distributor for Hyster and Yale forklifts. The company is Australia‘s largest privately owned forklift company with 14 branches and 32 service centres nationwide.
Brand Entry-Level Pricing Key Models
Hyster From $24,500 + GST XT Series (1.5–3.5 t); High-capacity container handlers
Yale From $24,500 + GST UX Series; VX Series
Combilift Exclusive distributor Multi-directional forklifts
Other Major Brands and Dealers
Brand Australian Distributor / Dealer Key Models
Hyundai Norlift (Far North QLD); Warner Fork Trucks (SA) Hyundai diesel, LPG, electric forklifts
EP Equipment Norlift; Nationwide Sales Service & Rentals Electric and lithium forklifts
TCM JM Forklifts (Dubbo region, central western NSW) TCM diesel and electric forklifts
JCB Authorised dealers 945-4 Rough Terrain (2018, 5,300 hrs) from $79,999
MAMMUT Select dealers H35FC 3.5-ton from $24,900 + GST
2026 Price Guide – New Forklifts
Forklift Type Capacity Price Range (AUD) Notes
Electric Counterbalance 1.5 – 3.5 t $25,000 – $70,000 Most common warehouse class
Diesel Counterbalance 3 t $30,000 – $65,000 Over-specifying wastes $5,000–$10,000
Diesel Counterbalance 5 t $50,000 – $90,000 Heavy industrial, timber, steel
LPG Counterbalance 5 t $45,000 – $80,000 Mixed indoor/outdoor, multi-shift
Electric Counterbalance 5 t $70,000 – $130,000 Higher upfront, lower running costs
Reach Forklift Various $25,000 – $75,000+ Narrow-aisle warehouse
Rough Terrain / Telehandler Various From $79,999 Construction, agriculture
Entry-Level and Budget Options (2026):
Forklift King 2.0FL (2.0 t diesel): $19,990 + GST
Forklift King 7.0FL (7.0 t diesel): $57,990 + GST
MAMMUT H25FC (2.5 t): $24,900 + GST
5.0t Diesel with Enclosed Cab: $44,990 + GST
Fuel Type Operating Costs (5 Tonne Class):
Diesel: $8 – $15/hour in fuel
LPG: $6 – $12/hour in fuel
Electric: $2 – $5/hour in charging
Electric adds $15,000 – $40,000 to purchase price but offers lower running costs
Used Forklift Market – Significant Savings
The used market offers substantial savings, with serviceable 3-tonne forklifts under 5,000 hours selling for $15,000 – $30,000 depending on age and condition. A used Toyota can be on your site for under $20,000.
Used Listings (2026):
Crown SC5200 Electric (6m container mast): $15,390
JCB 945-4 Rough Terrain (2018, 5,300 hrs): $79,999
Crown ST3020TT4250 (1,000 kg, 4.2m triple mast): POA
ISS Equipment (Melbourne): Quality used electric, LPG, and diesel forklifts with full safety checks
Buy a Fork – Toyota forklifts specialist with new and used models.
Online Marketplaces and Platforms
Platform Listings Notes
IndustrySearch New and used forklifts Compare quotes from verified Australian suppliers
Machinio New and used forklifts Global marketplace with Australian listings
Mascus Australia Used forklifts Adaptalift Hyster listings
Manmonthly Used forklifts Crown, Cascade listings
Earthmovers Magazine New and used MAMMUT 2026 models
Key Buying Considerations
1. Fuel Type is the Highest-Cost Decision
The wrong fuel choice locks in $15,000–$30,000 in avoidable running costs over 5 years:
Electric: Single-shift indoor warehouses on smooth floors; lithium-ion supports opportunity charging for multi-shift operations
LPG: 2-minute cylinder swap, continuous runtime; mixed indoor/outdoor, multi-shift
Diesel: Highest torque, rough terrain capable; outdoor yards, construction, unpaved surfaces
2. Capacity Selection
The 3-tonne counterbalance is the most purchased class in Australian warehousing. Over-specifying wastes money – if your heaviest pallet is below 2.8 tonnes at 500 mm load centre, a 2.5-tonne unit does the job at $5,000–$10,000 less.
3. Licensing Requirements
All operators require a High Risk Work Licence (LF class) issued by the state WHS regulator – no exemptions, including private property.
4. Mast Height
A triple-stage mast to 6,000 mm adds $3,000–$5,000 and reduces rated capacity at height – do not spec beyond your racking.
5. Total Cost of Ownership
For a mid-range reach forklift running a single shift, purchase price typically represents only 30–45% of the total cost over a 10-year ownership period – once battery replacement, maintenance, energy, and downtime risk are factored in.
6. Toyota Resale Advantage
A 5-year-old Toyota counterbalance typically holds 20–30% more value than equivalent units from second-tier brands.
Summary
Australia‘s forklift market in 2026 offers comprehensive options across all major brands including Toyota (TMHA, 8 Series from $35,000 new, under $20,000 used), Clark (Crossover S25XE, S40-55 series), Hyster/Yale (Adaptalift Group exclusive, from $24,500 + GST), **Hyundai** (Norlift, Warner Fork Trucks), **TCM** (JM Forklifts), and **JCB** (rough terrain from $79,999). New 3-tonne forklifts cost $30,000–$70,000, 5-tonne diesel units $50,000–$90,000, and electric models $25,000–$130,000 depending on capacity. Entry-level options start from $19,990 + GST** (Forklift King 2.0FL). Used forklifts offer significant savings from **$15,000–$30,000 for serviceable 3-tonne units. When buying, match fuel type to your operation (electric for indoor single-shift, LPG/diesel for multi-shift or outdoor), avoid over-specifying capacity, factor in total cost of ownership (not just purchase price), and ensure operators hold a valid HRWL Class LF licence.