The price of a very narrow aisle (VNA) forklift depends entirely on which technology you choose. Articulating forklifts like the Bendi are the most affordable, turret trucks sit in the middle, and swing mast models like the Drexel command the highest prices. For warehouses desperate to gain storage density without expanding the building, these machines pay for themselves in space savings, but the upfront investment is substantial.
Articulating Forklifts (Bendi)
The Bendi B30AC is the most common VNA forklift on the used market. It works in aisles as narrow as 78 inches, about 6.5 feet, and handles 3,000 pound loads .
On the used market, a well-maintained unit with 2,000 to 4,000 hours typically sells in the
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30,000to45,000 range. A 2016 Bendi B30AC with 2,700 hours is available at approximately
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36,000.TheaveragemarketpriceforaB30ACisroughly151,938PolishZloty,whichtranslatestoabout36,000 to $40,000 depending on exchange rates .
For high-hour machines, prices drop significantly. A 2014 Bendi with nearly 12,000 hours sold for approximately
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15,600,anda2016unitwith11,882hourswentforaround17,200 . These machines are at the end of their service lives and will likely need major component replacements soon.
New Bendi forklifts are significantly more expensive. A new B30AC with a 198-inch mast lists at approximately
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70,000[citation:5].Rentaloptionsarealsoavailable,withmonthlyratesaround850 to
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Swing Mast Forklifts (Drexel)
The Drexel SL60 offers a different approach. Instead of an articulating front axle, the entire mast swings left or right, allowing the forks to service rack openings on both sides of the aisle without turning the truck. The SL60 handles 6,000 pound loads in aisles as narrow as 60 inches, making it the ideal choice for the densest storage configurations .
The price premium over Bendi models is significant. A 2018 Drexel SL60 with only 1,163 hours is listed at approximately
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42,700to46,000 . This is roughly $10,000 more than a comparable hour Bendi. The reason for the higher price is twofold. The SL60 has double the load capacity at 6,000 pounds versus 3,000. And the swing mast mechanism is more complex than the articulating design, which means higher manufacturing costs and fewer units available on the used market .
A 2010 Drexel SL60 with extremely low hours, just 133, is available by request with no listed price. This machine is essentially new despite its age, and the seller expects a premium offer . For buyers who need the capacity and the narrow aisle capability, the Drexel is the only game in town.
Turret or Tri-Lateral Forklifts
Turret trucks, also called tri-lateral forklifts, represent a third VNA category. These machines have forks that rotate 180 degrees while the mast remains fixed, allowing the operator to pick from both sides of the aisle without turning. They are less common on the used market than Bendi or Drexel models.
New turret trucks from Chinese manufacturers are available for
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31,100to53,000 depending on specifications . The HULKMAN VNA16 offers 1.6 ton capacity and lift heights up to 9 meters. These are factory-direct prices, so buyers must factor in shipping, import duties, and local dealer support, which may be limited. Used Raymond or Crown turret trucks can sometimes be found for around $15,000, but they are rare and typically have high hours.
EFORK AGV VNA Forklifts
At the high end of the market, automated VNA forklifts are available. The EFORK VNA series with AGV capability is priced at approximately $85,000 . These machines navigate autonomously using laser or wire guidance, eliminating the need for an onboard operator. The price reflects the advanced sensors, navigation systems, and software integration required.
What You Need to Know Before Buying
Battery condition is the most important factor for any used VNA forklift. These machines are all electric, and a lead acid battery lasts only 3 to 5 years in daily use. If the battery is original and the forklift is five years old, factor a
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5,000to10,000 replacement cost into your budget. Some sellers offer reconditioned units with new batteries, like the Bendi B30AC listed with a 48V reconditioned battery . These are worth the premium.
Hours on the meter matter, but they are not the whole story. A VNA forklift with 4,500 hours that was used in a single shift operation on smooth floors may have significant life remaining. The same hours in a double shift environment with aggressive driving could mean the machine is nearing major overhaul. Always inspect the physical condition of the mast, carriage, and chassis.
Rental is an option for short-term needs or for testing before buying. Monthly rental rates for a Bendi B30AC range from approximately
850
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850to950 . A month-long rental allows you to verify that the machine fits your aisles, that your operators can be trained effectively, and that the productivity gains justify the purchase.
The Bottom Line
For most warehouses, the best value is a used Bendi B30AC from 2016 to 2018 with 2,500 to 4,000 hours, priced between
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30,000and45,000. This age and hour range avoids the premium of new equipment and the risk of very high-hour units, while still delivering years of service. For operations with 6,000 pound loads or aisles under 66 inches, the Drexel SL60 is the superior choice, with used prices around
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42,000to46,000 for low-hour units. For budget-conscious buyers, the new Chinese turret trucks at
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31,000to53,000 offer entry-level VNA capability, but be prepared for limited local support.
The decision to buy a VNA forklift is not just about the machine price. It is about the value of the floor space you will gain. A warehouse that reduces aisle width from 12 feet to 7 feet can add 30 to 50 percent more pallet positions without expanding the building. That space savings is worth tens of thousands of dollars per year. The VNA forklift is not an expense. It is the tool that unlocks that value. And in the current market, the prices are more attractive than they have been in years.