A guide to leasing forkift trucks

The market for forklift trucks continues to grow in line with significant demand, at least according to the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) who wrote this article. The wider demand for forklift trucks is driven by the critical role that they play in modern warehouse spaces, particularly in terms of safety and optimising productivity when picking, packing and organizing goods. Of course, the procurement of forklift trucks represent an example of capital expenditure, and some businesses may find that leasing offers a more viable option. We’ll explore this below, while considering its benefits and how you can get started!

What are the Benefits of Using Forklift Trucks?

Prior to the introduction of forklift trucks, warehouses relied on manual labor when lifting, carrying and sorting heavy duty items. This put employees at a greater risk of incurring back and muscle injuries, while also impacting negatively on efficiency and productivity by reducing manoeuvrability and load capacity. Forklift trucks have resolved both of these issues, by making it much safer to pick, pack and internally transport heavy duty goods while simultaneously improving the speed, scale and efficiency of internal shipping processes. Arguably, the introduction of specific lanes and routes for forklift trucks has further improved warehouse safety, while leading to the creation of more organized spaces with a much more efficient level of operation.

Can You Lease Forklift Trucks – And What are the Benefits of This?

Of course, not all forklift trucks have been created equal, particularly in terms of their size or capacity. This also causes issues in terms of price, with the UK market including vehicles ranging from just £3,500 to in excess of £30,000.

While vehicles in the latter range represent a huge capital expenditure, these also tend to be of higher quality and more likely to deliver a return on investment. Conversely, cheaper models may have a shorter life span and be more likely to break down over time, incurring significant maintenance and upgrade costs more regularly. 

The good news is that leasing offers a viable alternative in the current marketplace, as this enables you to minimise your initial capital expenditure and unlocks several benefits overall. These include: