Complete Guide to Straight Mast Forklifts: Models and Pricing
Last Updated: October 16, 2023
Fact Checked By: Ryan Maguire
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Summary: Straight Mast Forklift Pricing #
Generally, the cost of a new straight mast forklift can range from $20,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the specifications and features.
On the other hand, used straight mast forklifts can be more budget-friendly, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 or more.
A straight mast forklift, also called a vertical mast forklift, is a lift truck that can only move loads up and down. It is contrasted with a telescopic forklift that has a boom, which can be extended vertically and at angles. Straight mast forklifts are commonly employed as rough-terrain lifts at construction sites to move heavy materials, although they are also suitable for indoor conditions where palletized materials need to be carried and lifted.
Here are typical price ranges for new and used straight mast forklifts:
New straight mast forklifts
Small 3,000-5,000 lb capacity: $15,000 - $30,000
Mid-size 5,000-10,000 lb capacity: $25,000 - $45,000
Large 10,000-15,000+ lb capacity: $40,000 - $60,000
Used straight mast forklifts
Small 3,000-5,000 lb capacity: $5,000 - $15,000
Mid-size 5,000-10,000 lb capacity: $10,000 - $25,000
Large 10,000-15,000+ lb capacity: $15,000 - $35,000
Straight Mast Forklift Sample Costs #
Owing to local price differences and individual customer needs, the actual cost of a straight mast forklift can vary considerably. The prices below are only meant to serve as a rough outline of vertical mast forklift costs.
| Forklift Type | Capacity | Price Range (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Mast Electric Forklift (Indoor) | 5,000 lbs. | $20,000 - $30,000+ |
| Vertical Mast Internal Combustion Forklift (Indoor) | 5,000 lbs. | $15,000 - $30,000+ |
| Straight Mast Internal Combustion Forklift | 10,000 lbs. | $25,000 - $50,000 |
| Vertical Mast Internal Combustion Forklift | 35,000 lbs. or more | $100,000+ |
| Straight Mast Rough Terrain Forklift | Less than 6,000 lbs. | $40,000 - $50,000 |
| Vertical Mast Rough Terrain Forklift | 6,000 to 10,000 lbs. | $50,000 - $60,000 |
| Straight Mast Rough Terrain Forklift | 10,000 lbs. or more | $90,000 - $100,000 |
Renting a straight mast forklift could cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 per week or more, depending on the vehicle's dimensions and capabilities. Check out our article on new and used forklift pricing to learn more.
Straight Mast Forklift Owners on Prices Paid #
We interviewed several owners to learn what they paid for straight mast forklifts. Here are their real-world pricing examples:
Our small shop bought a used 4,000 lb Toyota 8FGCU15 straight mast electric forklift for $12,500 last year.
We paid $38,000 for a new 6,000 lb capacity Nissan FD-F2 straight mast LP gas forklift in 2022.
I found a used 2010 Cat EP10K electric straight mast forklift with 10,000 lb capacity for $19,000 at a dealer auction.
Our warehouse needed more capacity so we purchased a new 15,000 lb Yale GDP150VX straight mast for $58,000.
We bought a used 2011 Toyota 8FGCU30 straight mast lift rated for 6,000 lbs for only $15,500 online.
The factory paid $42,000 for a new 10,000 lb capacity Hyster H10XM-12 straight mast forklift last year.
I acquired a used 2015 5,000 lb capacity Nissan FD-F5 straight mast lift for $16,800 from a wholesaler.
We gathered these first-hand accounts to provide real-world examples of prices paid for straight mast forklift models.
Selecting a Vertical Mast Forklift #
When choosing a straight mast forklift for purchase, there are several key factors that need to be considered, including:
- Worksite Conditions: You must determine whether a vertical mast forklift is going to be used primarily inside or outside. A lift truck that will see the bulk of its action outdoors at construction sites should be of the heavy-duty variety and outfitted with rough terrain air-filled tires so that it can operate in variable conditions.
On the other hand, a forklift intended for indoor use can have either cushion tires or pneumatic tires. Also, if you intend to operate a forklift indoors or on mostly flat surfaces, 2WD will suffice, but on rough, muddy construction sites, 4WD is usually necessary.
- Load capacity, height, and type: Forklifts not only have different weight capacities, but they also differ in terms of the height they can safely lift a given load.
For example, a truck with a 10,000 lb. capacity may only be able to safely lift a load weighing that much to 15 feet; at a maximum height of 30 feet, its capacity might dip to around 4,000 lbs.
A forklift's capacity is based on how far the load's center of gravity is from the carriage, and the type of materials being transported and how they are packed could necessitate a higher capacity.
Mast type: Two types of masts, clear view and free-lift, are available on vertical mast forklifts.
Engine size: Different sized gas, diesel, and liquid propane gas (LPG) engines are available depending on a machine's capacity and lift.
Cab design: There are huge differences in the size, comfort, layout, and visibility of forklift cabs.