Understand the Cost of a Telescopic Forklift: Your Ultimate Guide
Last Updated: October 15, 2023
Fact Checked By: Ryan Maguire
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Summary: Telehandler Forklift Prices #
A used telehandler forklift will average between $30,000 and $60,000 while a brand new machine will cost as much as $70,000 to $200,000. Rental rates range from $250 to $1,000+ daily.
A telescopic forklift, also known as a telehandler or teleporter, is a type of industrial lift truck that is equipped with a telescopic boom that can extend and retract to reach higher or lower heights.
This allows the operator to lift and transport heavy loads without the need for a ladder or scaffolding. Telescopic forklifts are commonly used in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing industries for tasks such as material handling, loading and unloading trucks, and lifting heavy equipment.
They are versatile and efficient machines that can be used in a variety of indoor and outdoor applications.
Telehandler Forklifts Prices #
New Telehandler Forklifts
- Small (up to 10,000 lbs): $70,000 - $120,000
- Medium (10,000 - 15,000 lbs): $120,000 - $170,000
- Large (over 15,000 lbs): $170,000 - $200,000+
Used Telehandler Forklifts
- Small (up to 10,000 lbs): $30,000 - $60,000
- Medium (10,000 - 15,000 lbs): $50,000 - $100,000
- Large (over 15,000 lbs): $70,000 - $140,000+
Telehandler Rental
- Small: $250 - $400 per day
- Medium: $400 - $700 per day
- Large: $700 - $1,000+ per day
Other pricing factors:
- Hours of use: More hours means lower price
- Condition: Well-maintained units cost more
- Options: Attachments add cost
You can learn more about new and used forklift pricing by reading our comprehensive guide: New and Used Forklift Pricing: A Buyer's Guide.
Top Telehandler Models #
Here are some of the top telehandler forklift brands, models, and price ranges:
JCB 540-170
- Capacity: 6,000 - 10,000 lbs
- Price: $80,000 - $120,000
Caterpillar TH414
- Capacity: 5,500 - 8,800 lbs
- Price: $70,000 - $100,000
Manitou MLT 625
- Capacity: 6,000 lbs
- Price: $70,000 - $110,000
Genie GTH-5519
- Capacity: 5,500 lbs
- Price: $45,000 - $75,000
JLG G5-18A
- Capacity: 5,000 lbs
- Price: $70,000 - $100,000
Skyjack SJIII 3219
- Capacity: 3,200 lbs
- Price: $60,000 - $90,000
Merlo P40.7
- Capacity: 8,800 lbs
- Price: $80,000 - $120,000
Prices vary based on lift height, options, and condition. But these tend to be among the most popular telehandler models purchased new or used.
Telehandler Buying Experiences #
Here are some real-world examples of telehandler forklift purchases:
I bought a used JCB 507-42 telehandler with 5,000 lb capacity and 42 ft lift height for $45,000. It had around 8,000 hours but was in good condition for our construction business.
We purchased a new Caterpillar TH514C telehandler with 8,000 lb capacity fully loaded for $140,000. A huge investment but needed for our increasing equipment lifting needs.
I found a used Genie GTH-644 telehandler with 6,000 lb capacity auctioned off at $65,000. It's an older model but has worked reliably for affordable lifts.
We rented a JLG G5-19A telehandler with 5,500 lb capacity for $375/day to help install roof trusses on a construction project. Got the job done with the reach height we needed.
I own a farm and bought an older used JCB 507-42 telehandler with 4,500 lb capacity for $35,000. It was in our price range and has been great for lifting hay bales.
CostOwl.com note: Need a forklift at an affordable price? Fill out the 30 second questionnaire below and our forklift partners will send you free price quotes.
Advantages of a Telehandler Forklift #
A telescopic forklift is a powerful machine that can provide a number of benefits to your business. The most desirable features of telehandlers include:
Versatility: The ability of telehandler forklifts to perform the work of both cranes and lift trucks makes them a mainstay in industries such as mining, agriculture, and construction, though the machines could also be adapted for use at wholesale businesses such as lumberyards and many other workplaces. Their capacity to perform large and small jobs in a multitude of settings makes them the "Swiss Army Knife" of forklifts.
Precise positioning: The ability of a telehandler to move loads upward and forward allows them to do much more than conventional forklifts. Despite their large size, telescopic forklifts are quite maneuverable and can be positioned and repositioned quickly and easily. Whether you need to move people, materials, or both, a telehandler will put them right where they need to be with no wasted time.
Telescopic Forklift Options #
Telehandlers are available with a number of different features and can be customized to suit the particular conditions they are being used in. Major options include:
- Steering: The possible steering modes on telescopic forklifts include two wheel, four wheel, and crab.
- Attachments: Adding to a telehandler's versatility is its ability to be outfitted with numerous attachments specific to the job at hand such as tongs for picking up drums, flat panels for non-palletized items, buckets for transporting workers, a palate fork, and muck grab.
Other popular options include side shift, which allows a load to be moved left and right without moving the truck, and tilt mast, which provides greater stability and maximum ease of loading the truck on uneven ground.
- Safety/ergonomics: While safety features such as flashing lights and backup indicators are standard, there are many optional systems that can be used to aid in the stability of a telehandler, which can be prone to tipping when the center of the boom load is too far from the front wheels.
The quality of the control and seating ergonomics also vary quite a bit among telehandler makes and models.
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