Counterbalance forklift finance
The workhorse of most UK warehouses, and one of the most straightforward machines in the building to put on a finance agreement.
Whole-of-market — 60+ lenders searched, including
Can you finance a counterbalance forklift?
Yes. A counterbalance forklift is among the easiest assets in a warehouse to fund. It is a serialised, wheeled machine with its own chassis plate, a deep UK used market and resale values a funder can look up, so it is normally written as hire purchase, a finance lease or contract hire against the truck itself. Used trucks are funded routinely. The thing that catches buyers out is hours rather than age — a five-year-old truck that has run two shifts will be valued well below a slightly older machine with light use and a service history.
Used kit: Yes — used counterbalance trucks are funded as a matter of course, with most funders comfortable to around ten years old where hours are moderate and a service record exists.
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What would a counterbalance forklift cost per month?
Business asset finance is quoted on a flat rate, so that is what this shows — with the equivalent APR underneath, because the two are not the same number. A quick guide only; your actual rate depends on the asset, term, deposit and lender.
Representative example: on Hire Purchase, borrowing £25,000 over 48 months at a 6.0% flat rate (equivalent to 11.5% APR representative), you would repay around £646 a month; total amount repayable approximately £31,000, of which £6,000 is the cost of finance. This calculator is for illustration only — it is not a quote or an offer of finance, and the rate and repayments you are offered will depend on the asset, term, deposit and your circumstances. CW Asset Finance is a credit broker, not a lender, and may receive a commission from the lender that funds your agreement. All finance is subject to status, affordability and lender approval. CW Asset Finance is an Appointed Representative of Rural Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 630701).
How lenders treat it
These go through weekly and rarely cause an argument. Counterbalance trucks sit firmly in the hard-asset bracket: identifiable by serial number, easy to inspect, and saleable through established UK dealers and auction houses if a funder ever has to recover one. Most will write them on hire purchase, finance lease or contract hire, and contract hire is common because the supplying dealer wraps servicing, thorough examination and tyres into a single payment. Three things get checked. Whether the truck will live on a customer site rather than the hirer’s own premises. Whether attachments such as clamps or rotators are invoiced separately and need listing on the agreement. And whether a part-exchange settlement is being rolled in, which thins the asset cover.
Makes and models we fund
Examples of the machines we are asked to fund. This is not an exhaustive list — if what you are buying is not here, it does not mean we cannot fund it. Your supplier quote is what the agreement is written against.
| Machine | What it is |
|---|---|
| Toyota Tonero 8FG25 | Two and a half tonne engine forklift |
| Toyota Traigo 48 | Four wheel electric counterbalance truck |
| Linde H25 | Two and a half tonne counterbalance truck |
| Linde H35 | Three and a half tonne engine forklift |
| Hyster H2.5FT | Mid range counterbalance forklift |
| Yale GDP25VX | Diesel counterbalance forklift for yard work |
| Mitsubishi FD25N | Diesel counterbalance truck for uneven ground |
| Doosan D25S | Diesel counterbalance forklift for general handling |
| Caterpillar DP25N | Diesel counterbalance forklift with side shift |
| Jungheinrich DFG 425 | Diesel counterbalance forklift for busy yards |
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Who buys one
Usually a manufacturer, food producer or third-party logistics operator replacing a truck that has come off contract, or a growing business buying outright after years of short-term hire. The trigger tends to be a renewal quote that has jumped sharply, a failed thorough examination on an ageing machine, or a second shift being added so the existing truck no longer covers the hours it is being asked to do.
Get a quoteor call 07581 364281
How it is treated for tax
Bought on hire purchase, business plant and machinery normally qualifies for capital allowances on the full cost even though you pay for it monthly, which is a large part of why hire purchase is the common structure. On a finance lease you generally set the rentals against profit instead. The rules change between budgets and your position depends on how you trade, so treat this as the direction of travel and get your accountant to confirm the detail before you commit.
Counterbalance forklift finance questions
Can I finance a forklift bought from a dealer auction rather than a main dealer?
Usually, though it depends on the funder. Auction purchases are harder because there is no supplier warranty and often no service history, so some funders will decline or ask for a larger contribution. A private or auction sale also needs a proper invoice and proof of ownership before anything can be paid out.
Is it better to buy the truck or take contract hire?
It depends on whether you want to own it at the end. Hire purchase gives you title once the agreement finishes, which suits a truck you expect to keep for years. Contract hire bundles maintenance and hands the machine back, which suits fleets that want a predictable cost and no residual risk.
Do I need the thorough examination certificate before finance is drawn down?
Not usually for a new truck, since the supplier will issue one on delivery. On a used machine some funders will want sight of a current LOLER thorough examination certificate, because a truck that cannot legally be used is a truck that cannot generate the income to pay for itself.
Can attachments be included on the same agreement?
Yes, as long as they are on the supplier invoice and described properly. Clamps, rotators, fork positioners and extended carriages all add real value and are worth listing. Where an attachment is bought separately from a third party it can normally still be added, but it needs its own invoice and serial number.
What happens if my business is new and has no filed accounts?
It is still doable. Forklifts are strong security, so funders will often look at a new business where the directors have relevant trade experience and there is a clear contract or order book behind the purchase. Expect more questions about the directors themselves and a larger upfront contribution than an established trader would face.
Get a quoteor call 07581 364281
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Not an offer of finance. All finance is subject to status, affordability and lender approval.
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Tell us what you’re looking to fund and Conor will come back to you personally — usually the same day.
Prefer to talk? Call 07581 364281 · serving Leeds, York, Harrogate, Wakefield, Selby, Tadcaster & across North & West Yorkshire.