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Gable Business Finance is a specialist UK asset finance broker supporting businesses that rely on
material handling equipment to operate efficiently, safely, and competitively. One of the most
important categories of material handling equipment we finance is forklifts – including
counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, and stackers – used every day across
warehouses, factories, logistics hubs, ports, retail distribution centres, and industrial sites.
Forklifts are business-critical assets. They support the lifting, movement, stacking, and storage of
palletised goods and materials, forming the backbone of internal logistics in almost every sector of
the UK economy. Whether electric, diesel, or gas powered, forklifts are essential to productivity,
health and safety compliance, and supply chain reliability.
Asset finance allows businesses to acquire the right forklifts without tying up working capital.
Gable Business Finance arranges flexible, practical funding solutions for UK businesses of all sizes,
from start-ups purchasing their first truck to multi-site operators managing large forklift fleets.
Forklifts are the most widely used type of materials handling equipment in the UK. They are designed
to lift, carry, and place palletised goods efficiently within confined operational environments.
Across the UK, forklifts are used in:
Without forklifts, most modern logistics and manufacturing operations would not function at scale.
Their reliability, flexibility, and lifting capability make them a core operational investment.
Gable Business Finance arranges funding for all major forklift categories used in the UK materials
handling industry. Each type is designed for specific operational environments and storage
strategies.
Counterbalance forklifts are the most common type of forklift used in the UK. They are designed with
a weight at the rear of the truck that counterbalances the load carried at the front, allowing
stable lifting without additional outriggers.
These forklifts are widely used for:
Counterbalance forklifts are available in electric, diesel, and LPG (gas)
configurations, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Electric models are
particularly popular in food, retail, and clean environments, while diesel and gas trucks are often
used outdoors or in heavy-duty applications.
Because of their versatility and long service life, counterbalance forklifts are ideal candidates
for asset finance.
Reach trucks are designed for high-density warehousing where maximising vertical storage space is a
priority. They feature extending forks and stabilising legs that allow operators to reach deep into
racking systems while maintaining stability.
Reach trucks are commonly used in:
These trucks are almost exclusively electric and are designed for indoor use. They enable
businesses to increase storage capacity without expanding warehouse footprint, making them a
strategic investment supported by structured finance.
Stackers are compact lifting machines used for stacking pallets and handling loads over short
distances. They are available as pedestrian-operated, ride-on, or platform-based units.
Stackers are widely used by:
Their lower purchase cost compared to full forklifts makes them attractive to SMEs, and asset
finance allows businesses to upgrade from manual handling equipment while preserving cash flow.
The choice between electric, diesel, and gas forklifts depends on operating environment, duty cycle,
and emissions requirements.
Electric forklifts are increasingly dominant in the UK due to their low emissions, quiet operation,
and suitability for indoor environments. Advances in battery technology have significantly improved
runtime and performance.
Diesel forklifts are commonly used outdoors and in heavy-duty applications where high torque and
continuous operation are required.
Gas forklifts provide a balance between electric and diesel, offering lower emissions than diesel
with the flexibility of rapid refuelling.
Gable Business Finance structures funding based on the operational suitability of each power type,
ensuring repayments align with usage and productivity.
Forklifts are revenue-enabling assets, but purchasing outright can place unnecessary pressure on
working capital. Asset finance provides a practical alternative.
Key reasons businesses finance forklifts include:
Gable Business Finance ensures forklift funding supports operational efficiency rather than
restricting it.
Hire purchase allows businesses to own their forklift outright at the end of the agreement. The
business uses the truck from day one while spreading the cost over an agreed term.
This option is ideal for forklifts that form a long-term part of the operational fleet.
Leasing provides flexibility where businesses prefer to upgrade forklifts regularly or do not
require ownership. Lease payments are fixed and predictable.
Forklifts already owned outright can be refinanced to release cash tied up in assets. This is often
used to fund expansion, fleet upgrades, or working capital.
Many UK businesses purchase used or refurbished forklifts to manage costs. Forklifts are durable
machines with long service lives when properly maintained.
Gable Business Finance can arrange funding for:
This flexibility allows businesses to choose equipment based on operational need rather than lender
restriction.
Yes. Used forklifts of any age can be financed, subject to condition and suitability.
Yes. Fleet finance solutions are available for businesses operating multiple trucks.
Yes. Electric forklift batteries, chargers, and accessories can usually be included.
Yes. New and young businesses may still qualify, depending on structure and affordability.
Terms usually range from three to five years, aligned with forklift age and usage.
Forklift Finance from Gable Business Finance helps UK businesses acquire
counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, and stackers through flexible asset finance solutions.
Funding is available for electric, diesel, and gas forklifts, new or used, with hire purchase,
leasing, and refinance options available.
Forklifts are the backbone of the UK materials handling industry. From warehousing and logistics to
manufacturing, retail distribution, ports, and construction, forklifts enable the efficient movement
of goods, materials, and pallets that keep supply chains running.
At Gable Business Finance, we arrange asset finance for a wide range of forklift makes, models, and
configurations commonly purchased by UK businesses. Our role is not to dictate which forklift a
business should buy, but to ensure that once the right machine is selected, funding is structured in
a way that supports cash flow, operational efficiency, and long-term growth.
This guide explores the most commonly purchased forklift brands and types in the UK,
why they are popular, and how Gable Business Finance supports businesses in financing them through
hire purchase, leasing, and contract hire solutions.
The UK forklift market is mature, highly competitive, and technology-driven. Businesses demand
machines that are reliable, efficient, safe, and suited to increasingly diverse operating
environments.
Two broad trends dominate UK forklift purchasing:
Most UK businesses choose forklifts based on total cost of ownership, dealer support, availability of
parts, and suitability for specific tasks. These factors directly influence which brands and models
are most commonly financed.
Gable Business Finance regularly arranges funding for all leading forklift manufacturers active in
the UK. The following brands are among the most commonly purchased and financed due to their strong
dealer networks, proven reliability, and suitability for UK operating conditions.
Toyota is one of the most dominant forklift brands in the UK and globally. Known for reliability,
consistency, and strong residual values, Toyota forklifts are used across warehousing, manufacturing,
retail, and logistics.
Toyota electric counterbalance forklifts are particularly popular in UK warehouses due to their
energy efficiency and durability. IC models are also widely used in yards and loading bays.
Because of their long service life and predictable performance, Toyota forklifts are very well suited
to hire purchase and lease finance structures.
Linde is especially well regarded in the UK for high-quality electric forklifts and reach trucks.
Their machines are commonly found in high-density warehousing and logistics environments where
operator comfort, precision handling, and efficiency are critical.
Linde reach trucks are a common choice for businesses investing in narrow-aisle and high-bay storage
systems. Gable Business Finance frequently arranges finance for these trucks as part of wider
warehouse optimisation projects.
Hyster forklifts are known for robust construction and suitability for demanding applications.
They are commonly used in manufacturing, ports, heavy distribution, and recycling environments.
UK businesses often select Hyster IC forklifts for outdoor use where durability and lifting power are
key priorities. These machines are regularly financed through hire purchase agreements aligned with
long working lives.
Yale forklifts share strong market presence with Hyster and are widely used across UK warehouses,
logistics hubs, and industrial sites.
Yale electric counterbalance and reach trucks are popular choices for businesses seeking reliable,
cost-effective materials handling solutions supported by a strong dealer network.
Manitou is particularly well known in the UK for telehandlers and rough-terrain forklifts used in
construction, agriculture, and outdoor industrial environments.
Telehandlers financed by Gable Business Finance are commonly used for pallet handling, loading, and
placing materials at height on sites where conventional forklifts are not suitable.
Still forklifts are frequently seen in UK logistics and manufacturing operations, particularly for
electric warehouse trucks and reach trucks.
Their focus on energy efficiency and advanced control systems makes them popular with businesses
seeking to modernise fleets and reduce operating costs.
Combi-Lift specialises in multi-directional forklifts designed to handle long and awkward loads such
as timber, steel, and construction materials.
UK manufacturers, timber merchants, and building materials suppliers often invest in Combi-Lift
trucks to improve space utilisation and reduce manual handling risks.
Kalmar forklifts and container handlers are commonly used in ports, terminals, and heavy industrial
applications.
These high-capacity machines represent significant capital investments and are typically financed
over longer terms to reflect intensive usage and long service lives.
While many brands are available, the majority of forklift purchases in the UK fall into a small
number of core categories. Gable Business Finance structures funding solutions around these commonly
used asset types.
Counterbalance forklifts are the most widely purchased forklifts in the UK. They are used for general
materials handling tasks such as loading vehicles, moving pallets, and stacking goods.
Electric counterbalance forklifts dominate indoor environments due to low emissions, quiet operation,
and suitability for warehouses and food-related industries.
Internal combustion counterbalance forklifts, using diesel or LPG, remain popular for outdoor yards,
loading docks, and heavier-duty tasks.
Reach trucks are essential for high-density storage environments. They allow businesses to maximise
vertical space by accessing tall racking systems safely and efficiently.
UK distribution centres and e-commerce fulfilment operations frequently invest in reach trucks to
increase storage capacity without expanding warehouse footprint.
Pallet trucks are among the most commonly purchased handling assets in the UK due to their simplicity
and low cost.
Electric pallet trucks are increasingly favoured for reducing operator fatigue and improving
efficiency in high-throughput environments.
Telehandlers are widely used in construction, agriculture, and industrial yards where extended reach
and lifting capability are required.
They combine the functions of forklifts and lifting equipment, making them versatile assets
frequently financed through hire purchase.
Forklifts are essential assets, but outright purchase can restrict cash flow and limit business
flexibility. Asset finance provides a practical alternative.
Key reasons UK businesses finance forklifts include:
Hire purchase is the most popular finance option for forklifts in the UK. It allows businesses to own
the forklift outright at the end of the agreement while spreading costs over time.
HP is particularly suited to forklifts that form a long-term part of operational infrastructure.
Leasing is commonly used where businesses prefer flexibility or plan to upgrade forklifts regularly.
Lease agreements offer predictable monthly payments and can be aligned with usage.
Contract hire is often used for larger fleets or where businesses want to include maintenance and
support within a single monthly cost.
UK businesses frequently purchase used or refurbished forklifts to manage costs. High-quality
forklifts are designed for long service lives when properly maintained.
Gable Business Finance arranges funding for:
Forklift Finance from Gable Business Finance supports UK materials handling businesses
financing popular forklift brands such as Toyota, Linde, Hyster, Yale, Manitou, Still, Combi-Lift, and
Kalmar. Funding is available for electric and IC counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, pallet
trucks, and telehandlers through hire purchase, leasing, and contract hire solutions.
The UK forklift market is built around a core group of trusted brands and proven machine types that
support day-to-day materials handling across all major industries.
By arranging flexible finance for the most commonly purchased forklifts, Gable Business Finance helps
UK businesses invest in reliable, efficient equipment while protecting cash flow and supporting
long-term operational success.
© 2026 Gable Business Finance. Specialist asset finance brokers for the UK materials handling and
logistics sector.
Forklifts are essential to the UK materials handling industry, supporting productivity, safety, and
supply chain efficiency. Choosing the right finance solution is as important as choosing the right
truck.
The following case studies demonstrate how Gable Business Finance supports UK businesses with
material handling requirements by arranging tailored finance solutions for forklifts. These
examples reflect real-world operational challenges across warehousing, manufacturing, construction,
retail, ports, recycling, and agriculture, where reliable forklifts are essential to productivity,
safety, and supply chain performance.
A fast-growing e-commerce fulfilment business operating a large distribution centre in the South
East was experiencing increased order volumes and higher pallet throughput. The business needed
additional electric counterbalance forklifts and reach trucks to support rapid picking, stacking,
and vehicle loading.
Gable Business Finance arranged a fleet hire purchase solution covering multiple electric forklifts,
including batteries and chargers. By spreading the cost over five years, the business preserved
working capital while expanding capacity and maintaining fast delivery times.
A national logistics and third-party warehousing provider required a fleet upgrade across several
UK distribution centres to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
Gable Business Finance structured a leasing solution for new electric counterbalance forklifts and
reach trucks, enabling predictable monthly costs and planned fleet renewal without large upfront
expenditure. The upgrade improved efficiency and reduced maintenance issues across multiple sites.
A manufacturing plant producing engineered components required forklifts to transport raw
materials to production lines and move finished products to storage and despatch.
The business invested in new LPG counterbalance forklifts for indoor and yard use. Gable Business
Finance arranged hire purchase funding aligned with production output, allowing the manufacturer to
improve workflow while retaining cash for tooling and staff investment.
A construction contractor working on multiple large sites required rough-terrain forklifts and
telehandlers to move steel beams, blocks, and pallets of materials across uneven ground.
Gable Business Finance arranged asset finance for used telehandlers sourced privately, enabling the
contractor to access reliable equipment quickly while managing project cash flow effectively.
A national retail chain operating large warehouse-style stores needed forklifts to support bulk
stock deliveries, rapid replenishment, and back-of-house inventory management.
Gable Business Finance arranged contract hire funding for electric counterbalance forklifts, allowing
the retailer to maintain a modern fleet with predictable monthly costs and minimal capital
commitment.
A UK port operator required high-capacity forklifts and container handlers to support cargo handling
and yard operations.
Gable Business Finance structured long-term hire purchase finance reflecting the intensive use and
long service life of the machines. This enabled the port to modernise equipment while aligning
repayments with cargo throughput revenues.
A recycling and waste management facility handling paper, plastics, and metals required high-capacity
forklifts to move bulk materials efficiently between processing areas and outbound vehicles.
Gable Business Finance arranged funding for refurbished diesel forklifts with specialist attachments,
allowing the operator to improve throughput while managing capital expenditure.
An agricultural cooperative operating grain stores and distribution centres needed rough-terrain
forklifts to handle feed, fertiliser, and produce across outdoor and semi-covered environments.
Gable Business Finance arranged hire purchase funding for new and used forklifts, supporting seasonal
cash flow while ensuring reliable material handling during peak periods.
A wholesale distributor supplying hospitality businesses wanted to transition from diesel forklifts
to electric models to reduce emissions and improve indoor air quality.
Gable Business Finance structured a refinance and replacement solution, releasing capital from older
assets and funding new electric forklifts through a lease agreement. The transition improved working
conditions and supported sustainability goals.
A start-up warehouse operation launching a regional distribution service required its first set of
forklifts to begin trading.
Gable Business Finance arranged asset finance for used counterbalance forklifts purchased from a
dealer, enabling the business to commence operations without significant upfront capital investment.
These case studies illustrate how Gable Business Finance supports a wide range of UK businesses with
material handling requirements by arranging practical, flexible finance for forklifts.
From e-commerce warehouses and manufacturing plants to construction sites, ports, recycling
facilities, and farms, forklift finance solutions enable businesses to invest in essential equipment
while preserving cash flow and supporting growth.
Gable Business Finance combines sector knowledge with flexible funding to support businesses
investing in forklifts that keep goods moving. Whether you require a single counterbalance forklift
or a full warehouse fleet, our role is to make finance straightforward, commercial, and aligned with
your operational goals.
© 2026 Gable Business Finance. Specialist asset finance brokers for the UK materials handling and
logistics sector.