Nissan, the Japanese car manufacturer, has built and sold forklift trucks, also known as fork trucks or lift trucks, since 1957, but didn’t start to produce in the USA until 1988.
Every warehouse and factory has at least one forklift to do essential lifting, carrying, and stacking operations. Without them, modern manufacturing and logistics probably couldn’t operate.
But, how much do they cost to buy?
A typical Nissan forklift costs a minimum of $6,000 and a maximum of $24,000. The prices depend mainly on the fork truck’s purpose, model, fuel type, and lifting capacity. If buying a Nissan forklift is out of the question because the prices are too high for your company or you don’t need one every day, you can also rent, lease or rent-to-own. But we’ll talk about these later.
Everyone has heard of Nissan cars and trucks, and without a doubt, they rank among some of the best vehicles worldwide. So, you can expect their other vehicles, such as forklift trucks, to be equally as good. And you would be correct.
But, if you’re looking for a Nissan forklift, you’ll find they are only available as pre-owned models. This is because they now trade in the USA as UniCarriers America. However, the quality standards of their fork trucks haven’t diminished. The vehicles produced by UniCarriers America are just as well made as those produced under the Nissan brand.
So, now you know how good they are. But why would your company need a forklift truck?
Lift trucks use forks designed to carry and lift wooden, metal, or plastic pallets safely. Depending on the pallets’ design and load strength, they can move many heavy items at a time. Moreover, lift trucks then transport pallets between locations and lift them vertically to stack on warehouse racking.
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How Much Does a Nissan Forklift Cost?*
The table below gives a quick price comparison of pre-owned Nissan forklift models.
| Nissan Forklift Model | Engine Type | Capacity | Estimated Operating Hours | Cost |
| CF30 | Internal Combustion | 3,000lbs | 5,000 | $13,000-$14,000 |
| CF35LP | Internal Combustion | 3,500lbs | 2,000-6,500 | $12,500-$14,500 |
| AH50 | Internal Combustion | 5,000lbs | 10,500 | $10,000 |
| BX50 | Electric | 5,000lbs | 6,000-9,000 | $9,000-$13,000 |
| PE50Y | Electric | 5,000lbs | 4,000 | $12,000 |
| CF50 | Internal Combustion | 5,000lbs | 5,000-12,000 | $6,000-$15,000 |
| MUG1F2A30LV | Internal Combustion | 5,000lbs | 2,000 | $23,500 |
| PF50 | Internal Combustion | 5,000lbs | 1,000-3,000 | $15,000-$20,000 |
| CF60 | Internal Combustion | 6,000lbs | 8,000-9,000 | $9,500-$12,000 |
*We compiled this article based on data provided by various online resources. Therefore, you should view the specifications and prices of the above Nissan fork trucks only as examples of pre-owned models. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that forklifts with these specifications will be sold at these prices in your state. You should use the information as a starting point for individual research into purchasing a Nissan forklift based on your company’s requirements and budget.
Let’s consider the models shown in the table in a bit more detail.
Nissan CF30 Forklift
This forklift has an internal combustion engine using LPG as fuel. It also has a lifting capacity of 3,000lbs maximum and a power output of 55hp. The forks measure 42.1inches, the machine has a width of 3.19ft, and the body has a wheelbase measuring 3.91ft.
Its cushion tires suggest that you only use the vehicle on flat indoor concrete or asphalt surfaces. When laden, the fork truck has a top speed of 10.9mph. And, for added comfort, the machine has a spacious operator cab and has a fully sprung seat. The machine also has an LCD display showing feature diagnostics.
For a fork truck with operating hours of around 5,000 hours, you would expect to pay between $13,000 and $14,000.
Nissan CF35LP Forklift
This model has an LPG-fuelled internal combustion engine. It has a lifting capacity of 3,500lbs and an engine supplying 55hp with low emissions. Furthermore, the forks measure 42.1inches long, and the machine is 3.19ft wide.
The lift truck has cushion tires. Therefore an operator should only drive it on dry concrete or asphalt surfaces. Moreover, when laden, the machine travels at a top speed of 10.9mph. It also has a turning radius of 5.8ft. For an operator, the cab is roomy, has a comfortable seat, and has all electronic control systems.
A typical fork truck with 2000 operating hours costs around $14,500. In comparison, a 6,000 operating hours machine costs around $12,500.
Nissan AH50 Forklift
Using LPG as fuel and having pneumatic tires, you can use this machine on outdoor compacted surfaces and indoor concrete floors. Its engine gives ultra-low emissions, and it has a full-suspension operator seat in the cab.
This machine has a lifting capacity of 5,000lbs maximum. Furthermore, for one with 10,500 operating hours on the clock you can expect to pay around $10,000.
Nissan BX50 Forklift
This forklift has an electric motor with a top speed of 10.6mph and a turning radius of 6.15ft. It has cushion tires, so you should only use it on a concrete or asphalt surface. Moreover, the machine can lift a maximum weight of 5,000lbs.
For a model with around 6,000 operating hours on the clock, it costs around $12,000. In comparison, one with 9,000 working hours costs about $9,000.
Nissan PE50Y Forklift
This is an electric forklift and has a lift capacity of 5,000lbs. The machine has a top traveling speed of 10.6mph with a 67ft/min lift speed. Moreover, it also has a turning radius of 5.93ft.
A typical PE50Y forklift with 4,000 hours on the clock will fetch around $11,000.
Nissan CF30 Forklift
The CF30 uses LPG as fuel and has an engine power output of 55hp. The body has a wheelbase of 3.9ft and a width of 3.19ft. Moreover, the maximum fork height sits at 10.83ft, and they are 42.13 inches long.
The machine has a lifting capacity of 3,000lbs, has cushion tires, and a top speed of 10.9mph.
For a CF30 with 5,000 operating hours, you can expect to pay around $13,500.
Nissan MUG1F2A30LV Forklift
This machine has a lifting capacity of 5,000lbs and runs on LPG. It has dual-drive pneumatic tires, and some have forks with an optional side shift. Furthermore, its maximum lift height is around 15.5ft.
For one of these, with 2,000 hours on the clock, you would pay around $23,500.
Nissan PF50 Forklift
This machine has a turning radius of 7.2ft and a wheelbase of 5.3ft. Furthermore, its engine produces a power output of 55hp, and the vehicle also has a maximum speed of 11.8mph. Finally, it has pneumatic tires and a lift capacity of 5,000lbs.
For one of these, with 1,000 hours on the clock, you would pay around $20,000. Furthermore, one with 3,000 hours costs about $16,000.
Nissan CF60 Forklift
The CF60 has a lift capacity of 6000lbs, and its engine produces 63hp power output. Furthermore, it has a turning radius of 6.75ft and uses cushion tires. Therefore, you should only use it on indoor concrete or asphalt surfaces, where its maximum speed would be 11.5mph.
For one of these, with 9,000 hours on the clock, you could pay anything between $9,500 and $12,000.
Nissan Forklift Types
There are two types of Nissan forklifts:
Electric Battery Powered
A Nissan electric forklift uses rechargeable batteries to provide the energy needed to run the motor. Electric fork trucks are usually used indoors because of the associated risks when rain gets into the electrics.
Combustion Engine
An internal combustion-driven fork truck uses one of the standard fossil fuels to provide energy. Propane, diesel, and gasoline engines produce carbon monoxide fumes as part of the exhaust. Hence, companies usually restrict these to the outdoors or in buildings with plenty of ventilation.
Note: When you calculate the cost of a Nissan forklift, always include the charges associated with the type of fuel the vehicle requires.
Nissan Forklift Tire Options
There are two choices of tires for forklift trucks. However, you can often choose which type you want to be fitted to your machine. But, Some fork trucks can only accept one type. Therefore, check the tire compatibility before buying a forklift. And, don’t use cushion tires outdoors on uneven ground.
Cushion Tires
Cushion tires are solid and have a smooth surface with no tread in contact with the ground. So although there’s no chance of a puncture, they don’t have the natural cushioning effect of pneumatic tires. Furthermore, they should not be used outside on wet surfaces as they have very little traction. Instead, use them indoors on a dry concrete or asphalt floor.
Usually, cushion tires have a small turning radius, making them ideal for maneuvering in the small spaces between warehouse racking.
Pneumatic Tires
Pneumatic tires are inflated with compressed air and have a tread in contact with the road surface to provide good traction. The big advantage of this type is that they can be used indoors and outdoors, in all weathers and on all surface types. However, pneumatic tires also have a wide turning radius, so they are not usually recommended for confined spaces.
Nissan Forklift Origins
In 2013, Nissan Forklift Corporation changed its US trading name to UniCarriers America. Therefore, you’ll only find pre-owned or used Nissan forklifts for sale, with the new models sold under the UniCarriers America brand.
UniCarriers America, and Nissan before them, produce fork trucks that are more fuel-efficient than they used to be. In fact, they claim their fork trucks use 10% less fuel than their leading competitors. Therefore, Nissan fork trucks contribute to our planet’s health and give you a real and measurable cost-saving while using their vehicles.
Nissan is also at the forefront of environmental protection. Their fork truck engines were the first in the US to obtain certifications from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for the quality of their exhaust emissions.
The company has kept up to date with other current technology too. Recent pre-owned vehicles have an engine protection system that monitors its operation and warns if the motor is about to suffer a drop in oil pressure and overheat. They also have multifunctional LCD screens in the cab that keeps the operator informed at all times about the fork truck’s operation and capabilities.
Buying vs. Renting a Nissan Forklift
As someone responsible for running your company, you must ensure you spend the company’s money wisely. Forklifts are expensive, and even buying a pre-owned model will make a big hole in a company’s balance sheet. Therefore, if purchasing a new or used fork truck is beyond your budget, you can consider renting or leasing.
Mostly, fork truck rentals cost much less up-front. You might have to hand over a deposit in case of damage. But, if all goes well, this will be deducted from the final invoice when you return the machine unharmed. Whatever happens, you will also require insurance to cover major damage.
You can rent a fork truck for as long as you like. That’s daily, weekly, monthly, or longer. However, if you intend to rent for a long time, you will probably find it cheaper and more cost-effective if you take out a lease. Talk to your rental company about leasing arrangements. Moreover, they might even have a rent-to-own deal, where you pay rental payments until you have paid enough to cover the purchase price.
The main advantage of renting is that if your company doesn’t need a fork truck all the time, you need only rent when you are ready to use it. Also, if your company goes through a slow patch and you don’t need a fork truck for a few weeks, you can send it back and wait for business to perk up again before renewing the rental. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about maintenance. Apart from simple daily tasks like checking hydraulic oil and fuel levels, the rental company is responsible for everything else.
Training
One more thing to remember. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that untrained and non-certified employees cannot use a fork truck, even for a couple of hours. The solution is to train and certify at least one of your employees (aged over 18 years) as a fork truck operative. Then, when you decide to rent or lease a lift truck, you will already have a certified operator on hand.
Next Steps
Wading through a long list of forklift trucks to find the best one for your application and the most cost-effective Nissan forklift prices can be a real nightmare. You probably have better things to do with your time, like running your company.
Instead, complete the form on this page, and you will get 2 or 3 competitive quotes from companies near you that can help you rent a Nissan forklift.