A forklift truck is a motorized, ride-on material-handling machine equipped with a mast and forks capable of lifting, stacking and transporting heavy loads at height. It covers several families (counterbalance, three-wheel, reach, side-loader, telescopic) and differs from the pallet truck and the stacker in its power, versatility and stricter regulatory framework.
A family of machines, not a single type
The term "forklift truck" actually covers several types of machines, suited to different needs. The counterbalance truck is the most common, available in a combustion version (diesel, LPG) for outdoor use and high power needs, or an electric version (lead-acid or lithium) for indoor use and environments sensitive to noise and emissions. The reach truck works in narrow aisles with high-level stacking. The three-wheel truck gains maneuverability in tight spaces. Side-loading and telescopic trucks meet specific needs (long loads, boom height for construction or agricultural use).
Prices vary widely by type and capacity: new, expect from €14,000 for a small electric model to over €200,000 for a high-tonnage unit; used, from €5,000 to €40,000; refurbished, from €8,000 to €60,000. By capacity, a truck up to 1.5 t sits around €14,000-20,000 new, a 2-3.5 t unit between €20,000 and €35,000, a 5-16 t unit beyond €40,000. Over 5 years, the TCO (total cost of ownership) of a 2.5 t lithium electric truck (about €26,000) remains well below that of an equivalent diesel unit (about €53,500), the gap coming mainly from energy costs.
A forklift truck is a lifting appliance subject to a VGP (general periodic inspection) every 6 months, carried out either in-house by a competent person or by an accredited body, at a cost of roughly €80 to €150 excl. VAT per machine. Its operation falls under R489 CACES, which comes in 9 categories depending on the type of truck and tonnage, category 3 (counterbalance up to 6 t) being the most in-demand.
FAQ
Which CACES is needed to operate a forklift truck?
It depends on the type of truck: category 3 for a counterbalance truck up to 6 t (the most common), category 4 beyond that, category 5 for a reach truck. The R489 CACES comes in 9 categories in total, chosen according to the equipment actually used.
Is the VGP mandatory for a forklift truck?
Yes: a forklift truck is a lifting appliance subject to a general periodic inspection (VGP) every 6 months (order of March 1, 2004), carried out by a competent person or an accredited body (Apave, Socotec, Dekra), under penalty of sanctions.
Electric or combustion forklift, which should you choose?
Electric (lithium in particular) dominates indoors thanks to lower energy costs and no emissions; combustion remains relevant outdoors for its power and range. Over 5 years, TCO clearly favors lithium.
Related terms
Pallet truck · Stacker · Reach truck · Order picker (machine) · Anatomy of a material-handling truck · CACES · VGP.
See also: R489 CACES guide, forklift truck price.
Let's check your aisles before everyone else
Rollout is starting soon in France. In the meantime, four questions are enough: your regional contact sends you back a written verdict on your site, with no price and no date attached.