When it comes to investing in big-ticket items like forklift trucks, it’s only natural to focus on the upfront cost. Everyone wants to make a smart financial decision… but focusing on the sticker price alone can end up costing you far more in the long run.
The reality is that the initial purchase is just the tip of the iceberg. To truly get value from your investment, you need to think about the bigger picture: long-term reliability, servicing, maintenance, after-sales support, and the safety of your operators.
Let’s look at why a low upfront cost isn’t always the best deal — and how you can make a forklift investment that delivers real value for your business.
Looking beyond the price tag
On the surface, a cheaper forklift might seem like a no-brainer. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll start to see that what really matters is Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
TCO includes everything from servicing and maintenance to unplanned downtime, parts, repairs, and even replacement costs if things go wrong. In many cases, that “bargain” forklift could end up being the most expensive choice.
Choosing a trusted supplier with proven reliability, fast support, and expert engineers is one of the smartest business decisions you can make.
Regular servicing: more than just a formality
Servicing might not be the most glamorous part of owning a forklift, but it’s vital. A regular, comprehensive service plan keeps your trucks performing at their best and helps prevent small problems from turning into big, expensive ones.
Without a proper plan in place, you risk:
Our engineers are highly trained professionals who work to the highest industry standards. They carry fast-moving parts on their service vans and are backed by well-stocked warehouses and a global network. That means faster fixes, genuine parts, and minimal disruption to your operation.
Protecting your people, not just your equipment
Cutting costs on service and maintenance doesn’t just put your investment at risk — it puts your people at risk too.
Imagine driving a car without knowing whether the brakes are in good condition. You wouldn’t take that risk. So why should your operators be expected to work with forklifts that haven’t been properly maintained?
Mechanical failures can lead to serious accidents, even fatalities. And all too often, these incidents are caused by faults that could have been identified and addressed with regular servicing. We’ve seen countless times where site managers have thought “Oh, there’s no way it’ll happen here” simply because it hadn’t happened yet. And that’s before getting onto the financial and reputational damage to the business.
After-sales support that actually supports you
The best suppliers don’t just deliver your truck and disappear. They’re there when you need them most. When you need them, they’ll be there with proactive support, expert advice, and everything else they can do to keep your operation moving.
Here’s how to tell if a supplier is worth your trust:
A reliable supplier will be able to prove their worth. If you can’t find solid evidence of their expertise, think twice.
With Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, you’re never on your own. Our UK-wide network means help is always nearby, and our engineers are always equipped to get you back up and running quickly.
The hidden cost of going cheap
As mentioned previously, it’s all too easy to be tempted by a low purchase price. But it’s what happens after delivery that really determines value. Cheaper trucks and suppliers are more likely to cut corners on service, response times, and parts availability.
Ask yourself:
In most cases, the cheapest option turns out to be the most expensive in the long run.
Why work with Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks?
We don’t just sell you a truck and move on. We build long-term partnerships with our customers.
We know that uptime, safety, and peace of mind matter just as much as price.
Here’s what sets us apart:
We understand how demanding materials handling operations can be. That’s why we’ve built our services around what matters most to you: reliability, efficiency, and value for money.
When you buy a forklift, you’re not just buying a machine — you’re making a long-term investment in your business. And the choices you make now will shape your operation for years to come.
That’s why it’s important to look beyond the initial price tag — and why so many businesses place their trust in Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks.
When reliability, safety, and long-term support matter, partnering with the right supplier makes all the difference. To find out how we can support your operation, call us on 0845 3713048 or get in touch via our contact form.