2025 Tariffs Make Refurbished Forklifts the Smart Choice—Here’s Why
Forklift prices are skyrocketing in 2025—but savvy businesses are sidestepping tariffs and saving thousands. How? By choosing AAA Forklifts’ certified refurbished models. Here’s why this trend is accelerating and how you can benefit.
With the U.S. government’s new reciprocal tariffs now in effect, imported forklift prices have surged by 10-20%. For businesses in Florida and North Carolina, this means tough choices: pay inflated prices for new equipment, wait months for delivery, or find a smarter alternative. At AAA Forklifts, we’ve helped over 200 companies this year alone switch to refurbished models—saving an average of $18,000 per lift while avoiding tariff headaches.
Key Takeaways
- ✅ Save 30-50% vs. new forklifts + avoid 2025 tariffs
- ✅ Same-week delivery (no 3-4 month waits)
- ✅ Fully certified to meet OSHA standards
- ✅ Warranty & service plans available
Understanding the 2025 Reciprocal Tariffs
The 2025 trade reforms introduced reciprocal tariffs that directly impact forklift buyers. For example:
- A $50,000 imported forklift now costs $55,000-$60,000 after tariffs
- Critical components (hydraulics, batteries) face additional 15-25% duties
- Customs delays add 2-3 weeks to delivery timelines
Tariffs add $5,000-$12,000 to new forklifts—refurbished models avoid these costs entirely.
5 Reasons Refurbished Forklifts Outperform New in 2025
1. Cost-Effectiveness in a Tariff Era
One refurbished Toyota 8FGC35U (8,000 lb capacity) costs $23,995 vs. $48,000+tariffs for new. That’s enough savings to:
- Add a second forklift to your fleet
- Cover 6-12 months of maintenance
- Invest in warehouse automation
2. Immediate Availability
New forklift lead times:
| Brand | Wait Time |
|---|---|
| Toyota | 14-16 weeks |
| Hyster | 12-18 weeks |
| AAA Refurbished | 3-7 days |
3. Lower Total Cost of Ownership
Refurbished forklifts depreciate slower than new models. A 3-year cost comparison shows:
- New: $55,000 purchase + $15,000 depreciation = $70,000
- Refurbished: $23,500 purchase + $5,000 depreciation = $28,500
4. Reliable Performance
Every AAA Forklifts refurbishment includes:
Rebuilt or replaced if <80% lifespan
New seals and pressure testing
OSHA-compliant updates
5. Sustainability Benefits
Choosing refurbished reduces:
- 8,000 lbs of steel waste per forklift
- 12 tons of CO2 emissions (vs. manufacturing new)
Busting 3 Common Refurbished Forklift Myths
Myth #1: "Refurbished means worn-out"
Truth: Our 120-point inspection catches 100% of critical issues—many refurbished lifts outperform new ones due to meticulous tuning.
Myth #2: "No warranty coverage"
Truth: All our refurbished forklifts come with warranties.
Myth #3: "Limited model selection"
Truth: Our inventory includes 30+ models from Toyota, Hyster, Yale, and more.
How to Choose the Right Refurbished Forklift
Follow this decision matrix:
| Use Case | Recommended Type | Sample Models |
|---|---|---|
| Warehouse (indoor) | Electric, 3,000-5,000 lbs | Toyota 7HBRE15 |
| Construction | Diesel, 10,000+ lbs | Hyster H2.5XT |
| Food processing | Stainless steel electric | Yale ERC050VG |
🚀 Skip Tariffs & Save Big Today
Browse our in-stock refurbished forklifts—ready for immediate pickup or delivery in Florida and North Carolina.
View Available Forklifts →Frequently Asked Questions
Do refurbished forklifts come with a warranty?
Yes! AAA Forklifts offers customizable warranty options covering critical components for 6-24 months.
How quickly can I get a refurbished forklift?
Most units are available for same-week pickup or delivery—we serve Orlando, Tampa, and Raleigh with next-business-day delivery options.
Ready to Avoid Tariffs? Contact Us Today
Raleigh Location
2700 Gresham Lake Rd #0440
Raleigh, NC 27615
Phone: (919) 925-2217
Hours: Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM
Ready to Beat the Tariffs?
Browse our in-stock refurbished forklifts available for immediate delivery:
View Available Inventory →Serving Orlando, Tampa, Raleigh and surrounding areas with next-day delivery options.
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