More and more factories are considering robotic forklifts to replace manual labor, especially as labor costs rise and hiring becomes more challenging. But here’s the big question: is it better to rent a robotic forklift or buy one outright? Let’s break it down and see which option is the best fit for your business.
1. How Much Does a Robotic Forklift Cost?
Before deciding whether to rent or buy, it’s important to understand the pricing.
Right now, a standard robotic forklift costs between $40,000 and $80,000, while high-end models can exceed $100,000.
Besides the forklift itself, there are some additional costs:
- Installation and setup
- Regular maintenance
- Software updates
- Replacement of wearable parts
That said, many customers report that maintenance costs are quite low since robotic forklifts rarely break down. They find the system reliable and easy to manage.
Take one factory, for example. They introduced an intelligent forklift and immediately reduced their labor costs. At the same time, their material handling efficiency improved. After factoring in savings on wages, overtime, and lost productivity, they recovered their investment in just 2-3 months. From that point on, the forklift essentially started making money for them.
2. What About Renting a Robotic Forklift?
Benefits of renting:
- Low upfront cost– just pay a monthly fee.
- No repair worries– the supplier handles maintenance.
- Flexibility– stop renting anytime if it’s no longer needed.
Typical rental pricing:
- $1,500 – $3,500 per month, depending on the model.
- Most suppliers require annual contracts, with better rates for longer terms.
While renting sounds convenient, a three-year rental adds up to $54,000 – $126,000—enough to buy a brand-new forklift. Plus, at the end of the rental, you don’t own the equipment.
3. Renting vs. Buying: Which Is Better?
| Factor | Renting | Buying |
| Upfront Cost | Low | High |
| Long-term Cost | Keeps increasing | Pays off in 2-3 months, then saves money |
| Maintenance | Supplier handles it | Owner’s responsibility |
| Flexibility | High, ideal for short-term use | Better for long-term stability |
| Technology Updates | Can switch to new models | Can upgrade the software |
| Best for | Short-term, temporary needs | Long-term cost savings |
For short-term projects or temporary demand, renting offers flexibility. But if you want long-term cost efficiency, purchasing is the smarter move.
4. When Does Buying a Robotic Forklift Make Sense?
Many factory owners initially consider renting, but after doing the math, they realize buying is the better deal. Here’s why:
- Labor costs are high, and robotic forklifts help save a lot on wages.
- The business is stable, and automation will be useful for years to come.
- They prefer ownership, avoiding frequent equipment swaps.
One customer implemented a robotic forklift with an intelligent logistics system. Within two weeks, it was fully operational. After a few months, labor costs dropped by 40%, and efficiency increased by 30%.
They chose Reeman, a specialist in robotic forklifts, because the company offers a two-week return policy in China. If the forklift didn’t meet their needs, they could return it with no hassle.
Many experienced suppliers like Reeman provide end-to-end solutions, including model selection, system design, deployment, training, and after-sales support, making the transition to a
utomation much easier.
5. Final Recommendation: What’s the Best Option for Most Businesses?
If your goal is long-term cost savings and efficiency, buying a robotic forklift is the better choice.
Right now, robotic forklift prices are stable, and many suppliers offer risk-free trials. The sooner you invest in smart logistics, the more you save over time.
For businesses that can recover costs in just 2-3 months, there’s really no reason to hesitate.
If you’re considering purchasing a robotic forklift, reach out to the Reeman team. They can provide a customized ROI analysis and help you choose the best solution for your factory.
