Donkey Forklift For Sale
Donkey offers some of the fastest and most versatile truck-mounted forklifts in the material handling equipment industry. From lightweight, all-terrain pallet jacks to heavy-duty container-handling, you've got a wide range of models to choose from.
And that's why selecting the perfect model for your job at hand can become confusing.
We're here to help. We've put hours of in-depth research to show you the best new and used Donkey forklifts for sale on the market today.
Continue reading to learn more.
Donkey Forklift Models
1. Donkey 5.5K Series Forklifts
- Best for large projects and heavy loads
- 120" or 144" lift height
- Load capacity of up to 5,500 pounds
2. Donkey 3K Series Forklifts
- Most well-rounded
- 70" to 120" lift height
- Load capacity of up to 3,000 & 4,000 pounds
3. Burro Forklifts
- Best for tackling smaller projects
- 65" lift height
- Load capacity of up to 3,000 pounds
4. Low-Profile Series Forklift
- Best for low-profile spaces
- 67" lift height
- Load capacity of up to 4,000 pounds
A Specific Donkey Model For Every Need
Donkey 5.5K Series Forklifts - Best for Large Projects and Heavy Loads
When you need a model that can handle the largest projects and the heaviest loads, the Donkey 5.5K Series is the place to look. These pieces of equipment offer supreme power and durability with the longest standard reaches in the industry today. With incredible centralized weight distribution, the 5.5K series also offers some of the lowest ground pressure of any industry forklift, allowing you to get more work done with greater efficiency.
The 5.5K Series offers a load capacity of up to 5,500 pounds and a standard height of up to 120”. It also comes with a real beast of a diesel engine — the Kubota Tier-4 Compliant diesel engine, which has 50 horsepower.
Pair that with the standard three-wheel drive, and you'll never have to worry about getting enough power.
Buyers can customize their forklifts with three different tire types, including Standard, Terra, and Turf, making Donkey an even better choice for flexibility.
Overall, when it comes to heavy-duty material handling jobs, you won't see models in the Donkey lineup that can offer the same high performance at this level.
Cost
While the exact pricing depends on the year and condition, as well as the dealer, a new 2022 Donkey Series D14-5.5K forklift goes for around $74,900.
Donkey 3K Series Forklifts - Most Well-Rounded
Donkey's 3K series forklifts are some of the lightest, fastest, and most versatile forklifts made in the USA. They provide all-around value which is difficult to find elsewhere. The 3K series comes with a 3,000-pound lift capacity and a standard 70” lift height. In fact, this 70” lift height is one of the longest standard reaches in the industry.
Features in the 3K Series Donkey forklifts that come standard with the other models in the Donkey lineup as well, include a smart backup alarm, a strobe light, and a side shift. For added strength and power, you'll get a 6-speed transmission paired with a Tier-4 Kubota diesel engine.
If you're working on larger projects, the max speed of 15 mph is incredibly helpful.
There are several options you can choose from to optimize your equipment's capabilities, including a block heater, an auxiliary hydraulic valve kit, a Donkey rear axle, a Donkey glide, a high-capacity pump, and extension step, a sunshade, a fork positioner, a lumber guard, and even a Donkey horn that replaces the sound of a standard horn with the sound of a braying donkey.
If you're in need of an efficient workhorse, you've just found it.
Cost
While exact pricing depends on the year and condition, as well as the dealer, a new 2022 Donkey Series D12-3K forklift goes for around $47,000.
Burro Forklifts - Best for Tackling Smaller Projects
The Burro model is best suited for tackling smaller projects. These forklifts are small but mighty, and intuitive to operate.
At only 1,800 pounds, it is a lightweight machine with a surprising lift capacity of 3,000 pounds.
What's truly important to note is that Burro trucks are the only walk-behind models with motorized designs.
The Burro was made to be used on paved surfaces, parking areas, or other graded areas. It comes equipped with a powerful Honda GX390 engine, which uses an electric start for efficient operation.
It also has a hydraulically driven rear wheel and a spring-applied hydraulic release brake for a higher level of safety.
Though small, the Burro utilizes a strong and reliable single-stage, 65” mast, perfect for unloading just about any kind of truck or trailer. The adjusted reach forks have a standard 24” reach. The Burro comes equipped with rear work lights, forward work lights, and strobe lights.
Cost
While exact pricing depends on the year and condition, as well as the dealer, a new 2022 Donkey Series B13 forklift goes for around $22,000.
Low-Profile Series Forklifts - Best for Low-profile Spaces
If you're working in small spaces, the Low-Profile series Donkey is for you. It is one of the lightest and most affordable forklifts in the lineup, and can lift up to 4,000 pounds. Thanks to its lightweight design and strong engine, it can get up to a top speed of 15 mph, greatly improving delivery times in long-haul situations.
This model comes with a wide range of useful features, including a smart backup alarm, a strobe light, and a standard side shift. It is also equipped with a Kubota diesel engine and a six-speed GM transmission.
What differentiates this low-profile model from others on the market is that it is the only single-axle truck-mounted machine. It also delivers the longest standard reach in it's class.
We highly recommend this forklift for any job requiring a two-stage low clearance, as the lift height is 67”.
Cost
While exact pricing depends on the year and condition, as well as the dealer, a new 2022 D12-4K Low-Profile Donkey Series forklift goes for around $52,000.
Should I Buy A Used Donkey Forklift?
The beauty of buying used is that you can save tons of money on the initial payment. Buying a used forklift makes sense if you're planning on using it for single-shift operations or for less than a few hours each day. This general rule only applies if you're dealing with a forklift that is in good shape.
Purchasing a used Donkey forklift can be a cost-effective alternative if you're buying from a reputable dealer. Ask for service records to see if the machine has been well-maintained and inspected at regular intervals. We don't recommend purchasing a used forklift from an anonymous classified platform, such as Craigslist. It is all too common for independent sellers to pawn off poorly maintained equipment to unknowing buyers.
Repairs will most likely need to be made sooner with used Donkey forklifts than if you were to buy a new machine. Plan for downtime where you will not be able to use the machine while it is being repaired. Overall, this downtime should not cost your company as much as it would to purchase new equipment.
Competing Brands
Hiab
Hiab is a widely recognized manufacturer with some of the best truck-mounted forklifts in the industry today.
This company has made a name for itself as a reputable and innovative material-handling equipment producer.
Hiab produces a wide range of forklifts for full-service delivery operations and warehousing facilities.
One of the standout characteristics of Hiab lifts is their high-end unloading functionalities, which is one of the reasons they've become so common in warehouse applications.
Hyster
Another almost instantly recognizable name in the material-handling equipment industry is Hyster.
This global manufacturer produces a vast vehicle range, from electric forklifts to pallet trucks to narrow aisle trucks and more.
Innovation is one of the key differentiators of Hyster.
You'll have access to features that you won't find anywhere else including automated operating assistance and long-lasting Lithium-ion batteries.
Yale
When it comes to long-lasting material-handling equipment companies, Yale is a mainstay in many industries. They've been in business since 1875, and are one of the key equipment producers in the USA. Yales' lineup is one of the most diverse we've seen.
Yale can certainly sell its products by simply focusing on innovation in its marketing.
However, expert forklift users know that having an accessible range of parts and service stores is equally as important. With such a wide network throughout the USA, you'll never have to worry about finding a new part when you need it.
Plus, because it's such a popular forklift brand, finding mechanics who are familiar with Yale maintenance is also easy to come by.
Whichever forklift model you're looking for, it's our job to get you specific pricing information in your area. We get dealers to compete for your business, resulting in the best deals. There is zero commitment to make a purchase and while our FREE service won't cost you a penny, it's our job to save you quite a few. Answer the quick questions below to let us know what you're in the market for and get free quotes today.
Tim Postlethwaite // Staff Writer
