Raymond Corporation is a major U.S. forklift manufacturer owned by Toyota

Raymond Corporation builds and sells forklifts, reach trucks, and warehouse equipment from its factories in North Carolina and Georgia. Toyota bought the company in 2002 and still operates it as a separate brand. If you are looking at a forklift for your business, you will encounter Raymond models alongside brands like Toyota, Crown, and Hyster — and understanding what Raymond makes and how their pricing works will help you compare options.

Raymond is known for reach trucks (the tall narrow machines that stack pallets high in tight aisles) and for mid-range forklifts that cost less than premium brands but more than the cheapest imports. The company sells through authorized dealers across the United States, not directly to customers. You cannot walk into a Raymond factory and buy a machine; you work with a local dealer who handles sales, delivery, financing, and service.

The company also rents equipment short-term and offers used machines, so your route depends on whether you need to own, rent, or test before committing. Each path has different costs and terms.

Key Takeaways

  • Raymond forklifts range from small electric models to large gas-powered machines, with prices varying by type, capacity, and whether you buy new or used.
  • You buy Raymond equipment through authorized dealers in your area, not from the company directly, and dealers handle financing and service contracts.
  • New Raymond forklifts typically cost between $15,000 and $50,000 depending on the model, while used machines cost less but may have higher maintenance risk.
  • Raymond offers rental programs for short-term needs, allowing you to test equipment before buying or cover seasonal demand without ownership costs.
  • Service and parts availability depend on your local dealer, so location matters when choosing between Raymond and competing brands.

Raymond forklift models and what they are built for

Raymond makes several main product lines. Reach trucks are the company's signature product — they have a mast that extends forward to grab pallets without the whole machine moving forward, so they fit in narrow aisles and stack higher than standard forklifts. Reach trucks cost more than basic forklifts but save space in warehouses and distribution centers.

Counterbalance forklifts are the traditional forklift shape: the load sits in front, the weight of the machine balances it, and the whole machine moves forward to pick up a pallet. Raymond makes electric and gas versions. Electric models are quieter and produce no fumes, so they work indoors; gas models cost less upfront but require ventilation and fuel supply.

Pallet jacks and walkie stackers are smaller, lighter machines for moving pallets short distances or stacking them a few feet high. These are the lowest-cost Raymond products and suit small warehouses or retail stockrooms.

Raymond also makes turret trucks (which rotate the load 90 degrees to fit into narrow spaces) and order pickers (which lift an operator up to grab items from high shelves). These are specialized machines for specific warehouse layouts and tasks.

New versus used Raymond forklifts and pricing

A new Raymond forklift typically costs between $15,000 and $50,000, depending on the model and capacity. A small electric pallet jack might be $12,000 to $18,000. A mid-size reach truck might be $30,000 to $45,000. A large counterbalance forklift with high capacity could exceed $50,000. These are approximate ranges; your actual price depends on options (side shift, load backrest, cabin), capacity (how many pounds it can lift), and your dealer's pricing.

Used Raymond machines cost 40 to 60 percent less than new, but you inherit unknown maintenance history and repair risk. A used reach truck might cost $12,000 to $25,000. A used pallet jack might be $5,000 to $10,000. Dealers sometimes sell used equipment; private sellers and auction sites also carry Raymond machines. Buying used makes sense if you have a mechanic who can inspect it or if you can afford unexpected repairs.

Most buyers finance new equipment through the dealer or through a third-party lender. Financing terms vary, but a typical lease or loan runs three to five years. Monthly payments on a $30,000 forklift might be $600 to $800 depending on the term and your credit. Ask your dealer what financing options they offer and whether they work with specific lenders.

Renting Raymond equipment instead of buying

If you need a forklift for a few months, a seasonal spike, or to test before buying, Raymond dealers offer short-term rentals. Rental rates vary by location and machine type, but expect to pay $400 to $1,200 per month for a mid-size forklift, depending on the model and your area. A pallet jack might rent for $150 to $400 per month. Reach trucks typically rent for $600 to $1,500 per month.

Rental agreements usually include basic maintenance and roadside support. You pay for fuel or electricity, and you are responsible for damage beyond normal wear. Rental makes sense if you have a temporary project, seasonal business, or want to try a model before committing to a purchase.

Some dealers offer rent-to-own programs, where part of your monthly rental payment counts toward a future purchase. This lets you test the machine and spread the cost, though the total price is usually higher than buying outright.

Finding a Raymond dealer and comparing service options

Raymond equipment is sold through authorized dealers, not directly from the company. To find dealers near you, visit the Raymond website and use their dealer locator, or search "Raymond forklift dealer near me." Dealers vary in size and service quality, so contact a few and compare their prices, service response times, and parts availability.

When you buy or rent from a dealer, ask about their service agreement. Most dealers offer maintenance contracts that cover routine service, repairs, and emergency support. A typical contract might cost $100 to $300 per month depending on the machine and coverage level. Some contracts include parts and labor; others cover labor only and you pay for parts separately.

Service response time matters if your forklift breaks down. Ask the dealer how quickly they can send a technician and whether they offer loaner equipment while yours is being repaired. Dealers in urban areas usually respond faster than those in rural areas. If your business depends on the forklift running every day, a dealer with fast response and good parts stock is worth paying more for.

Electric versus gas Raymond forklifts

Raymond makes both electric and gas-powered forklifts. Electric models run on rechargeable batteries, produce no emissions, and are quiet. They work indoors without ventilation. They cost more upfront (typically $5,000 to $10,000 more than gas) but have lower fuel and maintenance costs. Battery replacement costs $3,000 to $8,000 every five to ten years depending on the model.

Gas-powered models cost less upfront and refuel quickly, so they suit outdoor work or high-use environments where you cannot afford downtime for charging. They require ventilation indoors and produce fumes. Fuel costs vary with gas prices, but expect to spend $200 to $500 per month on fuel for a machine in regular use.

Choose electric if you work indoors, have a place to charge overnight, and plan to keep the machine for five or more years. Choose gas if you work outdoors, need to refuel quickly, or use the machine only occasionally.

What to ask a Raymond dealer before you buy or rent

Before signing a purchase or rental agreement, ask your dealer these questions: What is the total cost including delivery and setup? What does the service agreement cover, and what does it cost per month? How fast can they respond to a breakdown? Do they stock common parts, or do they order them? What is the warranty on a new machine, and does it transfer if you sell it used? Can you test-drive the machine before committing? What financing options do they offer, and what are the interest rates?

Get quotes from at least two dealers so you can compare prices and service. A dealer offering a lower price but slow service may cost you more in downtime than a dealer charging slightly more but responding within hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Raymond forklift last?

A well-maintained Raymond forklift typically lasts 10,000 to 15,000 hours of use, which is roughly 5 to 10 years depending on how heavily you use it. Electric machines often last longer than gas machines because they have fewer moving parts. Regular maintenance extends the life; neglect shortens it.

Can I buy a Raymond forklift online?

No. Raymond sells only through authorized dealers. You cannot order directly from the company or from an online retailer. Contact a local dealer to discuss your needs and get a quote. Some dealers may show inventory online, but you still purchase through them.

What is the difference between a Raymond reach truck and a standard forklift?

A reach truck has a mast that extends forward, so it can grab a pallet without moving the whole machine forward. This saves space in narrow aisles and allows higher stacking. A standard forklift moves forward to pick up a pallet, so it needs more aisle space but is simpler and often cheaper.

Do I need a license to operate a Raymond forklift?

Yes. OSHA requires that anyone operating a forklift, including Raymond models, have formal training and a valid operator certificate. Your employer or dealer can arrange training. The certificate does not expire, but many employers require refresher training every three years.

What happens if a Raymond forklift breaks down and I am renting it?

Contact your dealer when ready. Most rental agreements include support, and the dealer will either repair it on-site or send a loaner while yours is being fixed. Response time depends on your location and the dealer's workload. Ask about response time guarantees before you sign the rental agreement.