In 2025, the access equipment industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and forklift dealers are at the forefront of this evolution. As demand for versatile, safe, and efficient material handling solutions continues to grow, forklift dealers are no longer limiting their offerings to just forklifts.
Instead, they are expanding their access equipment range to meet the evolving needs of industries like construction, warehousing, logistics, retail, and manufacturing.
Here’s a closer look at how access equipment forklift dealers are broadening their portfolios and what this means for businesses in 2025.
Forklift dealers traditionally specialised in selling, leasing, and servicing forklifts of various types, from counterbalance and reach trucks to pallet jacks and order pickers. Today, many of these dealers are diversifying their lineups to include a wider array of access equipment, such as:
By offering this broader range, dealers are becoming one-stop shops for businesses that require not just horizontal lifting and moving, but also vertical access and height-related solutions.
Workplace safety regulations are becoming more stringent, and businesses are increasingly prioritising equipment that enhances worker safety and reduces downtime. Dealers are responding by stocking access equipment that features:
By providing these cutting-edge machines, dealers are helping businesses stay compliant and operate more efficiently.
Many companies are moving away from outright purchasing equipment and are instead turning to short- or long-term rental and leasing options. Forklift dealers have adapted by expanding their rental fleets to include access equipment. This allows customers to:
Rental flexibility has become a key competitive advantage for dealers, especially as construction and warehousing projects often have fluctuating demands.
With the expansion into access equipment, forklift dealers are also enhancing their after-sales services. This includes:
These services not only help customers maximise uptime but also build long-term loyalty and trust with the dealer.
Forklift dealers are increasingly using digital tools to improve the customer experience. In 2025, expect to see more:
These tools make it easier for customers to select, manage, and maintain their access equipment, giving dealers a competitive edge.
To expand their access equipment offerings, many forklift dealers are partnering with leading equipment manufacturers or distributors. These partnerships allow dealers to offer trusted brands and gain access to specialised machines that may have previously been outside their expertise. For customers, this means a wider selection of high-quality equipment, backed by local dealer support.
As industries continue to evolve, so too will the demands placed on equipment suppliers. Forklift dealers that proactively expand their access equipment range will be well-positioned to meet the diverse needs of customers across sectors. Whether it’s through innovative products, flexible rental programs, enhanced services, or digital tools, these dealers are shaping the future of the access equipment market.
For businesses, this expanded offering presents an exciting opportunity: access to comprehensive lifting solutions from trusted local partners, helping improve safety, efficiency, and profitability.
The access equipment landscape in 2025 is all about adaptability, innovation, and customer focus. Forklift dealers that embrace this shift are transforming from single-category providers into full-service partners, offering everything businesses need to work safely and efficiently at height. If you’re in the market for lifting or access solutions this year, keep an eye on your local forklift dealer — they’re likely to have far more to offer than you expect.
