Your Guide to Buying Police Impound Forklifts at Auction
Buying a forklift from a police impound auction can be a practical way to get heavy equipment at a lower price, but it also comes with risks. Understanding how these auctions work, what to look for in a used machine, and how bidding and financing operate can help you make a safer, more informed decision.
Buying a forklift through a police impound auction in the United States is very different from walking into a dealer’s showroom. Vehicles and equipment may be seized from criminal cases, abandoned, or surplus from public agencies, and they are usually sold as-is. Learning how these sales work, how to judge condition, and how pricing typically lands can help you decide whether a police impound forklift fits your needs and budget.
Understanding Police Impound Forklifts
Police impound forklifts are typically pieces of industrial equipment that have been seized during investigations, repossessed, or left unclaimed by previous owners. In some cases, they may also come from municipal or county fleets being cleared out. This mixed origin means you might find anything from heavily used warehouse machines to relatively modern units that were part of commercial fleets.
Because these forklifts are sold as-is, it is important to pay close attention to condition indicators. Check for visible leaks, rust on the mast and chassis, damaged forks, and worn tires. Look at the hour meter if available, as high hours can signal more wear on the engine, transmission, and hydraulic system. You often will not have access to full service records, so a careful visual inspection and, where allowed, a brief operational test are especially important.
Benefits of Buying Police Impound Forklifts
The main attraction of police impound auctions is the possibility of paying less than you would at a dealer or traditional used equipment marketplace. Because auctions are designed to clear inventory, starting bids can be low, and some equipment will sell for a fraction of typical retail value. For buyers with mechanical expertise or access to affordable repairs, this discount can make a big difference.
Another benefit is variety. Police impound auctions may include multiple brands and capacities of forklifts, from small electric warehouse trucks to larger internal combustion units suitable for outdoor yards. If you are flexible on brand and exact specifications, auctions can be a place to compare different options in one event. However, this variety also requires more preparation so you can quickly identify which machines actually meet your lifting capacity, fuel type, and height requirements.
Finding the Right Auction
Police impound forklift sales can be run by city or county agencies, state surplus departments, or private auctioneers contracted to handle seized property. Many of these auctions have moved online, with detailed listings, photos, and scheduled preview days. In the United States, platforms such as GovDeals, Public Surplus, and local sheriff’s or police department auction pages often list industrial equipment alongside vehicles and other seized items.
When searching for auctions in your area, review the terms carefully. Some events require registration in advance, refundable deposits to bid, or payment within a short timeframe after winning. Also check whether you can inspect the forklift in person before the auction, and learn the rules about test-starting or operating equipment on-site. Understanding these procedures ahead of time can prevent surprises on auction day and reduce the chance of buying a machine that needs more work than you can handle.
Tips for Successful Bidding
Successful auction bidding starts with setting a maximum price that fits your budget and sticking to it. Before the event, research typical resale values for similar forklifts by brand, capacity, age, and fuel type. You can look at used equipment listings, previous auction results, and dealer pricing to estimate what a comparable machine might cost through other channels. Then, adjust that number downward to account for the extra risk of limited warranties and unknown maintenance histories at an impound auction.
During the auction, avoid bidding based on emotion or competition with other bidders. It helps to write down your maximum bid for each forklift before the event begins. Factor in buyer’s premiums, sales tax, and any transport costs you will incur to move the forklift from the impound lot to your site. Remember that you are responsible for removal by a certain deadline, and late pickups can sometimes incur storage fees.
Financing Your Purchase
Even when bought at a discount, forklifts can represent a significant investment. At police impound auctions in the United States, smaller, older propane or diesel units might sell in the $2,000–$6,000 range, while newer or higher-capacity machines can reach $8,000–$20,000 or more depending on condition and brand. Some auctions require immediate payment by cash, debit, or certified funds, while others may allow short-term payment windows or online card payments.
| Product/Service | Provider | Cost Estimation (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Used 5,000 lb propane forklift | GovDeals | $2,000–$8,000 |
| Used 6,000 lb diesel yard forklift | Public Surplus | $4,000–$12,000 |
| Mixed-brand forklift auction lots | Ritchie Bros. | $3,000–$20,000+ |
| Refurbished warehouse electric lift | Local equipment dealer | $10,000–$25,000+ |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
Because many impound auctions require quick payment, traditional long-term financing is not always available directly through the auction itself. Some buyers arrange financing in advance through banks, local credit unions, or equipment finance companies, using preapproval letters or business lines of credit. When calculating your budget, consider not only the purchase price but also any immediate repairs, battery replacement for electric units, servicing of brakes or hydraulics, and the cost of transporting the forklift safely to your location.
A careful approach to buying police impound forklifts can help balance potential savings with realistic expectations about condition and repair needs. By understanding how impound inventory is sourced, learning where and how auctions are held, preparing a bidding strategy, and planning for both purchase and post-purchase expenses, you can decide whether acquiring a forklift in this way makes sense for your operations and resources.
