Every narrow aisle has a physics problem: standard forklifts cannot carry long loads sideways, and dedicated side loaders cannot do general pallet work. Multi-directional forklifts solve that by letting the operator choose the travel direction without turning the machine. Combilift, Hubtex, Aisle-Master, and a handful of other manufacturers have built this into practical trucks that run in both indoor racking operations and outdoor yards. One machine, both functions.
That versatility comes at a price. Entry-level Combilift C-Series units start around $80,000 new. Larger capacity models, electric variants for indoor use, and heavy-duty outdoor configurations push into the $150,000 to $250,000 range. Used units from major manufacturers in serviceable condition typically run $45,000 to $120,000 depending on hours, condition, and configuration.
We finance multi-directional forklifts from $50,000, new or used, indoor or outdoor spec'd. The deal structure can be a purchase loan, a lease with a buyout option, or a sale-leaseback if you already own one of these machines and want to free up working capital. B and C credit situations are handled regularly. Most funded deals close in seven to fourteen days.
Customers who run multi-directional machines often also carrydedicated side loadersfor their heaviest long-load work andreach trucksfor standard racking aisles. We package mixed fleets in single applications.
How Multi-Directional Machines Work and Why That Affects Underwriting
Multi-directional forklifts achieve their flexibility through independently steerable wheels. The operator can select longitudinal, transverse, or diagonal travel modes while the mast and forks face one direction. That independent steering system is more complex than a standard counterbalance drivetrain, which has two direct implications for financing: higher replacement cost and smaller pool of qualified buyers if the machine ever needs to be resold.
Lenders who do not specialize in material handling equipment sometimes treat multi-directional machines as unusual collateral and either decline or add a significant margin to the rate. We underwrite them as the productive assets they are and price accordingly.
The key underwriting factors for these machines are:
- Manufacturer and model. Combilift and Hubtex units have established resale markets. Less-known imports can be harder to value.
- Hours on the independent steering system and drivetrain. These components carry the wear, not just the mast.
- Power source. Electric multi-directionals with aging battery packs require a battery replacement cost to be factored into the deal value.
- Configuration: whether the machine is set up for indoor-only use (non-marking tires, limited clearance) or outdoor-capable (pneumatic tires, higher ground clearance).
We ask about all of these on the application not to slow you down, but to give you an accurate structure the first time rather than a bait-and-switch after the appraisal.
Operations That Run Multi-Directional Forklifts
The customer base for multi-directional financing breaks down roughly into three groups.
First are long-product manufacturers and distributors. Timber processors, aluminum extrusion houses, pipe and tube distributors, and steel service centers all move material that cannot fit on a standard pallet. A multi-directional machine lets these operations use conventional racking layouts while still handling bar stock, profiles, or lengths that would ordinarily require a dedicated side-load lane.
Second are facilities with constrained floor space. Some plants cannot spare the aisle width that a standard counterbalance requires. Multi-directional units can often operate in narrower lanes because the operator has more control over the truck's travel orientation relative to the load. Operations inmanufacturing facilitieswith older layouts particularly benefit from this.
Third are operations that consolidate multiple truck types into one. A business running a combination of a counterbalance and a side loader can sometimes replace both with a single versatile multi-directional unit, reducing fleet size, maintenance complexity, and training requirements. That consolidation makes a strong financial case that we can put into the deal structure.
We also regularly finance these machines forlumber and building material operationsthat need to handle mixed SKUs ranging from palletized goods to long bundled stock in the same facility.
Financing Terms and What to Expect
Terms for multi-directional forklift financing typically run 36 to 72 months depending on machine age, deal size, and your preference. Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but less total cost. Longer terms keep the monthly lower and preserve more working capital. We do not push you toward one structure. We show you options and let you decide what fits your operation.
For application-only transactions under $400,000, we do not require tax returns or financial statements. Recent operating statements and the purchase details are sufficient for most deals. Over $400,000, we supplement with financials, but the process is still significantly faster than a conventional bank loan.
Our deal options include:
- Equipment loan:You own the machine from day one, make fixed monthly payments, and it is yours at the end of the term
- FMV lease:Lower monthly payments, option to purchase at fair market value at end of term or return the machine
- Dollar-buyout lease:Functionally similar to an equipment loan; you pay $1 at the end and it is yours
- Sale-leaseback:Sell a machine you already own to the lender, lease it back, and put the proceeds to work in the business
B and C credit operators should know that we have funded deals with prior tax liens, previous bankruptcies, and credit scores well below conventional thresholds when the current bank statements show real cash flow. We underwrite the business as it is running today, not what the score says about three years ago.
Get Your Multi-Directional Forklift Funded
Combilift, Hubtex, Aisle-Master, or another brand. New or used, indoor or outdoor. We fund from $50,000 with no tax returns required under $400,000. Completed forklift packages usually fund inside seven to fourteen days. We also finance the full fleet, includingspecialized attachments, in one deal. For used machine purchases, ourauction and private-party financinghandles the title coordination.