Equipment Financing
0% Down Available on All Brands
Axiant Partners finances all major forklift brands — Clark, Toyota, Crown, Hyster, Yale, and 200+ more. 0% down available for qualified borrowers regardless of brand. Terms 36–84 months.
- ✓ 0% down for qualified borrowers
- ✓ All brands including Clark, Toyota, Crown
- ✓ New and used forklifts
- ✓ Startups and established businesses
- ✓ Decision in 24–48 hours
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Clark Forklift Financing — Complete Model Guide
The original forklift inventor since 1917. C-series cushion, GEX electric, CMP pneumatic, and GTX large capacity models with 2024 prices, used values, and Clark Financial Services terms.
Key Facts: Clark Forklift Financing
- Parent Company: Clark Material Handling International (Seoul, South Korea)
- Founded: 1903 (Buchanan, MI) — Invented the forklift in 1917
- OEM Financing: Clark Financial Services (CFS)
- Price Range: $18,000 (entry C-series) to $120,000 (GTX large capacity)
- Best Seller: C30 (3,000 lb cushion) at $22,000–$32,000
- Key Series: C-series cushion, GEX electric, CMP pneumatic, GTX large capacity
- Used Market: Strong — Clark is among the top 5 most traded forklift brands at auction
About Clark Equipment — The Original Forklift Inventor
Clark Equipment Company holds a unique distinction in material handling history: it invented the forklift. In 1917, a Clark engineer built the Tructractor — a three-wheeled, gasoline-powered vehicle designed to move heavy transmissions and axles around Clark's Buchanan, Michigan manufacturing facility. The Tructractor became the direct ancestor of every forklift built since. By 1920, Clark was selling the Tructractor commercially, and the modern forklift industry was born.
Over the century since that invention, Clark has evolved from a Michigan manufacturer into a globally traded brand owned by Clark Material Handling International, headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The brand is distributed across North America through an extensive dealer network, and Clark remains one of the top ten forklift brands by global sales volume. The historical significance of Clark's 1917 invention is recognized throughout the material handling industry.
For equipment financing, Clark carries important advantages: the brand is universally recognized by equipment lenders, the large installed base supports strong used values, and Clark Financial Services provides streamlined OEM financing. When a lender reviews a Clark forklift application, they understand the collateral — which speeds approvals and can improve terms for qualified borrowers.
Internal links: Forklift Financing Guide | Warehouse & Material Handling Financing | Toyota Forklift Financing | Crown Forklift Financing | Hyster-Yale Forklift Financing
Clark C-Series Cushion Tire Forklift Financing
The Clark C-series is the core indoor warehouse forklift line, featuring cushion (solid) tires optimized for smooth concrete floors. These are the most commonly financed Clark models, covering capacities from 3,000 to 8,000 lbs — the range that handles the vast majority of pallet and material handling work in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing plants.
| Model | Capacity | Power | New Price | Used Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C15 | 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) | LPG/Diesel | $18,000–$24,000 | $7,000–$12,000 | Compact indoor |
| C30 | 3,000 kg (6,600 lb) | LPG/Diesel | $22,000–$32,000 | $9,000–$15,000 | Best-selling Clark model |
| C35 | 3,500 kg (7,700 lb) | LPG/Diesel | $25,000–$35,000 | $11,000–$17,000 | |
| C40 | 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) | LPG/Diesel | $28,000–$38,000 | $12,000–$18,000 | |
| C50 | 5,000 kg (11,000 lb) | LPG/Diesel | $33,000–$45,000 | $14,000–$21,000 | Heavy indoor duty |
Clark GEX Electric Counterbalance Forklift Financing
The Clark GEX series covers electric counterbalance forklifts — the increasingly preferred choice for indoor operations due to zero emissions, lower operating costs, and quieter operation. Electric forklifts cost more upfront than LPG equivalents but deliver substantially lower operating costs: no fuel, less maintenance, and regenerative braking extends battery life. Lenders increasingly favor electric forklifts because battery-powered equipment holds value more predictably.
| Model | Capacity | Battery | New Price | Used Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEX15 | 1,500 kg | 48V Lead-acid / Li-ion | $22,000–$30,000 | $9,000–$14,000 | Small warehouse |
| GEX20 | 2,000 kg | 48V Lead-acid / Li-ion | $26,000–$36,000 | $11,000–$16,000 | |
| GEX30 | 3,000 kg | 48V / 80V Li-ion | $32,000–$44,000 | $13,000–$19,000 | Most popular GEX |
| GEX35 | 3,500 kg | 80V Li-ion | $37,000–$50,000 | $15,000–$22,000 | |
| GEX50 | 5,000 kg | 80V Li-ion | $45,000–$55,000 | $19,000–$27,000 | Heavy electric |
Clark CMP Pneumatic Tire Forklift Financing
Clark CMP pneumatic forklifts are designed for outdoor use, loading dock operations, and mixed indoor/outdoor applications where air-filled tires provide better traction on uneven or rough surfaces. CMP models run on LPG or diesel and cover the same capacity range as C-series cushion models. Pneumatic models command a slight price premium but offer greater versatility for operations with outdoor storage yards or uneven floor surfaces.
| Model | Capacity | Power | New Price | Used Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMP15 | 1,500 kg | LPG/Diesel | $20,000–$27,000 | $8,000–$13,000 | Outdoor/dock use |
| CMP30 | 3,000 kg | LPG/Diesel | $25,000–$36,000 | $10,000–$16,000 | |
| CMP40 | 4,000 kg | LPG/Diesel | $30,000–$40,000 | $13,000–$19,000 | |
| CMP50 | 5,000 kg | LPG/Diesel | $35,000–$50,000 | $15,000–$22,000 | Heavy pneumatic |
Clark GTX Large Capacity Forklift Financing
The Clark GTX series handles heavy-lift applications beyond the reach of standard counterbalance forklifts — steel service centers, paper mills, lumber yards, manufacturing plants, and ports where lift capacities from 6,000 to 25,000+ lbs are required. Large capacity forklifts are specialty equipment that most lenders approve on the strength of the borrower's financial statements rather than brand alone. Clark's established reputation in this segment supports straightforward approvals.
| Model | Capacity | Power | New Price | Used Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTX60 | 6,000 kg (13,200 lb) | LPG/Diesel | $35,000–$55,000 | $15,000–$25,000 | Entry large capacity |
| GTX80 | 8,000 kg (17,600 lb) | Diesel | $45,000–$70,000 | $19,000–$32,000 | |
| GTX100 | 10,000 kg (22,000 lb) | Diesel | $60,000–$85,000 | $26,000–$40,000 | Port/mill duty |
| GTX160 | 16,000 kg (35,200 lb) | Diesel | $80,000–$105,000 | $35,000–$52,000 | |
| GTX200 | 20,000 kg (44,000 lb) | Diesel | $95,000–$120,000 | $42,000–$62,000 | Heavy industrial |
Clark vs Toyota vs Crown — Forklift Financing Comparison
| Criterion | Clark C30 | Toyota 8FGU30 | Crown FC 5200 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Price (3,000 lb) | $22,000–$32,000 | $28,000–$38,000 | $30,000–$42,000 |
| Brand Recognition | Very strong | Industry leader | Very strong |
| 5-Year Resale | 35–45% | 45–55% | 40–50% |
| Lender Approval Rate | Very good | Excellent | Excellent |
| OEM Financing | Clark Financial Services | Toyota Financial Services | Crown Credit |
| Service Network | Strong | Largest in industry | Strong |
| Historical Legacy | Invented the forklift 1917 | Since 1956 | Since 1945 |
| Parts Availability | Good | Excellent | Very good |
| Best For | Value + heritage | Best overall recognition | Ergonomics focus |
Clark Financial Services — Financing Details
Clark Financial Services (CFS) is the OEM captive financing program for Clark forklifts in North America, operating through the authorized Clark dealer network. CFS provides equipment loans with terms of 36–72 months for new equipment and 24–60 months for certified used equipment purchased through dealers. Applications are typically processed within 24–48 hours for businesses with 2+ years of operating history and 650+ FICO scores.
CFS also offers fair market value (FMV) leases, which lower monthly payments by leaving a residual at lease end. FMV leases work well for operations that upgrade equipment every 5–7 years. The $1 buyout lease (finance lease) functions as a loan — you pay essentially the full value over the term and own the equipment at the end. For tax purposes, businesses should consult with their accountant on whether an operating lease (FMV) or finance lease ($1 buyout) is more advantageous under current Section 179 and bonus depreciation rules.
Fleet financing through CFS simplifies documentation for operations purchasing 3 or more units. A single master credit agreement can cover multiple machines, and ongoing fleet additions can be processed with a streamlined approval process. Fleet customers may also negotiate volume-based rate improvements, particularly for orders of 10+ units.
Forklift Financing Options — Clark and All Brands
| Financing Type | Provider | Best For | Typical Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| OEM Loan | Clark Financial Services | New Clark equipment | 36–72 months |
| OEM FMV Lease | Clark Financial Services | Equipment upgrades, lower payments | 36–60 months |
| Independent Lender Loan | Beacon Capital, ENGS, Crest Capital | Any brand, faster approval | 48–72 months |
| Bank/Credit Union | Regional banks | Established businesses, lowest rates | 48–72 months, prime +1–2% |
| Fleet Financing | Clark Financial Services, independents | 3+ unit purchases | Master agreement, 48–72 months |
| Fintech (under $25K) | Clicklease, Balboa Capital | Startups, minimal documentation | 24–48 months |
| Section 179 | Any lender | Year-end tax planning | Full deduction up to $1.16M (2024) |
Ready to Finance a Clark Forklift?
Get matched with lenders who specialize in Clark forklifts — from entry-level C15 models to heavy-capacity GTX series. All credit profiles considered.
Frequently Asked Questions — Clark Forklift Financing
Did Clark really invent the forklift?
Yes. Clark Equipment Company invented the first powered industrial truck — called the Tructractor — in 1917 at its Buchanan, Michigan facility. The invention came from Clark's need to move heavy transmissions and axles around its manufacturing plant. By 1920, Clark was selling the Tructractor commercially, and the design evolved directly into what we recognize today as the modern forklift. Clark's 1917 invention is universally credited in the industry as the origin of the forklift.
What financing does Clark Financial Services offer?
Clark Financial Services (CFS) is the OEM captive financing arm for Clark forklifts, operating through authorized Clark dealers. CFS offers standard equipment loans (36–72 months), fair market value (FMV) leases, and $1 buyout leases. Applications are typically processed within 24–48 hours for established businesses. CFS also provides fleet financing programs for operations purchasing multiple units, which can simplify documentation and may offer volume-based rate improvements.
How does Clark forklift resale value compare to Toyota and Crown?
Clark forklifts hold solid resale values, typically retaining 35–45% of new value at 5 years for well-maintained electric models. Toyota forklifts generally hold the strongest residual in the industry (45–55% at 5 years), followed by Crown (40–50%), with Clark slightly below both. For lenders, this means Clark applications are approved readily but may come with slightly less favorable terms than Toyota or Crown. The large Clark service network supports parts availability, which maintains lender confidence.
What is the price difference between cushion and pneumatic Clark forklifts?
Clark C-series cushion tire forklifts ($18,000–$45,000) are designed for smooth indoor surfaces — warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing floors. Clark CMP pneumatic forklifts ($20,000–$50,000) run on air-filled tires for outdoor use, loading docks, and rough-surface applications. The CMP models cost approximately 10–15% more than comparable C-series cushion models. For financing purposes, both types are treated identically — the tire type does not affect lender approval or rates.
Can a startup warehouse operation finance a Clark forklift?
Clark is a recognized brand that most equipment lenders know and approve. Startups can typically finance Clark forklifts with 10–20% down and a personal guarantee. For amounts under $25,000 (entry-level C-series), fintech lenders including Clicklease and Balboa Capital offer startup-friendly programs with minimal documentation — sometimes just a one-page application for amounts under $15,000. Clark Financial Services also has startup programs through dealerships for new equipment purchases.
How does Clark compare to Toyota for a warehouse operation choosing between the two?
Toyota dominates the forklift market globally with the highest brand recognition and deepest service network. For a warehouse operation, Toyota's IC cushion pneumatic (3,000–8,000 lb capacity) typically runs $3,000–$8,000 more than a comparable Clark model. Clark offers competitive value, strong parts availability, and a loyal dealer network. For financing, Toyota's stronger residual values can mean slightly better lease rates. Clark is a strong choice for buyers prioritizing value and historical reliability over brand premium.