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At iseekplant, we connect you with a wide array of forklift hire options across Australia. Whether you're managing a warehouse, working on a construction site or handling any project requiring material movement, our platform features hundreds of forklifts to meet your needs. Our partners offer the best of the best, ensuring high efficiency and reliability.
The hiring rates for forklifts can significantly vary based on the type of forklift, its capacity, and the services included in the hire. Wet hire isn’t a thing in forklift hire, as most hire suppliers assume that someone on the site will have a ticket. Basically, you are hiring a forklift on pure dry hire terms and hiring an operator using labour hire if you need someone to operate it. Below is a table summarising the average hire rates:
Forklift Type | Variant | Capacity (Tonnes) | ** Daily Wet Hire Rates** | Weekly Wet Hire Rates |
---|---|---|---|---|
Diesel Powered Forklift | Small | 1 - 3 tonnes | $280 - $320 | $1,400 - $1,600 |
Diesel Powered Forklift | Medium | 3 - 5 tonnes | $320 - $370 | $1,600 - $1,850 |
Diesel Powered Forklift | Large | 5 - 8 tonnes | $370 - $420 | $1,850 - $2,100 |
Electric Forklift | Small | 1 - 3 tonnes | $250 - $290 | $1,250 - $1,450 |
Electric Forklift | Medium | 3 - 5 tonnes | $290 - $340 | $1,450 - $1,700 |
Electric Forklift | Large | 5 - 8 tonnes | $340 - $390 | $1,700 - $1,950 |
Gas and Petrol Powered Forklift | Small | 1 - 3 tonnes | $270 - $310 | $1,350 - $1,550 |
Gas and Petrol Powered Forklift | Medium | 3 - 5 tonnes | $310 - $360 | $1,550 - $1,800 |
Gas and Petrol Powered Forklift | Large | 5 - 8 tonnes | $360 - $410 | $1,800 - $2,050 |
Reach Stacker | Small | 10 - 20 tonnes | $600 - $800 | $3,000 - $4,000 |
Reach Stacker | Medium | 20 - 35 tonnes | $800 - $1,000 | $4,000 - $5,000 |
Reach Stacker | Large | 35 - 45 tonnes | $1,000 - $1,200 | $5,000 - $6,000 |
Note: Rates vary depending on the machine's age, brand and location in Australia. All prices listed on this page are estimates, exclude GST and are in AUD.
When planning for forklift hire, it’s essential to consider all potential costs to ensure a comprehensive budget. Below are additional costs that might not be immediately apparent but are crucial for a complete budget:
Additional Cost | Average Rate | Description |
---|---|---|
Mobilisation and Demobilisation | $100 - $400 | Covers the cost of transporting the forklift to and from the site, varying with distance and size. |
Fuel/Charging Costs | $30 - $100/day | Depends on the forklift's operation hours and type (diesel/electric/petrol), considering current fuel prices or electricity costs. |
Insurance | $75 - $150/day | Covers potential damages or accidents involving the forklift during the hire period. The rate can vary based on the forklift's value and the hire agreement's specific terms. |
Ticketed Operator Via Labour Hire | $65 - 75 an hour | Ticketed operator for a forklift per hour hired via labour hour. |
For a comprehensive and customised forklift hire quote that meets your specific project needs, utilise our Get a Quote tool. This direct line to our network of trusted suppliers ensures you get competitive and accurate pricing, streamlining your decision-making process. Begin your inquiry today to find the perfect forklift hire solution efficiently.
On iseekplant, we subcategorise the forklift category by how they are ‘powered’:
Within the subcategories of forklifts, you’ll also find the following specialist forklifts in our suppliers' fleets:
When choosing the right forklift for your project, the brand matters significantly. Top brands offer reliability, efficiency, and advanced features. Here, we explore Australia's best forklift brands to guide your selection.
This table highlights the popular models from each brand:
Brand | Popular Model | Forklift Type | Technical Specs | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Toyota | 8FD50N | Diesel Powered Forklift | 5 tonnes capacity, 3.0 m lift height | Reliable, strong performance | Higher emissions than electric |
Crown | ESR 5260 | Electric Forklift | 2.5 tonnes capacity, 6.5 m lift height | Energy-efficient, low noise | Limited by battery life |
Linde | H25T | Gas and Petrol Powered Forklift | 2.5 tonnes capacity, 3.1 m lift height | Versatile fuel options | Requires ventilation for indoor use |
Komatsu | FD80N-10 | Diesel Powered Forklift | 8 tonnes capacity, 3.0 m lift height | Durable, excellent in rough terrain | Larger size, less maneuverable |
Mitsubishi | FGC25N | Gas and Petrol Powered Forklift | 2.5 tonnes capacity, 3.0 m lift height | Good for indoor/outdoor use | Fuel costs, emissions |
Hyster | H50FT | Gas and Petrol Powered Forklift | 2.5 tonnes capacity, 3.3 m lift height | Robust, suitable for varied environments | Fuel costs can accumulate |
Yale | GLP050VX | Gas and Petrol Powered Forklift | 2.5 tonnes capacity, 3.0 m lift height | Reliable, versatile application | Periodic maintenance required |
Linde | C 4531 CH/5 | Reach Stacker | 45 tonnes capacity, 17.5 m lift height | High capacity, excellent for container stacking | Significant investment, requires large space |
Don’t have a specific forklift in mind yet? This table details the popular OEM & model for each specialised forklift type, covering their specs, advantages and disadvantages, and practical applications:
Forklift Type | Popular OEM & Model | Specs (Capacity, Reach, Drivetrain) | Pros and Cons | Applications |
---|---|---|---|---|
Warehouse Forklift | Toyota 8FG25 | 2.5 T, 4 m, Gasoline | Highly maneuverable, limited reach. | Indoor warehousing, inventory. |
Side Loader | Combilift C-Series | 3 T, 6 m, Diesel | Efficient in narrow spaces, limited versatility. | Long loads, narrow aisles. |
Counterbalance | Mitsubishi FG18N | 2.5 T, 3 m, Gasoline | No counterweight needed, less indoor visibility. | Dock work, general lifting. |
Telehandler | JCB 540-170 | 4 T, 17 m, Diesel | Extended reach, high cost. | Construction, agriculture. |
Heavy-Duty Forklift | Hyster H50FT | 5 T, 5 m, Diesel | High capacity, larger size. | Heavy lifting, industrial use. |
Rough Terrain Forklift | Manitou M50-4 | 5 T, 5.5 m, Diesel | Robust for outdoor, limited in confined spaces. | Construction sites, uneven terrain. |
Truck Mounted Forklift | Moffett M5 | 2.5 T, 3 m, Diesel | Swift loading/unloading, requires truck mounting. | Delivery and distribution |
Each forklift type fulfils specific tasks, from general warehousing to heavy or oversized load handling in challenging environments. When selecting a forklift for hire, consider the unique attributes of each model, including its lifting capacity reach, and suitability for your intended use.
Given the diverse needs of construction, landscaping and warehousing projects, alternative equipment can sometimes offer more suitable solutions than forklifts. The alternatives here provide varied functionalities that could better match specific project requirements:
In order to operate a forklift, you need a High Risk Work License in all states and territories in Australia. This table provides an overview of the application process for obtaining a High Risk Work Licence to operate a forklift in various Australian states and territories:
State/Territory | State Guideline/Policy | Application Process | Description |
---|---|---|---|
New South Wales (NSW) | WorkCover NSW | Complete RTO training, pass assessment, apply to SafeWork NSW. | Training and assessment through an RTO are prerequisites, followed by a formal application to SafeWork NSW for the licence. |
Victoria (VIC) | WorkSafe Victoria | Undergo training, assessment, apply for licence. | After completing nationally recognised training and passing the assessment, apply for the licence with WorkSafe Victoria. |
Queensland (QLD) | Workplace Health and Safety Queensland | Training by RTO, assessment completion, licence application. | Training and assessment conducted by an RTO are necessary before applying for a licence through Workplace Health and Safety Queensland. |
Western Australia (WA) | WorkSafe WA | Engage with an RTO for training, pass SafeWork WA assessment, apply. | Complete RTO-based training and SafeWork WA’s assessment before applying for the licence. |
South Australia (SA) | SafeWork SA | RTO training, evaluation, licence application submission. | Operators are to be trained and evaluated by an RTO, afterwards, they can apply for the licence at SafeWork SA. |
Tasmania (TAS) | WorkSafe Tasmania | Finish RTO training, submit application to WorkSafe Tasmania. | Successful completion of RTO training is needed prior to submitting a licence application to WorkSafe Tasmania. |
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | WorkSafe ACT | Mandatory RTO training and assessment, followed by application. | The process involves mandatory training and assessment through an RTO, then applying for the licence with WorkSafe ACT. |
Northern Territory (NT) | NT WorkSafe | Complete training and assessment by RTO, apply with NT WorkSafe. | Required training and assessment by an RTO should be completed before applying for the licence with NT WorkSafe. |
Does your project require precise, efficient material handling? iseekplant streamlines your search for the perfect forklift supplier, connecting you with Australia's most reputable providers with big and small fleets positioned all over the country. Whether you're lifting on smooth warehouse floors or navigating rugged construction sites, we've got the forklift solutions that fit.
For further guidance or to address any questions, our team is here at projects@iseekplant.com.au or give us a ring at 1300 691 912. Ready to enhance your project's efficiency? Hit 'Get a Quote' and let's lift your project to new heights.
"Great bunch of guys to work with and very easy to do business with. Very cost competitive. Will use again."
- MikeView profile"The Active forklift team are the best in the business. Quick turnaround, quality forklifts and good customer service"
- RachelleView profile"Great service and friendly to deal with. Very reasonably pricing and quite flexible to work with. Will be happy to hire off these guys again."
- JoshView profileHere are some frequently asked questions and tips on finding the right forklift hire supplier for your job.
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