Home/Forklift Hire

Find the Best Forklift Hire Near You

Get multiple rates & compare quotes from expert Forklift Hire companies in Australia, FAST!
  • Post a job
  • Receive multiple quotes
  • Choose your preferred Forklift supplier

Where do you need Forklift Hire?

Describe your job and our suppliers will send you quotes

Forklift Hire suppliers rated 4.89 by our customers

Hundreds of Forklifts for Hire on iseekplant

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.

Forklift Hire Rates Guide

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.

Additional Costs to Consider

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.

Types of Forklifts Available for Hire

On iseekplant, we subcategorise the forklift category by how they are ‘powered’:

  • Electric Forklifts: These forklifts are powered by batteries. They're operate quietly and are perfect for indoor environments, emitting no harmful pollutants.
  • Gas and Petrol Powered: These models run on gas or petrol. Suitable for outdoor projects, these forklifts provide powerful performance and versatility.
  • Diesel Powered: Diesel forklifts offer high torque and durability. Known for their durability and strength, ideal for challenging outdoor work conditions.
  • Reach Stacker: Specialised for container handling. Reach stackers are designed to handle and stack shipping containers, optimizing space in ports and terminals.

Within the subcategories of forklifts, you’ll also find the following specialist forklifts in our suppliers' fleets:

  • Warehouse Forklift: Commonly used in warehouses for transporting goods over short distances. They are versatile and easy to manoeuvre.
  • Side Loader: Designed for narrow aisles, allowing easy storage and retrieval of wide or long loads. It operates effectively in confined spaces.
  • Counterbalance Forklift: Features weights to counterbalance loads, allowing operation in tight spaces without outriggers. They are widely used for load stacking.
  • Heavy-Duty Forklift: Built for high-capacity lifting, these forklifts excel in industrial environments with demanding lifting needs.
  • Rough Terrain Forklift: Equipped with durable tyres and a sturdy build, ideal for outdoor construction sites with uneven surfaces.
  • Truck Mounted Forklift: Attached to the rear of a truck, enabling the swift loading and unloading of goods in various locations.

Best Forklift Brands in Australia

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.

  • Toyota: A global leader renowned for reliability and technological innovation. Toyota forklifts offer superior efficiency and cutting-edge safety features and are ideal for various applications.
  • Crown: Crown stands out with its focus on electric forklifts, emphasising operator comfort and long-term durability. Their commitment to sustainability and ergonomics makes Crown forklifts a smart investment for businesses prioritising eco-friendly practices and worker satisfaction.
  • Linde: Many know Linde forklifts because of their precision engineering and versatile handling capabilities. Offering a comprehensive range of lifting equipment, Linde combines advanced technology with fuel efficiency to meet diverse operational demands effectively.
  • Komatsu: Komatsu is synonymous with rugged and durable construction, making their forklifts suitable for heavy-duty applications. Known for their exceptional strength and reliability, Komatsu forklifts are engineered to perform in the most demanding environments.
  • Mitsubishi: Mitsubishi forklifts are designed to deliver outstanding value and performance. With a focus on ease of use and low maintenance requirements, Mitsubishi provides cost-effective solutions for businesses looking to maximise their material handling efficiency.
  • Hyster: Specialising in tough and versatile forklifts, Hyster offers a range suited for challenging work conditions and heavy loads.
  • Yale: Yale forklifts are known for their ergonomic design and focus on enhancing productivity. Prioritising operator comfort and efficient operation, Yale builds forklifts that help businesses achieve higher productivity levels and reduce operator fatigue.

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

Specifications, Pros and Cons of Specialised Forklifts

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.

Alternative Equipment to Forklifts

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:

  • Skid Steer Loaders with Forks Attachments: Compact and manoeuvrable, skid steers excel in tight spaces and can handle a variety of attachments.
  • Bobcats with Forks Attachments: Perfect for smaller construction sites. They efficiently move pallets and materials in confined spaces.
  • Franna Cranes: For lifting tasks requiring significant height, franna cranes offer unmatched capabilities and load capacities.
  • Crane Trucks: Ideal for transporting and lifting heavy loads over distances. They combine mobility with powerful lifting capabilities.
  • ITC Loaders: ITC Loaders, called ‘integrated tool carriers’, are wheel loaders with fork attachments that can provide superior lifting capacity in material handling operations on uneven ground or around a large site.
  • Backhoes with Fork Attachments: Combining excavation and lifting capabilities, backhoes are versatile for projects requiring both.
  • Telehandler: Offers a combination of lift height and reach, suitable for varied tasks beyond lifting, such as pushing and digging.

Licences for Operating a Forklift

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.

Finding the Right Forklift for Your Project Just Got Easier

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.

Read Less

Become a supplier

Create a free supplier profile on iseekplant to share in over 30,000+ job opportunities every month.
Learn More

Recent Forklift Hire reviews

UHI Hire
UHI HireSunshine West VIC
(Sep 2024)

"Great bunch of guys to work with and very easy to do business with. Very cost competitive. Will use again."

- MikeView profile
Active Forklifts Australia
Active Forklifts AustraliaFairfield East NSW
(Apr 2024)

"The Active forklift team are the best in the business. Quick turnaround, quality forklifts and good customer service"

- RachelleView profile
Hunterquip
HunterquipWebberton WA
(Jan 2024)

"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 profile

How It Works

We connect those seeking plant hire and services with suppliers who've got the gear and know-how.
Learn more

Forklift Hire FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions and tips on finding the right forklift hire supplier for your job.

What do we have to offer?

18,718
Construction Suppliers
375,245
Machines & Services
$1.4 Billion
In Job Leads Yearly

Want to Know More?

3 Major Forklift Hazards and How to Reduce your Risks

3 Major Forklift Hazards and How to Reduce your Risks

Any large piece of machinery can become a hazard when not used correctly...

Best Forklift Brands

Best Forklift Brands

With a range of brands to choose from it is important you are looking fo...

The Most Frequently-Used Access Equipment In Australia

The Most Frequently-Used Access Equipment In Australia

Using the right access equipment can be the difference between finishing...

Skid Steer vs Forklift: We Compare Their Material Handling Capabilities

Skid Steer vs Forklift: We Compare Their Material Handling Capabilities

Trying to figure out if your job site needs a skid steer or a forklift? ...

Top 5 Forklift Safety Tips for the Workplace

Top 5 Forklift Safety Tips for the Workplace

Forklifts are incredibly useful machines used for carrying heavy loads. ...

Forklift Driver Ticket & Licence Guide

Forklift Driver Ticket & Licence Guide

The forklift hire process can be strenuous when you’re new to operating ...

What Material Handling Equipment You Need for Restricted Spaces

What Material Handling Equipment You Need for Restricted Spaces

If you work in manufacturing, it’s important to have the right material ...

4 Common Forklift Types and Their Functions

4 Common Forklift Types and Their Functions

If you’ve worked around the construction, warehousing or mining industri...