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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 TypeVariantCapacity (Tonnes) Daily Wet Hire RatesWeekly Wet Hire Rates
Diesel Powered ForkliftSmall1 - 3 tonnes$280 - $320$1,400 - $1,600
Diesel Powered ForkliftMedium3 - 5 tonnes$320 - $370$1,600 - $1,850
Diesel Powered ForkliftLarge5 - 8 tonnes$370 - $420$1,850 - $2,100
Electric ForkliftSmall1 - 3 tonnes$250 - $290$1,250 - $1,450
Electric ForkliftMedium3 - 5 tonnes$290 - $340$1,450 - $1,700
Electric ForkliftLarge5 - 8 tonnes$340 - $390$1,700 - $1,950
Gas and Petrol Powered ForkliftSmall1 - 3 tonnes$270 - $310$1,350 - $1,550
Gas and Petrol Powered ForkliftMedium3 - 5 tonnes$310 - $360$1,550 - $1,800
Gas and Petrol Powered ForkliftLarge5 - 8 tonnes$360 - $410$1,800 - $2,050
Reach StackerSmall10 - 20 tonnes$600 - $800$3,000 - $4,000
Reach StackerMedium20 - 35 tonnes$800 - $1,000$4,000 - $5,000
Reach StackerLarge35 - 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 CostAverage RateDescription
Mobilisation and Demobilisation$100 - $400Covers the cost of transporting the forklift to and from the site, varying with distance and size.
Fuel/Charging Costs$30 - $100/dayDepends on the forklift's operation hours and type (diesel/electric/petrol), considering current fuel prices or electricity costs.
Insurance$75 - $150/dayCovers 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 hourTicketed 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:

BrandPopular ModelForklift TypeTechnical SpecsProsCons
Toyota8FD50NDiesel Powered Forklift5 tonnes capacity, 3.0 m lift heightReliable, strong performanceHigher emissions than electric
CrownESR 5260Electric Forklift2.5 tonnes capacity, 6.5 m lift heightEnergy-efficient, low noiseLimited by battery life
LindeH25TGas and Petrol Powered Forklift2.5 tonnes capacity, 3.1 m lift heightVersatile fuel optionsRequires ventilation for indoor use
KomatsuFD80N-10Diesel Powered Forklift8 tonnes capacity, 3.0 m lift heightDurable, excellent in rough terrainLarger size, less maneuverable
MitsubishiFGC25NGas and Petrol Powered Forklift2.5 tonnes capacity, 3.0 m lift heightGood for indoor/outdoor useFuel costs, emissions
HysterH50FTGas and Petrol Powered Forklift2.5 tonnes capacity, 3.3 m lift heightRobust, suitable for varied environmentsFuel costs can accumulate
YaleGLP050VXGas and Petrol Powered Forklift2.5 tonnes capacity, 3.0 m lift heightReliable, versatile applicationPeriodic maintenance required
LindeC 4531 CH/5Reach Stacker45 tonnes capacity, 17.5 m lift heightHigh capacity, excellent for container stackingSignificant 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 TypePopular OEM & ModelSpecs (Capacity, Reach, Drivetrain)Pros and ConsApplications
Warehouse ForkliftToyota 8FG252.5 T, 4 m, GasolineHighly maneuverable, limited reach.Indoor warehousing, inventory.
Side LoaderCombilift C-Series3 T, 6 m, DieselEfficient in narrow spaces, limited versatility.Long loads, narrow aisles.
CounterbalanceMitsubishi FG18N2.5 T, 3 m, GasolineNo counterweight needed, less indoor visibility.Dock work, general lifting.
TelehandlerJCB 540-1704 T, 17 m, DieselExtended reach, high cost.Construction, agriculture.
Heavy-Duty ForkliftHyster H50FT5 T, 5 m, DieselHigh capacity, larger size.Heavy lifting, industrial use.
Rough Terrain ForkliftManitou M50-45 T, 5.5 m, DieselRobust for outdoor, limited in confined spaces.Construction sites, uneven terrain.
Truck Mounted ForkliftMoffett M52.5 T, 3 m, DieselSwift 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/TerritoryState Guideline/PolicyApplication ProcessDescription
New South Wales (NSW)WorkCover NSWComplete 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 VictoriaUndergo 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 QueenslandTraining 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 WAEngage 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 SARTO 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 TasmaniaFinish 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 ACTMandatory 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 WorkSafeComplete 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 [email protected] 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.

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