Find the Best Telehandlers for Hire Near You

Depending on the type of work required, to operate a telehandler will either require no license, a work platform certificate or high-risk work license. It is best to check out our guide on telehandler licence requirements to learn about your specific requirements.

The typical hire price you can expect to pay to hire a telehandler depends on the size, project length and location. For smaller models, daily hire rates can start from around $500 for dry hire, extending up to $900+ or more for larger, more capable machines. Weekly hire rates provide better value, typically ranging from $2,500+ for basic models to $8,000+ for high-capacity telehandlers. However, on average, you can expect around:

• Less than 2 tonne telehandler: $140/hour hire with an operator or $65/hour on dry hire
• 2.1 - 3 tonne telehandler: $150/hour hire with an operator or $70/hour on dry hire
• 3.1 - 4 tonne telehandler: $160/hour hire with an operator or $70/hour on dry hire
• 4.1 - 7 tonne telehandler: $170/hour hire with an operator or $75/hour on dry hire
• 7.1 - 16 tonne telehandler: $190/hour hire with an operator or $90/hour on dry hire
• 16+ tonne telehandler: $200/hour hire with an operator or $110/hour on dry hire
• Tyre Handler (All Sizes): $190/hour hire with an operator or $100/hour on dry hire

To find further information about telehandler rental prices, please see our telehandler hire rates guide. For the most accurate pricing, it's advisable to use the Get a Quote tool, which tailors the estimate to your specific project needs.

As telehandler’s come in various different sizes and attachments, it can become difficult to decide what is right for your job. Determining the appropriate size of a telehandler for your project depends on specific requirements such as lift capacity, reach height and operational context. Small telehandlers are suitable for general construction and agricultural tasks, offering versatility in confined spaces. Medium and large telehandlers provide higher lift capacities and extended reach for more demanding projects.

Assessing the weight and height of materials to be lifted, as well as the working environment, will guide you in choosing the correct size. Consulting with hire professionals can also help in making an informed decision, ensuring the telehandler meets your project's needs effectively.

To find out what is the right one for your job, visit our guide on what is the right telehandler for your project.

The most reputable telehander brands are; Manitou, Genie, JLG, Merlo. To access more information on this, visit out article on the best Telehander brands.

A telehandler is a versatile lifting machine that incorporates a telescopic boom fitted with a lifting attachment to suit the task at hand. It is one of the most utilised pieces of hydraulic machinery in the construction, mining and agriculture sectors in Australia. A telehandler has the performance of forklift and the reach and strength of a crane.

Telehandlers are formally known as telescopic handlers, a name that highlights their defining feature: a telescopic boom that extends forwards and upwards from the vehicle. They're also referred to as zoom booms, teleforks, reach forklifts, and boom lifts, reflecting their versatility and widespread use across various industries.

These machines are distinguished by their ability to reach areas that are inaccessible for traditional forklifts, making them invaluable for tasks requiring extended lift heights and reaches. Understanding the proper terminology and capabilities of a telehandler is essential for selecting the right equipment for your project.

Telescopic handlers are versatile as there are a number of different attachments, models and sizes. For more information, check out our article answering how versatile is a telehandler.

iseekplant has a nationwide network of quality telehandler hire suppliers operating in all capital cities from Brisbane to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also offer telehandler hire solutions in all major towns and cities from Cairns to Townsville down to Toowoomba, Bendigo, Ballarat, Hobart, and then across the country to Bunbury.

Need to hire a telehandler for your job? Visit iseekplant’s Get a Quote tool. Alternativley, get in touch with our team today and email us at projects@iseekplant.com.au or call us on 1300 691 912.

Although telehandlers and forklifts perform similar functions, the licences required to operate them are not the same due to their operational differences and associated safety training. In Australia, specific licences categorise telehandlers and forklifts under high-risk work licences, each with distinct training requirements.

Operators must undergo training specific to telehandlers, especially for models with a boom length over 11 metres. Ensuring operators hold the correct licence is crucial for safety and compliance. It's always best to consult with local authorities or training providers for the most current licensing requirements.

The lifting height of telehandlers varies widely among models, with some capable of reaching up to 56 feet (17 metres) or more. High-reach telehandlers, designed for specific construction and industrial applications, can extend beyond 80 feet (24 metres), offering significant versatility for projects requiring substantial height.

Brands like JLG, Manitou and Genie are known for manufacturing high-reaching models. The choice of a high-lifting telehandler should be based on project requirements and safety considerations. Always ensure that the operator is trained and the telehandler is equipped for the intended tasks, particularly at extreme heights.

Lifting people with a telehandler is permissible when the machine is equipped with a specially designed, manufactured, and certified work platform attachment. This operation must comply with strict safety standards and regulations to ensure the safety of personnel. Proper training for operators, adherence to manufacturer guidelines and a comprehensive risk assessment are essential steps before undertaking personnel lifting.

It's crucial to use telehandlers for lifting people only when no other safer alternative is available, and always under controlled and monitored conditions. Consulting with safety experts and adhering to local laws and standards is necessary for these operations.

Implementing a lift plan for telehandler operations, especially for complex lifts or when lifting personnel, is a best practice that enhances safety and efficiency. A lift plan outlines the execution strategy, including the selection of appropriate equipment, identification of potential hazards, and specification of control measures. It ensures all involved personnel understand their roles and the procedures, contributing to a safer work environment.

For telehandler operations involving high risks, a lift plan is not just advisable but often required by safety regulations. Collaborating with safety specialists to develop a comprehensive lift plan is recommended to ensure compliance and protect all project stakeholders.

A telehandler and a forklift both lift and move loads, but they are designed for different tasks and environments. A forklift is best suited for lifting and transporting pallets or materials over short distances on flat, stable surfaces, such as warehouses or factories. In contrast, a telehandler combines the lifting capability of a forklift with the reach and versatility of a crane, allowing it to extend its boom to place loads at height or over obstacles.

Telehandlers are also built for rough terrain, with four-wheel drive, higher ground clearance, and stabilisers on some models, making them suitable for construction sites, farms, and industrial work outdoors. Forklifts tend to be more compact and manoeuvrable indoors, while telehandlers offer greater flexibility and reach for outdoor and heavy-duty applications.

Yes, operating a telehandler typically requires a formal licence or certification, as they are classified as high-risk machinery. In Australia, this usually means completing a High Risk Work (HRW) licence for a boom-type elevating work platform or a telehandler, depending on the state regulations. Training covers safe operation, load handling, stability, and hazard awareness.

Employers are also responsible for ensuring operators are properly trained and competent before using a telehandler on site. Even experienced machinery operators should complete accredited training to meet safety standards and legal requirements.

Telehandlers are highly versatile machines because they can be fitted with a variety of attachments to handle different tasks. Common attachments include:

• Forks – for lifting pallets and general materials.
• Buckets – for moving soil, gravel, or loose materials.
• Lifting jibs – to lift and place heavy or awkward loads at height.
• Grapples – for handling logs, scrap, or bulky items.
• Work platforms – to safely lift personnel for maintenance or construction tasks.

These attachments can be quickly swapped, allowing a single telehandler to perform the roles of a forklift, crane, or loader, making it ideal for construction, agriculture, and industrial sites.