MACHINE FIELD GUIDE / LOAD · STACK · MOVE
Forklift hire
Forklifts handle pallets and materials in warehouses, yards and construction sites. Fuel type, capacity at load centre, mast height and tyres are the main selection points.
FIELD PLATE / 12 PUBLISHED SUPPLIER RECORDSMatch the size class to the task, then confirm the exact unit.
Forklift size classes.
| Class | Typical work |
|---|---|
| Electric counterbalance (1.5–3 t) | Warehouses and indoor handling. |
| LPG or diesel (2.5–5 t) | Yards, manufacturing and mixed use. |
| Container-rated and heavy (7 t +) | Steel, containers and heavy industry. |
| All-terrain forklifts | Construction sites and rough yards. |
COMMON USE / 01Warehouse and distribution handling
COMMON USE / 02Unloading trucks and containers
COMMON USE / 03Construction material handling
COMMON USE / 04Shutdown and event logistics
QUOTE CHECK
What to specify.
- Heaviest load, dimensions and load centre
- Lift height and any container entry limit
- Indoor, outdoor or rough-terrain surface
- Attachments: side shift, fork positioner, jib, clamps
Watch points.
Rated capacity applies at a set load centre; long loads reduce it.
LPG and diesel units need ventilation indoors.
Pedestrian separation is a leading forklift safety control.
Rates for forklift hire vary with size, location, duration, operator arrangement and transport. Read the plant hire cost guide and the wet vs dry hire comparison before comparing quotes, and use the supplier checklist to confirm the details.
FIELD FAQ
Forklift hire questions
- Do I need a licence to drive a forklift?
- Yes. A forklift (LF) high-risk work licence is required in Australia to operate a forklift truck; order pickers need an LO licence.
- Short-term or long-term forklift hire?
- Both are common. Long-term hire often includes servicing and can be cheaper per week; short-term suits peaks, shutdowns and events.
- Electric or gas forklift?
- Electric suits indoor work with charging access. LPG or diesel suits outdoor or mixed use and long shifts without charging.