Forklift hire is a smart and flexible option for Aussie businesses needing extra lifting power—whether it’s for a short-term warehouse upgrade, a busy construction site, or a seasonal logistics job. In this blog, we’ll break down typical hire rates for different forklift types, key factors that influence pricing, and tips to help you secure the best deal based on your specific needs.
Forklift Hire Prices in Australia
Based on industry reports and online listings, here are typical forklift rental rates in the Australian market:
| Forklift Type | Capacity | Hire Term | Price Range (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
Electric Forklift |
1500kg |
Daily |
~$100 |
Electric Forklift |
2500kg |
Daily |
$110–$220 |
Weekly |
$600–$750 | ||
LPG Forklift |
2500kg |
Daily |
$150–$180 |
Weekly |
$500–$700 | ||
Diesel Forklift |
3500kg |
Daily |
$220–$250 |
Weekly |
$700–$900 | ||
Rough Terrain Forklift |
3000kg (4WD) |
Monthly |
~$2,400 |
Internal Combustion |
2500kg |
Weekly |
$120 (used) / $157 (new) |
Real Forklift Hire Listings: Models, Specs & Costs
Here are a few real forklift listings across Australia with consistent formatting for weight, lift height, and price:
UN FD30T3F450SSFP (Diesel Forklift)
- Load Capacity: 3,000 kg
- Lift Height: 6,000 mm
- Load Centre: 500 mm
- Fork Length: 1,070 mm
- Features: Cascade side shift, reverse buzzer, working lights
- Price: $320 / week + GST
Used Linde H25 LPG Forklift
- Load Capacity: 2,000 kg
- Lift Height: 4,050 mm
- Mast: 2-stage with side shift
- Price: $220 / week + GST
Ausa C500H Rough Terrain Forklift
- Load Capacity: 5,000 kg
- Lift Height: 5,400 mm
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Price: $1,045 / week + GST
Heavy-Duty Diesel Forklift (Various Brands)
- Load Capacity: 5,000 kg
- Lift Height: 4,500 mm
- Features: Duplex mast, container mast, dual front wheels
- Price: $65 / day + GST
CROWN 5200 Reach Truck
- Load Capacity: 1,360 kg
- Lift Height: 5,000–7,600 mm
- Price: $200 / week
What Affects Forklift Hire Prices?
Forklift Type
The type of forklift—and more importantly, its base cost—plays a major role in the rental price.
- Electric and diesel counterbalance forklifts are the most common and affordable to rent.
- Reach trucks and rough terrain forklifts tend to cost more due to their complex structure and specific applications.
- If you’re unsure which forklift suits your job, simply describe your operation scenario to a sales expert—they’ll recommend the right type.
Forklift Hire Duration
Rental length is another key factor:
- Daily Rental Perfect for urgent jobs, event setups, or short-term warehouse tasks. Some forklift hire providers offer 4-hour blocks, while others charge by a standard 8-hour day.
- Weekly Rental Great for quick projects. Most companies offer discounted weekly rates, with flexible pro-rata pricing if you go over 7 days (e.g. 20% of the weekly rate per extra day).
- Monthly Rental Ideal for mid-term use. Monthly forklift hire often comes with better value and more flexible options like equipment upgrades or swap-outs.
- Long-Term Rental (6–36 months) Best suited for ongoing operations. Long-term hire usually includes significant discounts and added services.
At DJJ EQUIPMENT, we offer long-term rental solutions including:
- Scheduled maintenance and safety inspections
- Emergency backup forklifts
- Custom fork configurations tailored to your site
Forklift Configuration
Your forklift’s setup can also affect the hire cost. Add-ons such as:
- Sideshift or fork positioners
- Custom mast heights
- Lithium battery options
- Special tyres or attachments
These can increase your weekly or monthly forklift rental rate.
Don’t forget to consider load centre. If your load’s centre of gravity is beyond the standard 500mm, you may need a higher-capacity forklift to ensure safe and stable operation.
How to Get the Best Forklift Hire Quote
Know What You Need Before Hiring a Forklift
Before shopping around, clearly outline your forklift needs:
- Usage environment (indoor/outdoor, smooth/uneven surfaces)
- Operation intensity (occasional or full-time use)
- Load capacity and lift height
- Any specific attachments or customisations
- Rental term (short-term or long-term)
Not sure where to start? Just describe the moment when you realized you needed a forklift. What was holding back your project or operation? That story usually contains all the answers.
At DJJ, we don’t just solve your fork rental needs—we aim to support your business growth.
Compare Forklift Hire Companies & Prices
Forklift rental pricing and service can vary greatly. Here’s how to find your best fit:
- Google “forklift rental + your city” to find 3–5 local suppliers
- Send your requirement list and ask about:
- Pricing
- Delivery times
- Maintenance support
- Replacement policy or backup machines
- Read customer reviews
- Ask about flexibility in contracts and response time
We have forklift users across Australia. Even if you’re in a remote area, we can help connect you with nearby customers already using our equipment. You’re welcome to visit and chat with them about their rental experience.
Forklift Hire Isn’t Just About Price – Service Matters Too
For manufacturers and retailers, a reliable service is often more valuable than saving a few dollars. Consider:
- Does the quote include maintenance and repairs?
- Is a backup forklift available in case of failure?
- Can you adjust the contract mid-term?
A solid support system ensures your operation runs smoothly without disruption.
Forklift hire costs in Australia can vary depending on the machine type, rental duration, and specific configurations. In this blog, we’ve shared real-world rental price examples, broken down the key factors that affect pricing, and offered tips on how to compare providers to get the best value.
Need expert advice tailored to your project? Get in touch with DJJ EQUIPMENT—our friendly team is ready to help with personalised forklift hire solutions, whether you’re looking for a short-term job or a long-term hire. We’re here to make it easy.
—FAQ—
How much does it cost to hire a forklift?
Forklift hire rates in Australia typically range from $150 to $300 per day, depending on the type, size, and rental duration.
What is the minimum forklift hire period?
You can hire a forklift for as little as one day, or for as long as your project requires.
Is it better to buy or rent a forklift?
Forklift rental is ideal for short-term or seasonal use, while buying is more cost-effective for long-term, high-frequency operations.
How much does a forklift cost per hour?
Forklift hire rates can be around $20 to $35 per hour, depending on the model and contract terms. Always compare local fork hire providers for the best deal.
Can I change my forklift during the rental period?
Absolutely. If your needs change mid-rental, we can arrange a suitable replacement to keep your operation running smoothly.
