The wrong question:
“How much does it cost to hire a forklift?”
It’s a fair question. Sensible. Straightforward. Logical.
But let’s be honest — it’s a bit like asking, “How much does it cost to rent a parachute?”
The real cost isn’t what you pay upfront. It’s what happens if the gear fails when you need it most.
What you actually want.
You’re not really after a forklift.
What you want is pallets moved — fast.
Deadlines met. Injuries avoided. Downtime dodged.
And above all, to look sharp in front of the boss or the client.
So the better question is:
What’s it worth to know the forklift will actually do the job — first time, every time?
Okay, fine — let’s talk numbers.
Still here? Good.
Let’s look at typical forklift hire prices in Australia:
| Forklift Type | Daily Rate (ex. GST) | Weekly Rate (ex. GST) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5T LPG Counterbalance | $150–$180 | $500–$700 |
| 2.5T Electric Forklift | $180–$220 | $600–$750 |
| 3.5T Diesel Forklift | $220–$250 | $700–$900 |
| Telehandler (6–12 m) | $300–$500+ | $1,000–$1,800+ |
Note: These are ballpark figures. We’ll tailor quotes to your job, location, and how long you need it.
Why cheap can cost you more.
Ever had a hire machine turn up with a flat battery? Or missing forks? Or a dodgy handbrake?
Every hour wasted chasing someone to fix it is an hour your team sits idle.
Or worse — your customer thinks you’re the one who stuffed it up.
That’s the hidden cost of cheap hire. And no spreadsheet will ever show it.
Why people hire from us.
We don’t just deliver machines. We deliver peace of mind.
- Machines pre-checked and ready to work
- Fast swap-outs if anything goes wrong
- Honest advice — not sales pressure
- A team that actually picks up the phone
Because let’s face it: forklifts don’t fail on spreadsheets. They fail in real life — on site, on deadline, and usually on Friday afternoon.
Want a quick quote?
Call us on 1300 77 88 26 or fill in the form here.
We’ll match the right forklift to your job, budget, and timeline.
