Material Handling Equipment Hire decisions begin with the task, not the badge on the machine.
01 / Forklifts, telehandlers and warehouse equipment
Counterbalance forklifts are the most commonly hired material handling machine. LPG forklifts are versatile indoors and outdoors, electric forklifts suit indoor warehouses where exhaust and noise matter, and diesel forklifts are used outdoors in yards and building supply depots. Rough-terrain forklifts with large tyres operate on unsealed construction sites, while container-handling forklifts have masts and capacities designed to load and unload shipping containers. Capacity classes span from light units of around 1.5–2.5 t to heavy forklifts for steel and precast products.
Telehandlers use a telescopic boom instead of a mast, letting them place loads up and forward, such as roof trusses onto a wall frame or pallets of bricks onto a scaffold. Fixed-frame telehandlers are common on building sites, while rotating models can slew the boom and act more like a small crane. In warehouses, reach trucks work in narrow aisles and lift to high racking, order pickers raise the operator with the load, and walkie stackers and electric pallet jacks move pallets over short distances without a seated operator.
02 / Reading capacity ratings correctly
A forklift's rated capacity is quoted at a specified load centre, commonly 500 mm or 600 mm from the face of the forks. If the load is longer, bulkier or its weight sits further out, the safe capacity falls. Attachments such as side shifts, fork positioners, rotators or jib attachments also reduce capacity, and lifting to full mast height may reduce it further. The machine's data plate or load chart shows the actual limits, so check it against your heaviest and most awkward loads.
Telehandler capacity changes significantly with boom extension and angle. A machine rated at several tonnes close in may lift only a fraction of that at full reach. Operators rely on the load chart and the machine's load moment indicator, and the supplier should confirm the chart for the attachment you intend to use. Describe your heaviest load, the required lift height and the forward reach when you enquire, and ask the supplier to confirm the machine can handle it with margin.
03 / Masts, tyres and attachments
Forklift masts come in different configurations. A container mast has a low closed height and free lift, allowing the forks to rise inside a shipping container without the mast striking the roof. Triplex masts reach higher racking levels. Measure doorways, container heights and rack beam levels before choosing. Tyre choice matters too: cushion or solid tyres suit smooth concrete, pneumatic tyres cope better with rough surfaces, and non-marking tyres protect finished floors in food, retail and pharmaceutical facilities.
Common attachments include side shifters, fork positioners, extension tines for long loads, jibs for lifting suspended loads, drum clamps, bin tippers and work platforms. Telehandlers can take pallet forks, buckets, truss booms and winches. Using a forklift or telehandler to lift suspended loads can change the licensing and compliance requirements, and work platforms must be purpose-designed and approved for the machine. Discuss attachment needs with the supplier early, because not every attachment fits every carriage.
04 / Licences and site requirements
Operating a forklift in Australia requires a high risk work licence for forklift trucks, and order-picking forklifts have their own licence class. Operators should also be familiar with the specific machine, and many sites require a verification of competency on top of the licence. Hand pallet trucks, and in many cases walkie stackers and electric pallet jacks, are not covered by forklift licensing, but training is still expected. Confirm the requirements with your state regulator if you are unsure.
Telehandlers are a grey area worth checking carefully. When used with forks as a materials handler, they are generally operated with specific training and verification of competency. When configured to lift suspended loads, such as with a jib or winch, some regulators may treat them as a crane, which can bring crane licensing and dogging requirements. Ask the supplier and your state work health and safety regulator how the intended use will be classified before hiring.
05 / Hire terms, costs and choosing a supplier
Material handling equipment is hired on short-term, long-term and seasonal arrangements. Short-term hire suits a one-off container unload or a building delivery; long-term hire, sometimes with maintenance included, can replace ownership for warehouses. Check whether LPG cylinders are supplied and how refills are charged, whether batteries and chargers are included for electric units, and what happens with tyre wear, damage and servicing. Delivery and collection fees, minimum hire periods and after-hours charges are all worth confirming.
A good supplier asks about the loads, surfaces and operating hours rather than simply quoting the cheapest machine. They should provide machines with working seat belts, lights, horns, reversing alarms and legible load plates, and service them on a regular schedule. For warehouses running multiple shifts, check how quickly the supplier can replace a machine that breaks down and whether a technician can service it on site. Clear documentation helps if you ever need to show compliance to an auditor or regulator.
Field checklist
- Record your heaviest load's weight, dimensions and load centre.
- Measure lift heights, doorways, container heights and aisle widths.
- Choose tyres to suit the floor or ground surface, including non-marking if needed.
- List attachments and confirm how each one affects rated capacity.
- Check forklift licences and verification of competency for all operators.
- Confirm how telehandler use will be classified if lifting suspended loads.
- Clarify LPG, battery, servicing, damage and delivery terms before signing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to drive a hired forklift?
Yes. Operating a forklift truck in Australia requires a high risk work licence, and order-picking forklifts require a separate licence class. Hire companies will usually ask for licence details before releasing a machine for dry hire. Many sites also require a verification of competency on the specific machine type, so check your site's rules.
What size forklift do I need to unload a shipping container?
A counterbalance forklift of around 2.5 t capacity with a container mast is often used, but the right size depends on the heaviest pallet and its load centre. The container mast lets the forks lift inside the container without hitting the roof. Check the ground surface and any ramp or dock you will use, and give the supplier your heaviest pallet weight.
What is the difference between a forklift and a telehandler?
A forklift lifts loads vertically on a mast and suits warehouses, yards and loading docks. A telehandler has a telescopic boom that places loads up and forward, such as onto a roof or scaffold, and usually has rough-terrain capability. Telehandler capacity changes a lot with reach, so the load chart is essential.
Can I hire a forklift for just one day?
Many suppliers offer daily forklift hire, often with a minimum hire period and delivery and collection fees. For a single container unload, some suppliers also offer a wet hire service with a licensed operator. Compare the total cost including transport, since delivery can make up a large share of a one-day hire.