Our city is a hub for industry, logistics, and construction—and Melbourne’s forklifts are essential for keeping operations running smoothly. Say you’re managing a warehouse in Laverton North, overseeing a construction site in Fishermans Bend, or handling freight in the Port of Melbourne—there are plenty of reasons for you to consider forklift hire instead of buying one outright.
Short-term projects, seasonal surges, and one-off jobs often don’t justify the investment in a brand-new forklift. Even for long-term operations, renting can be the smarter move when you factor in maintenance, flexibility, and upfront costs—though owning starts to make sense if you’re using one day in, day out.
If you’re running a business in Dandenong South, Campbellfield, or any of Melbourne’s industrial corridors, forklift hire gives you access to the right equipment without the long-term commitment. That said, if your forklift is essential to daily operations, crunching the numbers on ownership might be worth it.
Hiring Can Save Money
Buying a new forklift outright can set you back tens of thousands of dollars. That’s before you even get to maintenance, insurance, and the space to store it. If you only need one for a few weeks or months, why would you bother?
Finding second hand, used forklifts for sale in Melbourne can be a solid option—if you know what you’re looking for (and don’t mind a bit of grease under your nails!) But go in blind, and you might end up with a machine that’s seen one too many hard years in a Truganina freight yard. A dodgy gearbox or a tired battery can turn that ‘bargain’ into a money pit faster than you can say “she’ll be right”. That said, reputable second hand forklift dealers do exist in Melbourne and can hook you up with a solid second-hand machine that’s been properly serviced. If you’re buying used, stick to trusted dealers, ask for service records, and give it a proper once-over before handing over your cash.
Hiring means you only pay for what you use, so if you’re running a busy warehouse in Dandenong South or managing stock overflow in Tullamarine, you’re not sinking cash into something that’ll just sit there later. Plus, some hire agreements include maintenance, so if something goes pear-shaped, it’s not your problem to fix.
When is it Better to Buy a Forklift?
While hiring a forklift makes sense for a lot of businesses in Victoria, buying can be the smarter move if you’re using one day in, day out. If your operation in Laverton North, Dandenong South, or Truganina relies on forklifts full-time, the costs of long-term hire can add up fast—sometimes to the point where owning just makes more financial sense. If you’ve got the storage space, the budget, and the need for a forklift year-round, buying means you’re not paying ongoing rental fees, and you can potentially customise the forklift to your exact requirements.
It’s also a solid option if you’re working in an industry where specialised forklifts—like high-capacity container handlers in the Port of Melbourne or rough-terrain forklifts for outdoor worksites in Werribee—aren’t always available for hire.
The key is running the numbers—if the long-term hire costs start creeping up past the cost of ownership, it might be time to invest in your own machine.
Hiring Can Provide Greater Flexibility
Not every forklift is made for the same job. A warehouse in Moorabbin needs something nimble and electric, while a construction site in Sunshine West is better off with a tough diesel unit. Hiring means you can switch between models as needed, instead of being stuck with one machine that doesn’t suit every job.
If your needs change—say a big job in Epping suddenly calls for a rough-terrain forklift—you can swap it out instead of being stuck with a forklift that’s not up to scratch.
Hiring Forklifts Can Keep Your Project on Track
If you own a forklift and it breaks down mid-job, you’re stuck waiting for repairs. That can throw your whole project off schedule. When you hire, most companies will send out a replacement straight away, so you’re not left scrambling to make up lost time.
For businesses in logistics, warehousing, or construction, delays cost money. Whether you’re working on a big build in Docklands or shifting freight in West Melbourne, having access to reliable forklifts keeps things moving smoothly.
Choosing the Right Machine for the Job
Not sure which forklift suits your job? Here are some of the key things to consider:
The Job
Are you stacking pallets? Unloading trucks? Moving heavy materials over rough ground? A distribution centre in Keysborough needs something completely different from a freight yard in Altona. Choose a forklift that suits your site and load requirements.
Your Personnel
Who’s driving the forklift? If your team is experienced, they can probably handle a high-capacity diesel unit. If not, you might want something simpler, like an electric counterbalance forklift.
Tip: Don’t forget that forklift operators need a high-risk work licence in Australia. If you’re hiring short-term and don’t have a licensed operator on staff, you’ll either need to bring in a qualified worker or consider hiring a forklift with an operator included. Getting a licence isn’t an overnight process either—the training courses take a few days, followed by an assessment, and then there’s a wait for Worksafe Victoria to process it. If you’re planning a big job in Laverton North, Epping, or Dandenong South, sort out your licensing in advance so you don’t end up with a forklift and no one legally allowed to drive it.
Hire Duration
Short-term hire or long-term rental? Some companies offer better rates for extended rentals, while others are more flexible with week-to-week hires. A pop-up warehouse in Southbank will have different needs to a long-term logistics setup in Derrimut. In fact, let’s use that as a quick example:
- A pop-up warehouse in Southbank—maybe handling a short-term retail surge, an e-commerce overflow, or a major event’s logistics—needs something compact, nimble, and easy to manoeuvre. Tight city spaces, limited loading docks, and short hire windows mean an electric or LPG forklift is probably the best bet, keeping things quiet, efficient, and emissions-free for indoor use.
- Now a long-term logistics operation in Derrimut—with heavy freight, high racking, and round-the-clock operations—demands something built for endurance. A high-capacity diesel or LPG counterbalance forklift is likely the better choice, offering power, durability, and the ability to handle large loads over long shifts.
While the Southbank scenario might be all about short-term efficiency and quick turnaround, Derrimut’s logistics-heavy setup more often calls for forklifts that can go the distance, handle bulk freight, and stay reliable for years to come.
Fuel Type
Forklifts come in electric, LPG, and diesel options, each with pros and cons.
- Electric models are ideal for indoor use in places like Somerton or Braeside, where emissions are a concern.
- Diesel forklifts handle rough terrain better, making them perfect for outdoor work sites in areas like Brooklyn or Tottenham.
- LPG forklifts strike a balance, offering mobility without the same refueling limitations as electric units.
Factors to Keep in Mind When Renting
Supplemental Fees
Base hire rates might look good at first, but don’t forget to check for additional fees. Some rental companies charge extra for delivery and pickup, servicing, or exceeding usage limits. If you’re renting a forklift in Bayswater but your project site is in Werribee, transport costs can add up fast.
T&C (Terms & Conditions)
Read the fine print. Some rental agreements have strict return policies, damage clauses, or maintenance requirements. It’s best to know upfront what’s covered and what’s not, so you’re not caught off guard when it’s time to return the equipment.
Forklift Rental Prices in Melbourne
Forklift rental prices vary depending on the type of machine, rental duration, and provider. Longer rentals often come with discounts, while short-term hires may have daily rates available. Keep in mind that delivery and fuel costs may add to the final price.
See What Hiring Can Do for You
If you need a forklift in Melbourne, hiring is a cost-effective, flexible option that keeps your business running without the financial headache of owning. Whether you’re handling freight in Footscray, running a warehouse in Clayton, or working on a major build in Box Hill, the right forklift hire can save you time, money, and a lot of hassle.
That said, if you’re using a forklift every single day, it’s worth running the numbers—a new or well-maintained second-hand machine from a reputable dealer can potentially be a smarter long-term investment. But if you just need one for a short job, hiring lets you get in, get the work done, and move on without unnecessary costs.
Just make sure to read the fine print, and choose a forklift that fits your job. Get it right, and forklift hire will make your operations smoother, easier, and more efficient.