FAQs About Forklift and Telehandler Hire
Forklifts and telehandlers cover a wide range of material handling needs, from indoor pallet and load work through to outdoor lifting and placing materials at height and reach. The right machine depends on what's being lifted, the surface and terrain, the lift height and reach required, and whether the work is indoors or outdoors. Forklifts handle vertical lifting in defined spaces, while telehandlers add the reach of a telescopic boom for elevated and hard-to-access placement. United Rentals supplies forklifts and telehandlers for hire across both categories. Learn more about forklift and telehandler hire in our FAQ section below.
Forklifts are built for vertical lifting in defined spaces, using a mast that raises and lowers loads on forks. They suit stacking, loading and palletised material handling on level surfaces in warehouses and yards. Telehandlers have a telescopic boom that extends both up and outward, giving them reach into elevated or hard-to-access positions that a forklift can't get to. They suit construction, rough terrain and outdoor work. The right choice depends on whether you need vertical lift only or extended reach.
A high-risk work licence is required to operate most forklifts in Australia. The class depends on the equipment: LF for counterbalance forklifts and LO for order-picking forklifts. Telehandlers may require an LF licence depending on configuration and use, and operators should also hold a verification of competency on most commercial sites. Always check the specific licence class and your site's induction requirements before operating either machine.
Yes. United Rentals offers flexible hire periods from a single day through to long-term hire over weeks, months or years. Short-term hire suits one-off jobs and seasonal demand, while long-term hire suits ongoing operations, construction projects and facility work where machinery is needed on site for an extended period. Long-term hire often comes with better daily rates and the option to swap machines if your requirements change.