HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE A FORKLIFT IN 2025?
Hiring a forklift can be crucial to keep projects moving, but how much should you really expect to pay in 2025?
This up-to-date guide provides information on average pricing for forklift hire in 2025 and the factors that may affect cost.
Forklift Size Requirements
Forklifts are available in various sizes, depending on the lift capacity required. Consider the weight of your materials and your lift capacity requirements. Also, assess the size of your premises or warehouse; how much room is there for machinery to manoeuvre?
The average weekly hire rates for smaller forklifts are between £65-£250, but larger and more specialised vehicles can cost between £250-£800+ per week, depending on the requirements.
Forklift Type
The environment in which the forklift will be used plays a key role in determining whether an electric, gas or diesel model is most suitable. For indoor use, electric or gas forklifts are recommended due to lower emissions and better ventilation compatibility. For outdoor operations, diesel or gas forklifts are more appropriate, as they normally offer greater power and performance.
Also, consider whether you need specialised equipment for your particular project or business environment, as this factors into cost too. Examples of specialised forklift types include:
- Rough terrain forklifts
- Side loaders
- Reach trucks
- Order pickers
- Cold storage forklifts
Learn more in this article about specialised forklifts required for different industries and workplaces.
Quantity
How many forklifts will you need? This is a simple question, but consider the number of certified forklift drivers at your disposal, their working hours and your company's workload.
Duration of Hire
The duration of hire will affect the overall cost. Some businesses only require short-term rental to support busy periods, cover breakdowns, or for special projects. Short-term rental offers flexibility and convenience. Rental periods typically range from a minimum of 1 week to a maximum of 1 year.
Other businesses opt for long-term hire contracts (typically a minimum of five years) rather than purchasing equipment outright, as this avoids a substantial financial burden. As a forklift hire partner, Rushlift takes care of fleet management, maintenance and repair and can easily source replacement parts, saving you valuable time and energy.
Add-ons
Your forklift may require additional attachments, such as hooks, scoops, or drum lifter attachments, depending on your business’s requirements and activities.
Additionally, fleet management software can help enhance oversight of your equipment and increase efficiency through vehicle tracking, maintenance alerts and data analytics insight, saving you money in the long run.
Check whether these add-ons are an additional cost or included in the hire.
Tips For Getting the Best Value
Before hiring materials handling equipment, determine your business needs. Consider the factors listed above that could affect cost, particularly lift capacity and the need for specialist forklift equipment.
If you are planning multiple projects that require forklifts, consider carrying them out at similar times to make the most of your forklift hire. Rushlift offers flexible forklift hire solutions and can extend your short-term hire if necessary.
Hire Forklift Equipment from Rushlift
The lift capacity of a forklift, its fuel type and condition are factors that influence hire cost, as well as your location and rental period. Also consider whether any add-ons or specialist equipment are required.
Get in touch with Rushlift to discuss your forklift hire requirements. Call us on 0800 731 5035 or email us at [email protected].