Top 5 U.S. Forklift Leasing Companies Compared
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The Ultimate Guide to Forklift Rentals
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Forklifts are the backbone of many industries, from warehouses to manufacturing, logging to construction. A forklift truck is an indispensable tool that keeps businesses across the country running. However, these machines don’t come cheap, and for many, purchasing one or multiple forklifts outright may be out of the question.
That’s where lift truck rental comes in. This gives businesses flexible, affordable options to get their hands on the equipment they need without the upfront and ongoing costs of purchasing and upkeep.
What is a Forklift?
A forklift, sometimes known as a fork truck, is a motor-powered industrial vehicle used to lift materials and transport them over short distances. Typically, they have two metal prongs (the forks) on the front, which slide under the objects, elevating them if needed. They are controlled by an operator who is responsible for driving the forklift and using the forks to safely collect and transport objects.
Types of Forklifts Available to Rent
Counterbalance Forklift
Perfect For: Warehouses and factories
A counterbalance is what comes to most people’s minds when they think about a forklift. You’ll see them around warehouses and factories with forks that extend from the front, making them ideal for simple loading, unloading, and pallet stacking. They get their name from the weight, or the “counterbalance,” at the back of the vehicle, which offsets the load at the front.
Their simplicity and versatility have made them one of the most common trucks in use today, especially for warehouse material handling. They span across multiple industries and are perfect for both indoor and outdoor operations. They even come under two different class types: Class IV (internal combustion, cushion tire) and Class V (internal combustion, pneumatic tire) forklifts, offering fuel flexibility with propane, diesel, or gasoline options.
Reach Truck
Perfect For: High-density storage areas.
The reach truck is designed with one environment in mind: warehouses with narrow aisles. Unlike the counterbalance, the reach truck maximizes vertical storage without sacrificing maneuverability. This comes in the form of an extending mast that allows the forks to “reach” into deeper racking areas, offering maximum precision.
They are also equipped with stabilizing legs and a more rigid frame, which improves safety at height. Despite this, they still operate at their best on smooth, indoor flooring and aren’t practical for outdoor operations.
Order Picker
Perfect For: High-volume warehouses where speed is essential.
Order pickers are purpose-built forklifts designed for retrieving individual units or boxes, rather than full pallets. Typically, these are used in fulfillment centers like those used by Amazon. Their strength lies in their ability to lift both the operator and a small platform to different rack heights, improving overall speed and accessibility: how else will you get next-day delivery for those novelty cat socks?
They are kitted out with ergonomic controls and a safety harness system that is designed for repetitive motion and operator elevation.
Side Loader
Perfect For: Construction sites and lumber yards.
Side loaders are designed specifically to handle large, bulky, or irregularly shaped objects. Think pipes, timber, or sheet materials; items that would be awkward or unsafe to carry with a standard front-loading forklift. This makes them ideal for construction sites and an essential part of industrial logistics.
Instead of front-facing, side loaders have their forks on the side of the vehicle. This is beneficial for tight areas as they travel alongside racks, reducing the need for excess space. This also improves visibility for the operator, improving safety when handling wide or dangerous materials.
Telescopic Handler (Telehandler)
Perfect For: Agricultural environments and outdoor construction sites.
Telescopic handlers, or telehandlers, combine the features of a forklift and a crane by using an extendable boom instead of a vertical mast. This enables them to lift loads to significant heights and reach over obstacles or onto elevated platforms, making them indispensable in agriculture and construction.
They’re also extremely adaptable to different environments, with various attachments like buckets, lifting hooks, or pallet forks. Their rugged tires and enhanced suspension make them perfect for outdoor use, where the terrain can be uneven and the weather less than ideal.
Rough Terrain Forklift
Perfect For: Farms, logging, and other outdoor environments.
Speaking of outdoor uses, the rough terrain forklift is essential for braving the elements. These are the forklift equivalent of a tank, with large pneumatic tires, reinforced axles, four-wheel drive capabilities, and a powerful internal combustion engine. Mud, gravel, uneven surfaces; whatever you throw at them, it’s no match for a rough terrain forklift.
Because of this, they are able not only to navigate environments where other trucks would struggle, but carry huge weights. This makes them indispensable to industries like farming and logging, where stability, heavy lifting, and traction are critical, no matter how challenging the weather or landscape is.
Electric Forklift
Perfect For: Food storage, retail, and distribution centers.
Electric forklifts, much like electric cars, are powered by a rechargeable industrial battery and come in both three-wheel and four-wheel configurations. Not the best for outdoor logging, but if you want a machine with no emissions, low noise levels, and a compact design, then an electric forklift could be your ideal choice.
Although they are environmentally friendly, this does come with a unique downside not experienced with traditional forklifts. At some point, you will experience downtime because they need to recharge their battery. If you don’t need them 24/7, then this could be a worthwhile trade-off for the lower maintenance costs and cost-effective fuel.
Pallet Jack Forklift
Perfect For: Grocery stores, stockrooms, and smaller warehouses.
Pallet jacks are the most basic and compact form of forklift, used for simple horizontal movement of palletized goods over short distances. Available in both manual and powered (Class III) models, pallet jacks are designed for smaller environments, and you’ll often see carrying produce around your local grocery store.
Pallet Stacker Forklifts
Perfect For: Low-volume warehouses and back-room environments.
Pallet stackers are one step up from pallet jacks and are ideal for light-duty lifting and stacking in compact workspaces where maneuverability and vertical reach are required. They’re Class III vehicles and are simple to operate and maintain, making them suitable for low-volume, indoor applications.
Internal Combustion (IC) Forklifts
Perfect For: Large-scale logistics and manufacturing operations.
Equipped with a combustion engine, IC forklifts use traditional fuel types like diesel, gasoline, or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to power their movement. They come in both Class IV (cushion tires) and Class V (pneumatic tires), each with its own benefits.
Cushion tires: Optimized for smoother surfaces, typically best suited for indoor operations like warehouses and loading docks.
Pneumatic tires: Designed for outdoor operations or mixed-surface environments like lumber yards or outdoor construction sites.
Regardless of tire type, these forklifts are some of the strongest on the market, making them ideal for heavy-duty use.
High-Capacity Forklifts
Perfect For: Industrial production, shipping, and automotive industries.
High-capacity forklifts can carry loads well above standard thresholds of other truck types. They come with reinforced frames, denser counterweights, and heavy-duty hydraulic systems to accommodate the extra weight. This has made them essential for industries where heavy components need to be transported safely and efficiently.
Tow Tractor Forklifts
Perfect For: Airports, manufacturing plants, warehouses.
Instead of lifting heavy loads, tow tractors pull them. Often used in airports, manufacturing plants, and warehouses, these machines haul multiple carts or trailers similar to how trains operate. They come in both electric and internal combustion models, making them adaptable to all kinds of environments where horizontal load movement is required.
What are the Different Forklift Classifications?
Class I – Electric Motor Rider Trucks
Lift Code 1: Counterbalanced Rider Type, Stand Up
Lift Code 4: Three-Wheel Electric Trucks, Sit Down
Lift Code 5: Counterbalanced Rider, Cushion Tires, Sit Down
Lift Code 6: Counterbalanced Rider, Pneumatic or Either Type Tire, Sit Down
Class II – Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks
Lift Code 1: High Lift Straddle
Lift Code 2: Order Picker
Lift Code 3: Reach Type Outrigger
Lift Code 4: Side Loaders (Platform / High Lift Pallet / Turret Trucks)
Lift Code 6: Low Lift Platform / Low Lift Pallet
Class III – Electric Motor Hand Trucks or Hand/Rider Trucks
Lift Code 1: Low Lift Platform
Lift Code 2: Low Lift Walkie Pallet
Lift Code 3: Tractors
Lift Code 4: Low Lift Walkie/Center Control
Lift Code 5: Reach Type Outrigger
Lift Code 6: High Lift Straddle / Single Face Pallet / High Lift Platform
Lift Code 7: High Lift Counterbalanced
Lift Code 8: Low Lift Walkie/Rider Pallet and End Control
Class IV – Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (Solid/Cushion Tires)
Lift Code 3: Fork, Counterbalanced (Cushion Tire)
Class V – Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (Pneumatic Tires)
Lift Code 4: Fork, Counterbalanced (Pneumatic Tires)
Class VI – Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors
Lift Code 1: Sit-Down Rider (Draw Bar Pull Over 999 lbs.)
Class VI – Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors
- Vertical Mast
- Variable Reach (Telescopic Boom)
- Truck/Trailer Mounted
Rent or Buy? Pros and Cons
When it comes to selecting forklifts for your business, one of the decisions you will have to make is whether you want to lease them or buy them outright. The forklift rental vs purchase decision shouldn’t be taken lightly, as each has its own benefits and drawbacks, and one will be better suited to your business needs than the other.
Pros of Renting a Forklift
Lower upfront investment
Leasing a forklift removes the need for you to stump up a large amount of cash for the initial payment. If you’re working on a tighter budget or looking to save working capital for other ventures, renting is ideal.
Flexible and scalable
Renting is perfect for short-term projects, seasonal peaks, or unpredictable workloads. If demand increases, you can easily add more to your fleet and then scale back during quieter times.
Maintenance and repairs included
If you own your forklifts, then you’re on the hook for all maintenance, inspection, and repair costs. Rental agreements generally cover these fees, saving you time, money, and hassle if anything ever goes wrong.
Access to the latest technology
Forklift lenders will often have some of the latest models in their inventory for you to take advantage of. Whether it’s more power, cleaner emissions, or uneven terrain capabilities, you’ll always get what you need.
Predictable budgeting
Fixed monthly or weekly payments make it easier to manage expenses and forecast your annual budget.
Tax advantages
Lease payments can often be deducted as regular operational expenses. This helps to offset the cost of the lease, allowing you to save even further, while never having to track depreciation.
Quick availability
Many providers can deliver forklifts to you at short notice, allowing you to respond to changing situations quickly. New contracts, emergency breakdowns, or demand increases? Don’t worry, you’re covered.
Try before you buy
You may have your eyes on a specific model, only to find it’s totally unsuitable after you’ve purchased it. Leasing is a great way to understand exactly what your business needs, so if you are looking to buy, you’re making the right choice and not left with an expensive machine that’s not fit for purpose.
No long-term commitment
You sign your contract, and when the term ends, you have a few options. Return the forklift, renew the lease, or upgrade to a newer model. This is perfect if your needs change over time, like handling different materials or expanding into new environments.
Preserves credit line
Because renting doesn’t require financing, it keeps your business’s credit line free for other essential expenses or growth opportunities.
Cons of Renting a Forklift
Higher long-term cost
Although cheaper upfront, renting can cost more over time. A good rule of thumb is that if you intend to use the forklift for 10+ years, then it’s a better financial decision to buy.
No ownership or equity
Once the term ends, you hand back the forklifts, and you’re left with nothing. Despite the monthly payments, you haven’t built any asset value, and there is no opportunity to resell or leverage the forklift as collateral.
Usage restrictions
Some agreements will restrict you to a certain number of operating hours over the term. If you breach this agreement, then you can expect to pay additional fees and penalties.
Limited customization
Rental forklifts come as-is, so you can’t usually add specialized attachments. This can include things like off-road tires, meaning that you have to work within the lender’s agreements and terms.
Availability issues
During peak seasons, lenders’ inventories can quickly empty, leaving you to struggle to find exactly what you need. This can cause major operational issues or force you to settle for an unsuitable piece of equipment.
Complex lease terms
Lease types like operating, capital, or flex leases can have confusing terms, especially for new businesses. Without professional advice, you could easily fall prey to predatory lenders, leasing you sub-par equipment at extortionate prices and terms.
Pros of Buying a Forklift
Long-term cost savings
If you depend on consistent or around-the-clock use, then purchasing offers you the lowest total cost of ownership. Over a 10+ year lifespan, ownership becomes a more cost-effective option than paying continuous rental fees.
Full ownership and control
Buying gives you total control over how and when the forklift is used. You’re not confined by hour limits and won’t be fined if you decide to use your machines as you see fit. This is beneficial for high-utilization operations where equipment is constantly in use.
Customization options
Ownership lets you select the exact model, capacity, and, most importantly, attachments. Safety cameras, reinforced frames, tires for harsh terrains, whatever your operations call for, you can customize your truck as you see fit.
Resale potential
A well-maintained forklift retains value and can be sold when no longer needed or when upgrading. This allows you to recoup part of your investment, unlike renting or leasing, where the asset remains property of the lender.
Tax benefits
Purchased forklifts qualify for depreciation and may offer tax incentives that help offset the initial purchase cost. These deductions can improve overall return on investment.
Collateral value
Forklifts count as capital assets, which can strengthen your balance sheet. You can also use them as collateral when applying for a secured business loan, granting you access to a higher borrowing amount and more favorable terms.
Cons of Buying a Forklift
High upfront cost
Even buying just one forklift is going to dent your budget, let alone if you need an entire fleet. This can put pressure on cash flows, especially if you’re a smaller business working within a tighter budget.
Maintenance responsibility
Ownership means you’re responsible for addressing, and more importantly, paying for any maintenance or repairs. If you don’t have in-house techs, then you’ll have to pay for external experts or purchase a service contract for an additional fee.
Depreciation
Forklifts lose value over time and may become outdated as technology advances. This leaves you with the risk of being left with older equipment that’s less efficient and won’t fetch much on the resale market.
Operational inflexibility
If your workload increases or decreases, then scaling up or down is a challenge. You can’t just return a purchased forklift because you don’t need it anymore. Purchasing is expensive and selling can be time-consuming, and if you’re desperate, result in a financial loss.
Risk of underutilization
If the forklift isn’t used at least 60% of the time, then renting is more cost-effective. A forklift sitting in the corner of your warehouse collecting dust is tied up capital that could be better used elsewhere.
Insurance and liability costs
You must cover insurance, potential damage, and replacement expenses if accidents or major breakdowns occur. The financial responsibility lies with you and you alone.
Businesses That Can Benefit from Commercial Forklift Rental
Warehousing and Distribution
Warehousing and distribution centers are among the biggest forklift users. These facilities depend on forklifts for loading and unloading trucks, moving pallets, stacking goods on high shelves, and organizing inventory in fast-paced environments. This significantly improves time efficiency by reducing manual labor and optimizing space usage.
Electric forklifts are commonplace in modern-day warehouses, favored for their quiet, clean, and energy-efficient features. This makes it ideal for indoor spaces with limited ventilation, and its compact design allows them to easily navigate narrow aisles. Forklifts allow distribution centers to keep up with high demand and reduce worker fatigue.
Manufacturing and Industrial Production
Forklifts are used in manufacturing and industrial settings to move raw materials, components, and finished goods between production areas, storage, and loading docks. Their role helps to improve both efficiency and safety in a potentially hazardous environment.
Counterbalance forklifts are often the truck of choice for these workplaces as their ability to carry heavy loads across factory floors is indispensable. Sideloaders and Telescopic Handlers are also popular choices as they are perfect for transporting long materials like pipes, lumber, or steel beams. For larger production environments, forklifts help to eliminate bottlenecks, improve productivity, and support a safe workplace.
Construction and Building Sites
On construction sites, forklifts and industrial lifting equipment are used to transport materials such as concrete blocks, steel beams, tiles, and pallets of supplies across harsh terrain. Because of the nature of the work, heavy-duty forklifts are required, most notably Rough Terrain Forklifts. They are equipped with reinforced frames and off-road tires to help safely and effectively navigate uneven ground.
Telehandlers are also useful in these situations as their extendable arms can be used to lift loads to elevated floors or scaffolding. Together, this machinery increases productivity and reduces strain across multiple sites and projects.
Retail and Big Box Stores
Large retail chains, supermarkets, and warehouse-style stores rely on forklifts to move bulk stock, unload frequent deliveries, and reorganize product displays. High product turnover is common in retail, and forklifts can help with replenishment as well as transporting stock from storage areas to the shop floor.
Pallet Jacks can help with low-level handling, and Narrow Aisle Forklifts are perfect for operating in tight spaces like stockrooms and shop aisles. Automating heavy lifting helps to keep operations running smoothly, maintain stocked shelves, and reduce the risk of staff injury.
Agriculture and Farming
In the agricultural sector, forklifts are essential for transporting feed, fertilizer, seed, equipment, and harvested produce around farms and processing facilities. They reduce manual labor and allow farmers to move large loads quickly between barns, silos, and storage areas.
Telescopic Handlers are particularly common in farming, thanks to their ability to lift and stack bales of hay or heavy feed containers at height. Rough-terrain forklifts are also useful because of their ability to carry heavy loads and remain effective no matter the terrain or weather conditions.
Recycling and Waste Management
Recycling and waste management facilities handle large volumes of heavy, bulky, or irregular materials, and forklifts play a crucial role in keeping this process organized and efficient. They’re used to move recyclables like metal, paper, and plastic from sorting areas to conveyors, compactors, or transport trucks.
High-Capacity Forklifts move dense, stacked materials such as scrap metal or bundled plastics, while Specialized Loaders and Crushers equipped with lifting attachments assist in compressing and sorting recyclables. Forklifts in this sector reduce manual lifting, improve throughput, and help maintain a safer working environment in facilities that handle constant heavy loads.
Logistics, Shipping, and Freight Transport
Forklifts are at the core of logistics and freight operations. They’re critical to helping these businesses transfer items between trucks, shipping containers, railcars, and warehouses with speed and precision. With their help, efficient supply chains are maintained, especially where large or high-volume shipments are involved.
At ports and rail yards, Heavy-Duty Forklifts handle massive loads like shipping containers, facilitating quick loading and unloading. With their help, downtime is minimized, cargo damage is prevented, and on-time delivery schedules are maintained.
Dockyards and Ports
In dockyards, ports, and marine terminals, forklifts are used to move containers, cargo, and other heavy goods between ships and storage facilities. Forklifts for these environments often feature enhanced lifting capacities and stability systems to manage heavy or uneven cargo. Without them, port operations would encounter bottlenecks and suffer from long turnaround times.
Forklift Rental Requirements
Certified and Trained Operators
Forklift rental companies aren’t going to lend their expensive equipment to anyone off the street. All operators must hold a valid forklift certification and demonstrate proper training in safe operation. If you can’t prove that your operators are qualified under OSHA or local regulations, then there’s no chance you’re going to find someone to lease you some forklifts.
Valid Insurance Coverage
If you’re going to operate someone else’s forklifts, then they’re likely going to want you to have valid insurance. You’ll be responsible for any damage, theft, or liability related to personal injury or property loss involving the equipment. Proof of coverage is often required before delivery, ensuring both parties are protected in the event of an issue.
How to Choose the Right Forklift Rental Company
Assess Your Needs
The first thing you need to do is clarify exactly why you need a forklift. Define your project requirements, including how long you’ll need the equipment for. Short-term forklift rentals are ideal for one-off tasks or seasonal increases in demand, but may cost more if you look at the daily cost.
You will also have to account for the tasks you need your forklift to carry out. Load weight, height, and dimensions of what you’ll be lifting all need to be considered to make sure you find the right one that meets your needs. For certain applications, you may need additional attachments, so make sure that your provider offers them, or at least allows you to customize their vehicles.
Match the Forklift to the Environment
Where do you need your forklift to operate? If you’re hauling lumber across uneven terrain in the middle of a snowstorm, then a compact electric forklift with cushion tires isn’t going to cut it. If you’re unsure what type of forklift is suited to your workplace, then check out our types of forklift section.
It’s not just the type of forklift, but also the size you need to consider. Tight spaces like smaller warehouses won’t be able to handle larger vehicles and may require narrow aisle forklifts, reach trucks, or stand-up models for maneuverability.
Decide on the Power Source
Forklift power sources come in two options: electric and internal combustion (IC). IC forklifts can be further broken down into what type of fuel they rely on: propane, gasoline, and diesel.
Electric Forklifts: Perfect for indoor or food-safe environments; they’re quiet, energy-efficient, and have lower running costs. However, they require proper charging infrastructure and flat operating surfaces.
IC Forklifts: Suited for outdoor or heavy-duty use. Propane models offer flexibility for outdoor work, while diesel forklifts provide maximum torque for demanding jobs like construction or freight.
Check Reviews and Reputation
It can be easy to get swept up in a slick sales pitch, but how can you be sure if they can deliver on their promises? Checking out sites like Trustpilot or their Google reviews allows you to read reviews from real-world customers. One or two poor reviews are to be expected, but if you see the same thing popping up time and time again, this is probably a true reflection of what you can expect from them.
Look at what people are saying about their customer service, the quality of their machines, and repair/maintenance speed.
Understand the Rental Agreement
Before signing, carefully read the contract’s details to avoid unexpected costs. If anything seems vague or you need further clarification, then don’t be afraid to ask. Any reputable provider will be happy to clear up any points of confusion.
Key elements to understand include:
Rental duration and pricing: Confirm rates, included usage hours, and any overtime or late return fees.
Delivery and pickup logistics: Check who handles transportation, fees, and site access requirements.
Maintenance responsibilities: Typically, the rental company should perform routine servicing, while you handle daily upkeep and damage beyond normal wear.
Liability and insurance: You’re responsible for the forklift while it’s in your possession. Verify that your business insurance covers rented equipment; if not, you may be able to arrange coverage through the rental provider.
Always remember to inspect the forklift on arrival, document any pre-existing damage, and ensure it’s returned clean and fueled (or charged) to avoid extra fees.
How to Rent Forklifts For Your Business
At Commercial Experts, we’ve made it our mission to help American businesses like yours find the best forklift rental company for their business, and we’d love for you to be our next success story!
All you have to do is tap the button on this page and answer a few questions about your business. Then, based on your responses, you will receive a range of forklift rental quotes tailored to your specific needs.
All quotes are 100% free and non-committal, so what are you waiting for? Tap the button below and get comparing now!
FAQs
What is forklift rental?
Forklift rental allows businesses to lease forklifts for short or long periods without buying them outright. It offers flexibility, reduced upfront costs, and often includes maintenance. This makes it ideal for short-term projects, seasonal peaks, or businesses that need reliable equipment without a long-term commitment.
How much does it cost to rent a forklift for a month?
The cost of renting a forklift varies based on factors like the type of forklift, how many units you need, contract length, location, and included services. Fuel type, lift capacity, and additional attachments also affect pricing. It’s best to get customized quotes from rental providers.
What types of forklifts are available for rent?
Forklifts available for rent include counterbalance trucks, reach trucks, order pickers, telehandlers, side loaders, pallet jacks, rough terrain forklifts, and electric models. Each type is suited to specific environments, such as warehouses, construction sites, or farms, depending on space, load size, and terrain.
What are the pros and cons of renting vs buying a forklift?
Renting offers flexibility, no large upfront cost, and often includes maintenance, making it great for short-term use. Buying gives full control, customization, and long-term savings but requires a higher initial investment and ongoing maintenance responsibility. The right choice depends on your usage and business needs.
How can you rent a forklift?
To rent a single or multiple forklifts, all you have to do is tap the button on this page below and answer a few questions about your business. Then, based on your response, we’ll match you with a range of leading forklift rental companies absolutely free of charge. There’s no obligation to commit, so if you don’t like what you see, then walk away at no expense to yourself.
