Rental costs & prices for forklifts

For many companies, buyers, and project managers, renting a forklift is a practical and cost-effective solution. Whether for short-term logistics bottlenecks, seasonal peaks, or special projects, renting a forklift offers flexibility without a long-term investment.

But as with any decision that has financial implications, the question arises: How much does it actually cost to rent a forklift?

From the type of forklift to the rental period and specific application requirements, we offer you detailed insight on this page so that you can effectively plan and calculate the costs of forklift rental.

Influencing factors

The type and equipment of the forklift influence the rental price

Forklift rental costs vary not only depending on the type of forklift, but also on the equipment selected. In addition to basic features such as drive type (electric, diesel, LPG, or hybrid) and model (e.g., pallet truck, rough terrain forklift, rotary forklift , telehandler ), additional equipment plays a decisive role in the rental price. Attachments that expand the range of applications of a forklift and thus influence the rental price include, among others:

• Forks such as standard, telescopic and special forks for different loads
• Work baskets for work at height that requires a secure footing
• Sideshifters and turning tools increase flexibility in handling loads
• Clamp forks for transporting palletless goods such as bales or boxes.
• Attachments for special tasks such as snow ploughs, sweepers or load hooks

Each attachment performs a specific function, making the rental vehicle more versatile but also increasing rental costs. Choosing the right attachment is therefore a balancing act between project requirements and budget. It's crucial to match the equipment to the actual tasks to be performed to avoid unnecessary costs while still working efficiently.

Rental period: daily, weekly or long-term rental?

Several factors play a role when deciding whether to rent a forklift for days, weeks, or months. Choosing the right rental term can have a significant impact on the cost-effectiveness of your project.

Daily rental is a good option when industrial trucks such as diesel or electric forklifts, order pickers, or reach trucks are needed at short notice. This option is ideal for companies that need to respond to sudden breakdowns of their own equipment or want to cover seasonal peaks. While daily rental is higher in price, it is the most flexible and often cost-effective solution for short-term assignments.

Weekly rental is often chosen for projects where the duration of use is foreseeable but spread over several days. Weekly rental of equipment can be a cost-effective alternative to daily rental, as daily rates become more affordable with longer rental periods. It also offers a balance between flexibility and cost, making it ideal for medium-length projects.

Long-term rental is particularly suitable for long-term projects or when the need for industrial trucks is ongoing. With long-term rental forklifts, companies not only benefit from significantly more favorable terms compared to daily or weekly rentals, but also from additional services such as maintenance and repairs that can be integrated into the rental agreement. Long-term rentals also offer planning security and the opportunity to tailor the forklift precisely to the company's requirements.

Availability and seasonal fluctuations

Of course, it's not always possible to plan exactly when a forklift will be needed for a project. However, especially with industrial trucks, it's worth keeping an eye on seasonal fluctuations and availability, as these can affect rental costs. Demand for forklifts increases significantly, especially in the run-up to Christmas, when the holiday season in logistics centers and warehouses reaches its peak. This often leads to a shortage of supply and, consequently, higher rental prices for some rental companies.

Outside of peak season, such as the summer months, demand for forklifts is expected to be lower, which can result in lower rental prices.

Therefore, it's crucial to plan and book early to avoid bottlenecks during peak periods and secure the best rates. Opportunities to benefit from attractive rental conditions often arise during the off-season.

By the way: With SYSTEM LIFT partners, you can rent all year round at fair conditions, regardless of seasonal fluctuations.

Other cost factors such as insurance, maintenance

Most rental companies include the costs for insurance, repairs, and maintenance of the rental forklift as standard. This offers you, as the renter, the advantage of knowing that the forklift is operational and optimally maintained at all times during the rental period, supplemented by the protection of comprehensive machine breakdown insurance.

This common practice results in a transparent cost structure and protects against unforeseen additional costs, as the high-quality rental equipment is fully insured. This keeps the total rental costs clearly calculable and manageable.

Cost examples

These are the costs for forklift rental per day

Now we come to the heart of the matter: How much should you budget for a forklift rental? This information is crucial when renting a forklift to properly calculate your budget. To give you a clear idea, we've compiled a current list of average and realistic daily prices for different types of rotary, telescopic, and forklift trucks:

Rental prices for attachments

When renting forklifts, additional attachments can significantly increase productivity and versatility. For example, long forks, which cost an average of €5 per day, enable the safe transport of extra-long loads that exceed the standard dimensions of conventional forks. Likewise, a work platform, for an average of €22 per day, can transform a forklift into a mobile lifting platform for working at height. Such attachments are a valuable addition for specific tasks and should be selected based on needs and expected benefits.

Transport costs

In addition to the basic rental costs, you need to consider potential transport costs and machine breakdown insurance. In most cases, the machine breakdown fee is covered by the rental agreement. If you have the forklift delivered to you rather than picking it up from the rental company yourself, the delivery costs vary depending on the weight and how far it needs to be transported. Assuming an average forklift weight between 4 and 9 tons, the transport costs for a distance of 125 km within the country are approximately €200.

However, please note that prices may vary depending on the provider and geographical location. Therefore, it's advisable to submit a specific request directly to the landlord to receive a quote tailored to your project.

However, please note that prices may vary depending on the provider and geographical location. Therefore, it's advisable to submit a specific request directly to the landlord to receive a quote tailored to your project.

Is the cheapest price for rental forklifts always the best option?

When choosing a rental forklift, the lowest price shouldn't be the most important decision criterion. As is often the case, it's the overall package that counts. Professional forklift rental companies ensure that the rental unit, including attachments, is optimally tailored to the specific application requirements. If it only becomes apparent during the first use that the rental forklift cannot be used due to poor planning, the costs quickly add up.

The up-to-dateness of the rental company's fleet also plays a crucial role: newer and somewhat more expensive devices are more technologically advanced, efficient, environmentally friendly and, above all, safer than older models, which may be cheaper but may not offer the same level of performance and safety.

Advanced security features such as digital access control are particularly popular, especially on construction sites where equipment from multiple construction companies is used. This ensures that only authorized personnel can operate and move the rented forklifts, significantly reducing the risk of accidents, misuse, and downtime.

In summary, the cheapest rental price isn't always the best option. Modern forklifts enable efficient work, and high safety standards contribute to a more efficient and safer work environment.

Conclusion: Optimizing rental costs for rental forklifts

Forklift rental costs are comparable to those of a rental car in many ways. Just as with a rental car, higher-quality, more modern features not only increase comfort but also contribute to a better and safer driving experience, the same applies to forklifts. Opting for a higher-quality, more modern, and better-equipped forklift with fewer operating hours can significantly improve work efficiency and safety. An advanced forklift not only improves handling but also increases productivity by enabling longer operating times without frequent recharging thanks to powerful batteries.

When choosing the right forklift, not only the direct rental costs should be taken into account, but also factors such as a personal contact, the age and technical condition of the rental equipment, as well as additional services and features.

The goal is to achieve an optimal balance between all costs and benefits to effectively manage the total rental costs. Often, a slightly higher investment in renting a higher-quality forklift will result in long-term savings and efficiency gains compared to opting for the cheapest option.

We have the right rental equipment

Do you have further questions about prices and rental conditions, do you need advice for your individual needs, an on-site inspection, or a detailed quote for a large order or a multi-month lease? Our experts are always ready to provide comprehensive support and work with you to find the best solution for your requirements.

Rent a suitable forklift now

Contact us if you're looking to rent a suitable forklift at a reasonable price . We offer a wide selection of forklifts, fair prices for various rental periods, and a modern rental fleet with digital access control.