Australia Forklift Rental Market Report Size Share Growth Drivers Trends Opportunities & Forecast 2025–2030

Australia forklift rental market, valued at AUD 130 million, grows due to logistics expansion, construction projects, and shift to electric forklifts for efficient material handling.

Region:Asia

Author(s):Geetanshi

Product Code:KRAA4162

Pages:97

Published On:January 2026

About the Report

Base Year 2025

Australia Forklift Rental Market Overview

  • The Australia Forklift Rental Market is valued at approximately AUD 130 million, based on a five-year historical analysis of national rental activity and recent industry studies. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for efficient material handling solutions across various industries, including construction, logistics, retail, and manufacturing, supported by strong warehouse and logistics expansion. The rise in e-commerce, just?in?time inventory models, and pallet-based logistics, along with the need for optimized warehouse operations, has further fueled the demand for forklift rentals as businesses seek to minimize capital expenditure, secure predictable operating costs, and improve fleet flexibility.
  • Key cities dominating the market include Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, within the high-activity states of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, which together account for a substantial share of forklift and related equipment demand. These urban centers are characterized by strong industrial activity, significant transport and infrastructure projects, port and intermodal facilities, and dense warehouse and logistics corridors, all of which rely heavily on short- and medium-term forklift hire. The concentration of businesses in these regions, coupled with their strategic locations within national supply chains, enhances the demand for forklift rentals, making them pivotal to the overall market dynamics.
  • Forklift rental operations in Australia are governed by a combination of work health and safety law and technical standards, including the Australian Standard AS 2359 series for industrial trucks and the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 issued by Safe Work Australia, which require duty holders to ensure plant is safe, maintained, and operated by competent persons. These instruments set out requirements for inspection, maintenance, stability, braking, and safe use of powered industrial trucks, and rental companies typically align their fleets and rental practices (including pre-hire inspection, scheduled servicing, and operator information) to meet these obligations.
Australia Forklift Rental Market Size

Australia Forklift Rental Market Segmentation

By Power Source:The market is segmented into four primary power sources: Electric Forklifts, Internal Combustion Forklifts (Diesel, LPG, Petrol), Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Forklifts, and Others. Electric Forklifts are gaining traction due to their zero local emissions, lower noise levels, and reduced operating and maintenance costs, particularly in indoor warehousing and logistics environments where electric models are the fastest-growing segment of the broader forklift market. Internal Combustion Forklifts remain popular for heavy-duty and outdoor applications, including construction sites, ports, and mining-related logistics, where higher capacities and extended runtimes are required. Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Forklifts, including models powered by LPG and advanced engines, are emerging as a sustainable option appealing to businesses focused on reducing emissions while maintaining performance and refuelling flexibility. The Others category includes specialized forklifts such as rough?terrain, narrow?aisle, and high?capacity models that cater to niche applications in construction, ports, and specialized warehousing.

Australia Forklift Rental Market segmentation by Power Source.

By Tonnage Capacity:The market is categorized based on tonnage capacity into Below 5 Tons, 6 to 30 Tons, and Above 30 Tons. Forklifts with a capacity of 6 to 30 Tons are important for heavy industrial users such as ports, steel, and mining, but rental demand in Australia is particularly strong in the Below 5 Tons segment, which aligns with the operational requirements of warehousing, retail, and light manufacturing and accounts for around half of national rental volume. Below 5 Tons forklifts are popular among small and medium businesses and in urban settings where space is limited and maneuverability and narrow?aisle capability are critical. The Above 30 Tons category caters to heavy industries, ports, and resource projects requiring high-capacity lifts for containers, steel coils, and prefabricated modules, although it represents a smaller segment of the overall rental market and is concentrated in resource-rich states such as Western Australia and Queensland.

Australia Forklift Rental Market segmentation by Tonnage Capacity.

Australia Forklift Rental Market Competitive Landscape

The Australia Forklift Rental Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Coates Hire, Kennards Hire, United Forklift and Access Solutions, Lencrow Forklifts, Adaptalift Group, Clark Equipment Australia, All Lift Forklifts & Access Equipment, Toyota Material Handling Australia, Crown Equipment Pty Ltd (Australia), Hyster-Yale Group (Australia), Manitou Australia, AUSA Australia, Fork Force Australia, Auslift Equipment, Other Prominent Regional Players contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Coates Hire

1885

Sydney, Australia

Kennards Hire

1948

Sydney, Australia

United Forklift and Access Solutions

1978

Perth, Australia

Lencrow Forklifts

1976

Sydney, Australia

Adaptalift Group

1979

Melbourne, Australia

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)

Fleet Size (Number of Units)

Fleet Utilization Rate (%)

Revenue per Unit (AUD per Unit per Year)

EBITDA Margin (%)

Average Daily/Monthly Rental Rate (AUD)

Australia Forklift Rental Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing Demand for Logistics and Warehousing Solutions:The Australian logistics sector is projected to reach AUD 110 billion in future, driven by a surge in e-commerce and consumer demand. This growth necessitates efficient material handling solutions, including forklifts. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported a 6% increase in warehouse space utilization in future, indicating a robust demand for rental forklifts to support logistics operations, particularly in urban areas where space is limited.
  • Growth in Construction and Infrastructure Projects:The Australian construction industry is expected to grow by AUD 25 billion in future, fueled by government investments in infrastructure. Major projects, such as the Sydney Metro and Melbourne's suburban rail upgrades, require extensive material handling equipment. The Australian Industry Group noted a 8% increase in construction activity in future, further driving the demand for forklift rentals to support these large-scale projects efficiently.
  • Rising Adoption of Automation in Material Handling:The trend towards automation in warehouses and distribution centers is accelerating, with an estimated 35% of Australian companies planning to invest in automated material handling solutions in future. This shift is expected to increase the demand for advanced forklifts equipped with automation technologies. According to the Australian Logistics Council, automation can enhance operational efficiency by up to 30%, prompting businesses to rent rather than purchase forklifts to stay competitive.

Market Challenges

  • High Operational Costs:The operational costs associated with forklift rentals can be significant, with average rental rates ranging from AUD 1,200 to AUD 2,800 per month depending on the type and capacity of the forklift. Additionally, maintenance and fuel costs can add another 25% to operational expenses. This financial burden can deter small and medium-sized enterprises from utilizing rental services, limiting market growth potential in the sector.
  • Limited Availability of Skilled Operators:The Australian forklift operator workforce is facing a shortage, with an estimated 18% of positions unfilled as of future. This shortage is exacerbated by stringent licensing requirements and the aging workforce. The National Skills Commission reported that the demand for skilled operators is expected to increase by 12% in future, creating challenges for rental companies in meeting customer needs and maintaining operational efficiency.

Australia Forklift Rental Market Future Outlook

The Australia forklift rental market is poised for significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. The shift towards electric and hybrid forklifts is expected to gain momentum, aligning with sustainability goals. Additionally, the integration of IoT in fleet management will enhance operational efficiency and safety. As businesses increasingly favor rental services over ownership, the market will likely see a rise in on-demand rental solutions, catering to the dynamic needs of various sectors, including e-commerce and construction.

Market Opportunities

  • Growth in Rental Services Over Ownership:The trend towards renting rather than owning forklifts is gaining traction, with a projected increase in rental service adoption by 25% in future. This shift allows businesses to reduce capital expenditure and maintain flexibility in operations, particularly in fluctuating economic conditions, making it a lucrative opportunity for rental companies to expand their service offerings.
  • Increasing Focus on Sustainability and Electric Forklifts:With the Australian government aiming for net-zero emissions in future, the demand for electric forklifts is expected to rise significantly. Companies are increasingly seeking eco-friendly solutions, with a projected 20% increase in electric forklift rentals in future. This presents a substantial opportunity for rental firms to invest in and promote sustainable equipment options, aligning with market trends and regulatory requirements.

Scope of the Report

SegmentSub-Segments
By Power Source

Electric Forklifts

Internal Combustion Forklifts (Diesel, LPG, Petrol)

Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Forklifts

Others

By Tonnage Capacity

Below 5 Tons

to 30 Tons

Above 30 Tons

By Equipment Type

Counterbalance Forklifts

Reach Trucks and Narrow Aisle Forklifts

Rough Terrain Forklifts & Telehandlers

Pallet Jacks and Walkie Stackers

Others

By End-Use Industry

Warehouse & Logistics

Construction & Infrastructure

Manufacturing

Retail & E-commerce

Mining & Resources

Others

By Rental Duration

Short-Term Rentals (Less than 1 Month)

Medium-Term Rentals (1 to 12 Months)

Long-Term Rentals (More than 12 Months)

By Region

New South Wales

Victoria

Queensland

Western Australia

South Australia

Others (Tasmania, ACT, Northern Territory)

By Customer Type

Small and Medium Enterprises

Large Enterprises

Government and Public Sector

Third-Party Logistics Providers

Others

Key Target Audience

Investors and Venture Capitalist Firms

Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Safe Work Australia, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator)

Manufacturers and Producers

Distributors and Retailers

Logistics and Supply Chain Companies

Construction and Infrastructure Firms

Warehouse and Storage Operators

Financial Institutions

Players Mentioned in the Report:

Coates Hire

Kennards Hire

United Forklift and Access Solutions

Lencrow Forklifts

Adaptalift Group

Clark Equipment Australia

All Lift Forklifts & Access Equipment

Toyota Material Handling Australia

Crown Equipment Pty Ltd (Australia)

Hyster-Yale Group (Australia)

Manitou Australia

AUSA Australia

Fork Force Australia

Auslift Equipment

Other Prominent Regional Players

Table of Contents

Market Assessment Phase

1. Executive Summary and Approach


2. Australia Forklift Rental Market Overview

2.1 Key Insights and Strategic Recommendations

2.2 Australia Forklift Rental Market Overview

2.3 Definition and Scope

2.4 Evolution of Market Ecosystem

2.5 Timeline of Key Regulatory Milestones

2.6 Value Chain & Stakeholder Mapping

2.7 Business Cycle Analysis

2.8 Policy & Incentive Landscape


3. Australia Forklift Rental Market Analysis

3.1 Growth Drivers

3.1.1 Increasing demand for logistics and warehousing solutions
3.1.2 Growth in construction and infrastructure projects
3.1.3 Rising adoption of automation in material handling
3.1.4 Expansion of e-commerce and retail sectors

3.2 Market Challenges

3.2.1 High operational costs
3.2.2 Limited availability of skilled operators
3.2.3 Stringent safety regulations
3.2.4 Fluctuating demand due to economic conditions

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.3.2 Growth in rental services over ownership
3.3.3 Increasing focus on sustainability and electric forklifts
3.3.4 Expansion into regional markets

3.4 Market Trends

3.4.1 Shift towards electric and hybrid forklifts
3.4.2 Integration of IoT in fleet management
3.4.3 Rise of on-demand rental services
3.4.4 Increased focus on safety and compliance

3.5 Government Regulation

3.5.1 Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
3.5.2 Environmental Protection Regulations
3.5.3 Vehicle Standards Regulations
3.5.4 Rental Equipment Safety Standards

4. SWOT Analysis


5. Stakeholder Analysis


6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis


7. Australia Forklift Rental Market Market Size, 2019-2024

7.1 By Value

7.2 By Volume

7.3 By Average Selling Price


8. Australia Forklift Rental Market Segmentation

8.1 By Power Source

8.1.1 Electric Forklifts
8.1.2 Internal Combustion Forklifts (Diesel, LPG, Petrol)
8.1.3 Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Forklifts
8.1.4 Others

8.2 By Tonnage Capacity

8.2.1 Below 5 Tons
8.2.2 6 to 30 Tons
8.2.3 Above 30 Tons

8.3 By Equipment Type

8.3.1 Counterbalance Forklifts
8.3.2 Reach Trucks and Narrow Aisle Forklifts
8.3.3 Rough Terrain Forklifts & Telehandlers
8.3.4 Pallet Jacks and Walkie Stackers
8.3.5 Others

8.4 By End-Use Industry

8.4.1 Warehouse & Logistics
8.4.2 Construction & Infrastructure
8.4.3 Manufacturing
8.4.4 Retail & E-commerce
8.4.5 Mining & Resources
8.4.6 Others

8.5 By Rental Duration

8.5.1 Short-Term Rentals (Less than 1 Month)
8.5.2 Medium-Term Rentals (1 to 12 Months)
8.5.3 Long-Term Rentals (More than 12 Months)

8.6 By Region

8.6.1 New South Wales
8.6.2 Victoria
8.6.3 Queensland
8.6.4 Western Australia
8.6.5 South Australia
8.6.6 Others (Tasmania, ACT, Northern Territory)

8.7 By Customer Type

8.7.1 Small and Medium Enterprises
8.7.2 Large Enterprises
8.7.3 Government and Public Sector
8.7.4 Third-Party Logistics Providers
8.7.5 Others

9. Australia Forklift Rental Market Competitive Analysis

9.1 Market Share of Key Players

9.2 Cross Comparison of Key Players

9.2.1 Company Name
9.2.2 Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)
9.2.3 Fleet Size (Number of Units)
9.2.4 Fleet Utilization Rate (%)
9.2.5 Revenue per Unit (AUD per Unit per Year)
9.2.6 EBITDA Margin (%)
9.2.7 Average Daily/Monthly Rental Rate (AUD)
9.2.8 Average Rental Duration (Days/Months)
9.2.9 Market Share by Revenue (%)
9.2.10 Market Share by Fleet Size (%)
9.2.11 Customer Retention Rate (%)
9.2.12 On-Time Delivery Rate (%)
9.2.13 Downtime per Unit (Hours per Year)
9.2.14 Customer Satisfaction / NPS Score

9.3 SWOT Analysis of Top Players

9.4 Pricing Analysis

9.5 Detailed Profile of Major Companies

9.5.1 Coates Hire
9.5.2 Kennards Hire
9.5.3 United Forklift and Access Solutions
9.5.4 Lencrow Forklifts
9.5.5 Adaptalift Group
9.5.6 Clark Equipment Australia
9.5.7 All Lift Forklifts & Access Equipment
9.5.8 Toyota Material Handling Australia
9.5.9 Crown Equipment Pty Ltd (Australia)
9.5.10 Hyster-Yale Group (Australia)
9.5.11 Manitou Australia
9.5.12 AUSA Australia
9.5.13 Fork Force Australia
9.5.14 Auslift Equipment
9.5.15 Other Prominent Regional Players

10. Australia Forklift Rental Market End-User Analysis

10.1 Procurement Behavior of Key Ministries

10.1.1 Government procurement policies
10.1.2 Budget allocation for equipment rental
10.1.3 Supplier selection criteria
10.1.4 Contract management practices

10.2 Corporate Spend on Infrastructure & Energy

10.2.1 Investment trends in infrastructure
10.2.2 Budgeting for equipment rentals
10.2.3 Impact of economic conditions on spending
10.2.4 Sector-specific spending patterns

10.3 Pain Point Analysis by End-User Category

10.3.1 Equipment availability issues
10.3.2 Maintenance and service challenges
10.3.3 Cost management concerns
10.3.4 Compliance with safety regulations

10.4 User Readiness for Adoption

10.4.1 Awareness of rental options
10.4.2 Training and support needs
10.4.3 Financial readiness for rental agreements
10.4.4 Technological readiness for fleet management

10.5 Post-Deployment ROI and Use Case Expansion

10.5.1 Measurement of rental ROI
10.5.2 Case studies of successful deployments
10.5.3 Opportunities for fleet expansion
10.5.4 Long-term partnerships with rental companies

11. Australia Forklift Rental Market Future Size, 2025-2030

11.1 By Value

11.2 By Volume

11.3 By Average Selling Price


Go-To-Market Strategy Phase

1. Whitespace Analysis + Business Model Canvas

1.1 Market gaps and opportunities

1.2 Business model components


2. Marketing and Positioning Recommendations

2.1 Branding strategies

2.2 Product USPs


3. Distribution Plan

3.1 Urban retail vs rural NGO tie-ups


4. Channel & Pricing Gaps

4.1 Underserved routes

4.2 Pricing bands


5. Unmet Demand & Latent Needs

5.1 Category gaps

5.2 Consumer segments


6. Customer Relationship

6.1 Loyalty programs

6.2 After-sales service


7. Value Proposition

7.1 Sustainability

7.2 Integrated supply chains


8. Key Activities

8.1 Regulatory compliance

8.2 Branding

8.3 Distribution setup


9. Entry Strategy Evaluation

9.1 Domestic Market Entry Strategy

9.1.1 Product mix
9.1.2 Pricing band
9.1.3 Packaging

9.2 Export Entry Strategy

9.2.1 Target countries
9.2.2 Compliance roadmap

10. Entry Mode Assessment

10.1 JV

10.2 Greenfield

10.3 M&A

10.4 Distributor Model


11. Capital and Timeline Estimation

11.1 Capital requirements

11.2 Timelines


12. Control vs Risk Trade-Off

12.1 Ownership vs Partnerships


13. Profitability Outlook

13.1 Breakeven analysis

13.2 Long-term sustainability


14. Potential Partner List

14.1 Distributors

14.2 JVs

14.3 Acquisition targets


15. Execution Roadmap

15.1 Phased Plan for Market Entry

15.1.1 Market Setup
15.1.2 Market Entry
15.1.3 Growth Acceleration
15.1.4 Scale & Stabilize

15.2 Key Activities and Milestones

15.2.1 Milestone tracking
15.2.2 Activity scheduling

Research Methodology

ApproachModellingSample

Phase 1: Approach1

Desk Research

  • Analysis of industry reports from Australian logistics and equipment rental associations
  • Review of government publications on infrastructure development and economic indicators
  • Examination of market trends through academic journals and trade publications related to forklift rental

Primary Research

  • Interviews with fleet managers and procurement officers in key industries such as construction and warehousing
  • Surveys targeting rental service providers to gather insights on pricing and service offerings
  • Field interviews with operators and maintenance personnel to understand usage patterns and preferences

Validation & Triangulation

  • Cross-validation of data through multiple sources including industry reports and expert opinions
  • Triangulation of findings from primary interviews with secondary data trends
  • Sanity checks conducted through expert panel reviews to ensure data reliability

Phase 2: Market Size Estimation1

Top-down Assessment

  • Estimation of market size based on national economic indicators and construction activity levels
  • Segmentation of the market by end-user industries such as retail, manufacturing, and logistics
  • Incorporation of government initiatives promoting infrastructure and equipment rental

Bottom-up Modeling

  • Collection of rental rates and utilization data from leading forklift rental companies
  • Estimation of fleet sizes and turnover rates across different sectors
  • Calculation of revenue based on average rental duration and frequency of rentals

Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

  • Multi-variable regression analysis incorporating economic growth, construction trends, and technological advancements
  • Scenario modeling based on potential regulatory changes and market disruptions
  • Development of baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic forecasts through 2030

Phase 3: CATI Sample Composition1

Scope Item/SegmentSample SizeTarget Respondent Profiles
Construction Equipment Rental120Project Managers, Equipment Rental Coordinators
Warehouse Operations90Warehouse Managers, Logistics Supervisors
Manufacturing Sector Forklift Usage80Production Managers, Safety Officers
Retail Sector Forklift Rental70Store Operations Managers, Supply Chain Analysts
Event and Exhibition Rentals60Event Coordinators, Facility Managers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the Australia Forklift Rental Market?

The Australia Forklift Rental Market is valued at approximately AUD 130 million, driven by increasing demand for efficient material handling solutions across various industries, including construction, logistics, retail, and manufacturing.

Which cities are the key players in the Australia Forklift Rental Market?

What are the main factors driving growth in the Australia Forklift Rental Market?

What types of forklifts are most commonly rented in Australia?

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