How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Forklift?

Need a forklift for just one day? We do offer daily forklift hire for customers who need a quick turnaround, whether it's to cover a breakdown, complete a one-off lift, or support a short-term project. As every requirement is different, daily hire is arranged on a case-by-case basis. Simply get in touch with our team and we'll be happy to discuss your needs and provide a fast, tailored solution.

Why a one-day hire can cost almost as much as a week

A one-day hire and a week-long hire are often closer in cost than many people expect. That's because transport, delivery, collection, and administration make up a significant proportion of the overall hire cost. Once a forklift is on-site, keeping it for a few extra days typically adds far less than the initial logistics. If there's any chance you'll need the machine for more than a day or two, a weekly hire can often provide better overall value.

Forklift hire cost per week in the UK typically ranges from around £100 to £400, depending on the machine's capacity and specification. At iLift, weekly rates start from £150 for pallet trucks and stackers, and from £165 for our 1.8t EFL181. Larger capacity machines, higher mast heights and additional specification (such as triplex masts or attachments) push the price up the range, while smaller, standard-spec machines sit toward the lower end. As a rule, the more demanding the job, the higher up that £100–£400 range you'll land.

Move to a monthly or long-term contract and the cost per week drops sharply. A 12-month hire typically works out to around £3,000 in total, which is roughly £55 per week, about a third of what you'd pay on a short-term weekly rate. The longer the contract, the more the price reflects the ongoing cost of the machine rather than the cost of getting it to you, which is why long-term hire looks so different from a one-off week.

When long-term hire beats buying

For many businesses, long-term hire makes more financial sense than buying outright. There's no capital outlay, so cash stays free for other things. Costs are predictable, with servicing included and no surprise repair bills. And when the contract ends, there's no residual value risk to worry about, no ageing asset to sell on or write off. If you're weighing up hire against buying, our [running cost guide] breaks down the full picture, or use the [TCO calculator] to see the numbers for your own usage.

Forklift hire pricing isn't one-size-fits-all. A handful of factors decide where your quote lands within the ranges above, and understanding them helps you avoid paying for spec you don't actually need.

Capacity and machine type

A 1.8t machine costs less to hire than a 2.5t or 3.5t, and the type matters too, a counterbalance, reach truck or pallet truck are priced differently even at similar capacity. The right choice comes down to what you're lifting and where.

How long you need it

The longer the hire, the lower the price works out per week, as covered above. It's worth thinking honestly about how long you'll actually need the machine before committing to a short-term rate.

Lift height, mast and attachments

Triplex masts, non-standard forks and attachments all add to the base price. If your job needs extra reach or a specific attachment, factor that into your quote request rather than being surprised by it later.

Delivery and location

iLift includes free delivery as standard, so this shouldn't add to your quote. Coverage varies by area, see our [city hire pages] for hire options near you.

Lithium vs lead-acid

iLift hires out lithium-ion machines only, which affects lithium forklift hire cost differently to a lead-acid equivalent, faster charging and no maintenance downtime mean less time off-hire, which is factored into the price. You get a more efficient machine without paying more for it.

New vs ex-demo

Ex-demo machines are typically 20 to 50% cheaper than the new-equivalent, and feed into some of the lower "from" rates you'll see quoted. If budget's tight, it's worth asking what's available ex-demo. See our ex-demo collection.

It depends on how much you'll use the machine and for how long. As a rule of thumb, if you need a forklift for under a year, or your usage is seasonal or project-based, hire usually works out cheaper and more flexible. If you're running a machine daily for several years, buying often becomes the better value over time, though it comes with upfront capital cost and ongoing ownership risk.

There's no single right answer, it comes down to your own usage hours, contract length and available capital. Our [running cost guide] breaks down the full cost of ownership, and the [TCO calculator] lets you compare hire against buying using your own numbers.