Forklift Hire in Perth, Real Costs, Licences, Types & the Answers Businesses Actually Need

If you’re looking into forklift hire in Perth, you’re probably weighing up a few things already. How much does it cost? Do you need a licence? Is it better to hire or buy?

These are questions we hear every week from Perth businesses across warehousing, construction, logistics and manufacturing. This guide breaks down forklift hire in plain English, based on the real situations local businesses deal with day to day, so you can make a confident decision before committing.

How Much Does Forklift Hire Cost in Perth?

Forklift hire costs in Perth depend on what you need and how long you need it for. There isn’t a single flat rate, because no two sites or jobs are the same.

Short-term hire is usually charged daily or weekly and suits shutdowns, short projects or covering a breakdown. Long-term hire is typically charged monthly and is better suited to ongoing operations where predictable costs matter.

Hire rates are influenced by factors such as

• Forklift size and lifting capacity

• Diesel or electric power

• Indoor or outdoor use

• Ground conditions and attachments

• Length of the hire agreement

One of the key advantages of forklift hire is cost certainty. Once a hire rate is agreed, it’s generally fixed for the term, helping Perth businesses avoid unexpected expenses from repairs, servicing or rising operating costs.

Do You Need a Forklift Licence to Hire a Forklift in WA?

You don’t need a licence to hire a forklift, but anyone operating one must hold a valid LF High Risk Work Licence in Western Australia.

This is an important distinction that can catch businesses out. The responsibility for ensuring operators are licenced sits with the business using the forklift, not the hire company. This applies whether you’re using employees, contractors or labour-hire staff.

Getting this right helps avoid fines, insurance issues and site compliance problems. However, operating certain material handling equipment designed for warehouses like our walkie reach stackers does not require you to have a license, and they are extremly cost effective and efficient.

What Types of Forklifts Can You Hire in Perth?

Forklifts are hired in Perth for a wide range of jobs, and choosing the right type makes a big difference to safety and productivity.

Common forklift hire options 

• Diesel forklifts for outdoor and heavier applications

• Electric forklifts for warehouses and indoor environments

• All-terrain forklifts for rough or unsealed ground

• Warehouse forklifts and pallet movers for tight spaces

Hiring gives you the flexibility to match the forklift to the job, rather than trying to make one machine do everything.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Forklift Hire, What’s Best?

Short-term forklift hire works well if you

• Have a short project or shutdown

• Need cover while equipment is being repaired

• Are dealing with a temporary spike in workload

Long-term hire suits businesses that

• Use a forklift every day

• Want consistent monthly costs

• Prefer not to tie up capital in equipment ownership

For many Perth businesses, long-term hire removes the stress of managing maintenance, compliance and unexpected breakdowns while keeping equipment on site and ready to work

Forklift Hire vs Buying, What Makes Sense for Perth Businesses

Buying a forklift involves a large upfront cost, ongoing servicing, compliance checks and depreciation over time. For some businesses, ownership makes sense, but it’s not always the most practical option.

Forklift hire allows businesses to keep their working capital available for other priorities such as staff, inventory or expansion. It also removes concerns around resale value, ageing equipment and unexpected repair bills.

For businesses with changing workloads or site conditions, hiring often provides more flexibility and lower risk. Used forklifts may also be an option in these circumstances and may be a viable option depending on the type and size of equipment needed. 

What’s Included When You Hire a Forklift?

Most forklift hire agreements include

• Scheduled servicing and routine maintenance

• Repairs and breakdown support

• Equipment that meets current Australian Standards

• Priority response if issues arise

If a hired forklift breaks down, hire customers are typically prioritised for repairs or replacement. That can significantly reduce downtime, especially on busy Perth sites where delays quickly add up. Forklift servicing and repairs are often overlooked BUT are the most important aspect of the agreement because downtime is the productivity destroyer.

Why Experience Matters When Hiring a Forklift in Perth

Forklift hire isn’t just about availability and price. Choosing the wrong machine or overlooking site conditions can lead to downtime, safety issues and unnecessary costs.

We’ve been supporting Perth businesses with forklift hire, sales and servicing for almost 30 years, with 2026 marking three decades in operation. Over that time, we’ve seen how small decisions can have a big impact on day-to-day operations.

That experience means understanding Perth worksites properly, from tight warehouse layouts to rough outdoor conditions, and helping businesses avoid common mistakes before they happen.

Common Forklift Hire Mistakes Perth Businesses Make

Some of the most common issues we see include

• Hiring a forklift that isn’t suited to the site or load

• Underestimating how long the hire will be needed

• Overlooking operator licencing requirements

• Buying a forklift when hire would have been more cost-effective

A quick conversation upfront can often prevent these issues and save time and money later on.

Forklift Hire FAQs, Perth & WA

Are forklift hire costs tax deductible?
In most cases, forklift hire charges used for business purposes are tax deductible. It’s best to confirm your specific situation with your accountant.

Does forklift hire affect my lending capacity?
No. Forklift hire is considered non-bank funding and does not impact your borrowing limits.

How quickly can a forklift be delivered in Perth?
Delivery times depend on availability and forklift type, but fast delivery can often be arranged across the Perth metro area

What happens if a forklift breaks down?
Maintenance and repairs are usually included, with priority support to minimise downtime.

Final Thoughts

Forklift hire gives Perth businesses flexibility without the long-term commitment of ownership. Fixed hire rates, included maintenance and access to compliant equipment make it a practical option for both short-term projects and ongoing operations.

If you’re unsure which forklift suits your site or how long you’ll need it for, speaking with a local Perth team that’s been doing this for decades can help you make the right call the first time.

Need more info? Speak with our Perth Forklift Hire Team

Written by the team at Allied Forklifts, proudly supporting Perth businesses with forklift hire, sales and servicing since the mid-1990s.