Small forklift hire fleet with delivery

Small warehouses, builders, landscape and building suppliers, manufacturers and event crews who need a machine for a short time or a busy season.

Daily, weekly or monthly hire rates per machine, plus delivery and pick-up fees. Longer hires give steadier income, and extras such as attachments or servicing add to it.

• Mechanical knowledge or a reliable mechanic to call on
• Organising bookings, deliveries and servicing
• Customer service and clear hire agreements

• Operators need a high risk work licence for forklifts, so check your state's WHS regulator and have a process to see licences before hand-over
• Plant and equipment insurance and public liability insurance that actually covers hired-out machines
• Regular servicing and safety checks, check what your state's WHS regulator and the manufacturer require
• Towing and transport rules for heavy trailers, check your state's licence and vehicle requirements
• Zoning and council approval for a yard or storage site, and workers compensation once you hire staff
• Used machines can break down, which means lost income, so keep a repair budget

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on how many used forklifts you buy, plus your trailer and yard. Keep a repair budget, as used machines can break down and cost you income.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your fleet size and how often machines are hired out. Breakdowns mean lost income, so keep a repair budget.

Check your state's WHS regulator for the high risk work licence operators need, and have a process to see licences before hand-over. Also check plant and public liability insurance covering hired-out machines, servicing requirements, towing rules and zoning for your yard.