Forklift hire with a licensed operator

Builders, building and landscape suppliers, small warehouses, farms and event crews who need a machine and operator for a few hours or days.

Hourly or daily rate with the operator included, plus a float or travel charge. Repeat work from regular builders and suppliers keeps the machine busy.

• A forklift high risk work licence
• Safe, careful machine handling
• Reliable, punctual customer service

• The high risk work licence must be current and cover the machine type, so check with your state's WHS regulator
• Public liability insurance and plant insurance, and check whether your policy covers working on other people's sites
• Towing weight and licence rules for your ute and trailer, check your state's road authority
• Site safety induction and traffic management rules on construction sites
• Workers compensation insurance if you take on another operator
• Income depends on a handful of regular clients, so avoid relying on just one

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on the forklift you choose, the ute and trailer to move it, and insurance. Get quotes for your own setup before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $18,000, depending on how many hours or days you book out and your rates. Income can rely on a few regular clients, so avoid depending on just one.

Things to check: your high risk work licence must be current and cover the machine type (ask your state's WHS regulator), public liability and plant insurance, towing rules for your ute and trailer, and site induction requirements.