Choose a forklift with sufficient maximum capacity and make sure it can fit where you need it to go.

Think through what materials you plan to lift. Will you be moving pallets? Storage containers? Lumber? And then consider the heaviest loads you’ll need to lift. It’s common for people to underestimate the capacity of the forklift they need, so when in doubt, go for a large telehandler rental. In the case of forklifts with telescopic booms, consult the load chart to figure out the forklift’s load capacity.

United Rentals offers warehouse forklift rentals with a wide range of maximum capacities, including:

• Small telehandler forklifts: A 5,000-pound telehandler can handle light-duty to medium-duty jobs around a worksite or other industrial site.
• Medium telehandler forklifts: These have capacities ranging from 10,000 pounds to 20,000 pounds and are suitable for medium-duty to heavy-duty jobs. This 10,000-pound telehandler can lift 55 feet up.
• Large telehandler forklifts: With load capacities of 20,000 pounds and up, large telehandler forklifts can handle heavy-duty applications. These large telehandlers include variable reach forklifts which have more flexibility in the length of the boom arm.

In addition to capacity, you’ll also need to consider the forklift’s operating weight and width, and if those specifications are suitable for the type of terrain on site.

The height to which you need to lift materials will determine not only what type of forklift you need to rent but also the maximum lift height. Our telehandler rentals can reach between 15 to 56 feet. Smaller 15-foot telehandlers are ideal for reaching two- to three-story buildings. While the larger 55-56 feet forklifts are ideal for reaching twice or three times that height, depending on maximum load capacity at height. Check the specifications on all forklift models for operating capacity.

Telehandler forklifts typically are fitted with pneumatic tires. Pneumatic tires are filled with compressed air and can handle rough terrain and uneven surfaces, including those found on construction sites and in lumberyards. Forklifts with pneumatic tires are typically intended for outdoor work, though they can also be useful in large warehouses. Cushion tires, made from solid rubber, provide less traction and lower ground clearance and are intended for indoor floors and smooth, level outdoor surfaces. If you are looking for a forklift for indoor applications, a warehouse forklift may be the right choice for you.

Because telehandlers are designed for outdoor use, most often they are gas or diesel-powered. Diesel-powered forklifts are bigger, more powerful forklifts than the smaller models working in warehouses. Diesel-powered telehandlers are the go-to outdoor forklifts for heavy-duty applications, such as heavy manufacturing, lumberyards and construction. Gas-powered telehandlers are less common than diesel-powered forklifts but share many of the pros and cons.

The pros of gas and diesel telehandler forklifts

• More power and torque than electric or propane forklifts
• Can lift more weight and easily power hydraulic attachments
• Faster acceleration and lifting
• Require less maintenance than propane-fueled engines
• Run time is limited only by fuel accessibility

The cons of gas/diesel telehandler forklifts

• Limited to outdoor use due to exhaust fumes
• Noisy operation and vibrations cause operator fatigue
• Can’t make short turns or work in tight places due to their size
• Require more highly trained operators