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Warehouse Forklifts for Rent

United Rentals' large fleet of warehouse forklift rentals includes lift trucks, pallet stackers and narrow aisle forklifts with various lift capacities, tire types and fuel types for most indoor applications.

For our full list of warehouse forklifts, view the items below. For more information about warehouse forklifts, visit our resource section.

Walk-Behind Warehouse Forklift

Zero Emissions

Cat Class Code
231-0500

Walkie Stacker, 1,000-4,000 lbs., Electric Powered

  • Cushion tires for smooth traveling
  • Maximum fork height of up to 15'
  • Full load lift at up to 27 feet per minute
  • Lifting capacity 4,000 lbs.
  • Battery power supply 24V
  • Uses: Ideal for moving and stacking pallets
  • Add this walk-behind forklift to your cart now
Cat Class Code
231-1651

Warehouse Forklift, 12,501 lbs.-15,000 lbs.

  • Maximum fork height of up to 10'
  • Travel speeds up to 12.5 mph under full load
  • Cushion tires for low clearance areas
  • Maximum carrying capacity up to 15,000 lbs.
  • Hydraulic foot brakes and mechanical hand brakes
  • Uses: Ideal for transporting materials, pallets and more around a warehouse or other industrial site
  • Add this 15k forklift to your cart now
green warehouse forklift product shot rearview
Cat Class Code
231-1650

Warehouse Forklift, 12,501 lbs.-15,000 lbs., Gas/LP/Diesel Powered

  • Full load lift of up to 104 feet per minute
  • Maximum fork height of up to 10'
  • Diesel, gas or liquid propane options available
  • Grade range up to 34% under full load
  • 24" load center
  • Uses: Ideal for transporting materials, pallets and more around a warehouse or other industrial site
  • Add this warehouse forklift to your cart now
Orange Warehouse Forklift
Cat Class Code
231-1975

Warehouse Forklift, 15.5 Ton, Diesel Powered

  • Maximum lift capacity up to 15.5 tons
  • Pneumatic tires
  • Maximum fork height of up to 9'10"
  • Grade range up to 30% under full load
  • Add this forklift to your cart now
Warehouse Forklift Pneumatic
Cat Class Code
231-2000

Warehouse Forklift, 18 Ton, Diesel Powered

  • Maximum fork height of up to 9'10"
  • Diesel-powered forklift
  • Maximum carrying capacity up to 36,000 lbs.
  • Grade range up to 30% under full load
  • Uses: Ideal for assisting you with your lifting, moving, stacking, picking or handling needs
  • Add this forklift to your cart now
Warehouse Forklift, 20,000-22,499 lbs., Pneumatic Tires
Cat Class Code
231-1850

Warehouse Forklift, 20,000-22,499 lbs., Pneumatic Tires, Diesel Powered

  • Auto-shift transmission
  • Oil-cooled disc brakes
  • Maximum carrying capacity up to 22,499 lbs.
  • Hydraulic control valve and levers
  • Uses: Ideal for lifting, moving and stacking heavy materials
  • Add this heavy-duty forklift to your cart now
Warehouse Forklift
Cat Class Code
231-1950

Warehouse Forklift, 25,000-30,000 lbs., Diesel Powered

  • Maximum fork height of up to 9'10"
  • Pneumatic tires
  • Maximum carrying capacity up to 30,000 lbs.
  • Operator Sensing System for increased safety
  • Uses: Ideal for maneuvering around a warehouse or other industrial site
  • Add this 30K forklift to your cart now
Warehouse Forklift
Cat Class Code
231-1253

Warehouse Forklift, 3 Ton

  • Maximum lift capacity up to 3 tons
  • Pneumatic tires
  • Two- or three-stage mast for visibility
  • Maximum fork height of up to 15'5"
  • Add this forklift to your cart now
Warehouse Forklift Pack Shot
Cat Class Code
231-1252

Warehouse Forklift, 3 Ton, Diesel Powered

  • Maximum fork height of up to 15'7”
  • Two- or three-stage mast for visibility
  • Up to 6,000 lb. lift capacity
  • Includes a System of Active Stability for increased safety
  • Uses: Ideal for lifting, moving, stacking, picking or handling needs
  • Add this forklift to your cart now
Warehouse Forklift Pack Shot
Cat Class Code
231-1250

Warehouse Forklift, 3 Ton, Gas/LP Powered

  • Maximum fork height of up to 15'7"
  • Pneumatic tires
  • Maximum lift capacity of up to 3 tons
  • Two- or three-stage mast for visibility
  • Uses: Ideal for assisting you with your lifting, moving, stacking, picking or handling needs
  • Add this 6k forklift to your cart now
Internal Combustion Forklift Pack Shot
Cat Class Code
231-1220

Warehouse Forklift, 3 Ton, Quadmast, Gas/LP Powered

  • Maximum lift capacity up to 3 tons
  • Pneumatic tires
  • Four-stage mast for highest lifting/stacking
  • Maximum fork height 20'
  • Add this forklift to your cart now
yellow warehouse forklift product shot rearview
Cat Class Code
231-1004

Warehouse Forklift, 3,000 lbs.

  • Conveniently adjustable fork widths
  • Maximum fork height of up to 11'
  • Easy-to-operate controls
  • Advanced hydraulic power steering
  • Maximum lifting capacity up to 3,000 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for transporting materials, pallets and more around a warehouse or other industrial site
  • Add this warehouse forklift to your cart now
orange warehouse forklift product shot sideview
Cat Class Code
231-1005

Warehouse Forklift, 3,000 lbs., Gas/LP Powered

  • Hydrostatic steering for faster response
  • Oil-cooled disc brakes
  • Maximum fork height of up to 11'
  • Maximum carrying capacity of up to 1.5 tons
  • High torque to drive wheels
  • Uses: Ideal for transporting materials, pallets and more around a warehouse or other industrial site
  • Add this 3k forklift to your cart now
orange warehouse forklift product shot

Zero Emissions

Cat Class Code
231-1000

Warehouse Forklift, 3,000 lbs.-4,000 lbs., Electric Powered

  • See-through mast and top for good visibility
  • Economy, standard and high-speed modes
  • Maximum carrying capacity of up to 4,000 lbs.
  • Hydraulic motor and AC drive
  • Uses: Ideal for transporting materials, pallets and more around a warehouse or other industrial site
  • Add this 4k forklift to your cart now
Toyota Warehouse Forklift Pack Shot
Cat Class Code
231-1351

Warehouse Forklift, 4 Ton, Diesel Powered

  • Maximum fork height up to 15'7”
  • Includes a System of Active Stability for increased safety
  • Maximum lift capacity up to 4 tons
  • Grade range up to 43% under full load
  • Uses: Ideal for lifting, moving and stacking heavy-duty materials
  • Add this straight mast forklift to your cart now
Warehouse Forklift Pack Shot
Cat Class Code
231-1350

Warehouse Forklift, 4 Ton, Gas/LP Powered

  • Maximum lift capacity up to 4 tons
  • Pneumatic tires
  • Grade range up to 43% under full load
  • Maximum fork height of up to 15'7"
  • Add this forklift to your cart now
Cat Class Code
231-1101

Warehouse Forklift, 4,000 lbs., Gas/LP Powered

  • Full load lift up to 124 feet per minute
  • Turning radius as tight as 75.6"
  • Up to 24" load center
  • Maximum fork height of up to 11'
  • Pneumatic powered lift
  • Uses: Ideal for transporting materials, pallets and more around a warehouse or other industrial site
  • Add this warehouse forklift to your cart now

Zero Emissions

Cat Class Code
231-1110

Warehouse Forklift, 4,000 lbs., Stand Up, Battery Powered

  • Travel speed of up to 7.3 mph under full load
  • 24" load center
  • Maximum carrying capacity of up to 4,000 lbs.
  • Maximum fork height of up to 15'
  • Space for a single standing operator
  • Uses: Ideal for transporting materials, pallets and more around warehouses or other industrial sites
  • Add this 4k forklift to your cart today
Toyota Warehouse Forklift Pack Shot
Cat Class Code
231-1450

Warehouse Forklift, 5 Ton, Diesel Powered

  • Maximum fork height of up to 15'7"
  • Pneumatic tires
  • Maximum lift capacity of up to 5 tons
  • 9'4" turning radius
  • Uses: Ideal for transporting materials, pallets and more around a warehouse or other industrial site
  • Add this forklift to your cart now
Warehouse Forklift Pack Shot
Cat Class Code
231-1445

Warehouse Forklift, 5 Ton, Gas/LP Powered

  • Maximum fork height of up to 15'7"
  • 9'4" turning radius
  • Maximum lift capacity up to 5 tons
  • Includes a System of Active Stability for increased safety
  • Uses: Ideal for lifting, moving and stacking heavy-duty warehouse materials
  • Add this 10K forklift to your cart now
Internal Combustion Forklift Pack Shot
Cat Class Code
231-1202

Warehouse Forklift, 5,000 lbs., Diesel Powered

  • Maximum fork height of up to 15'9"
  • Pneumatic tires
  • Maximum lift capacity of up to 5,000 lbs.
  • Grade range of up to 30% under full load
  • Uses: Ideal for transporting materials, pallets and more around a warehouse or other industrial site
  • Add this 5k forklift to your cart now
Yellow Warehouse Forklift

Zero Emissions

Cat Class Code
231-1201

Warehouse Forklift, 5,000 lbs., Electric Powered

  • Maximum fork height up to 15'
  • Grade range up to 21% under full load
  • Maximum carrying capacity of up to 5,000 lbs.
  • Includes a System of Active Stability for increased safety
  • Uses: Ideal for lifting, stacking and moving warehouse materials
  • Add this 5k forklift to your cart now
Yellow Warehouse Forklift 1
Cat Class Code
231-1200

Warehouse Forklift, 5,000 lbs., Gas Powered

  • Maximum fork height of up to 15'9"
  • Includes 4' forks
  • Maximum carrying capacity of up to 5,000 lbs.
  • Grade range up to 21% under full load
  • Uses: Ideal for lifting, moving and stacking warehouse materials
  • Add this 5k forklift to your cart now
Forklift Pack Shot
Cat Class Code
231-1205

Warehouse Forklift, 5,000 lbs., Gas/LP Powered

  • Maximum lift height of up to 14'3”
  • Two-stage mast for visibility
  • Maximum lift capacity of up to 5,000 lbs.
  • System of Active Stability for increased safety
  • Uses: Ideal for assisting with lifting, moving, stacking, picking or handling needs
  • Add this 5k forklift to your cart now
Cat Class Code
231-1204

Warehouse Forklift, 5,000 lbs., Gas/Propane Powered

  • Up to 24" load center
  • Travel speed of up to 10.8 mph under full load
  • Cushion tires are useful for low-clearance areas
  • Maximum lifting capacity of up to 5,000 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for transporting materials, pallets and more around a warehouse or other industrial site
  • Add this 5k forklift to your cart now
yellow 5000 lb warehouse forklift
Cat Class Code
231-1209

Warehouse Forklift, 5,000 lbs., Quadmast

  • Maximum fork height of up to 20'
  • Four-stage mast for highest lifting/stacking
  • Maximum lift capacity of up to 5,000 lbs.
  • Pneumatic tires
  • Uses: Ideal for assisting you with your lifting, moving, stacking, picking or handling needs
  • Add this 5k forklift to your cart now
Warehouse Forklift 1
Cat Class Code
231-1210

Warehouse Forklift, 5,000 lbs., With Scale

  • Maximum lift capacity up to 5,000 lbs.
  • Pneumatic tires
  • Hydrostatic steering
  • Maximum fork height 15'
  • Add this forklift to your cart now
Forklift Whse 6000 lbs
Cat Class Code
231-1221

Warehouse Forklift, 6,000 lbs., Diesel Powered

  • Tight outside turning radius of 92.5°
  • Maximum carrying capacity of up to 6,000 lbs.
  • Grade range of up to 29% under full load
  • Maximum height of up to 15’
  • Uses: Ideal to assist you in your lifting, moving, stacking, picking or handling needs
  • Add this forklift to your cart now

Zero Emissions

Cat Class Code
231-1251

Warehouse Forklift, 6,000 lbs., Electric Powered

  • Maximum lift height of up to 15.5’
  • Sit-down counterbalance forklift
  • 36V and optional 48V power supply
  • Travel speed of up to 10.73 mph under full load
  • Uses: Ideal for transporting materials, pallets and more around a warehouse or other industrial site
  • Add this 6k forklift to your cart now
Internal Combustion Forklift Pack Shot
Cat Class Code
231-1801

Warehouse Forklift, 7.5 Ton, Diesel Powered

  • Maximum fork height of up to 10'
  • Grade range of up to 30% under full load
  • Maximum lift capacity of up to 7.5 tons
  • Pneumatic tires
  • Uses: Ideal for lifting, moving and stacking heavy materials
  • Add this forklift to your cart now
yellow warehouse forklift product shot front view
Cat Class Code
231-1353

Warehouse Forklift, 8,000 lbs.

  • 2-stage mast for high visibility
  • Full load lift of up to 20" per second
  • Maximum fork height of up to 10'
  • Maximum carrying capacity up to 8,000 lbs.
  • 19" load center
  • Uses: Ideal for transporting materials, pallets and more around a warehouse or other industrial site
  • Add this 8k forklift to your cart now
Resources

More About Warehouse Forklifts

Choose from gas/propane, diesel and electric forklift rentals with maximum lift heights up to 23 feet and maximum load capacities up to 50,000 lbs. Also called lift trucks, these models come with cushion tires for driving indoors or with pneumatic tires to drive on smooth, outdoor surfaces. Smaller electric walk-behinds are also available and can lift up to 4,000 pounds. Our inventory features forklifts for rent from trusted manufacturers like Toyota, Doosan, JCB and more. For more information on our warehouse forklift rental options, please read our FAQ section below.

FAQs
What types of forklifts are used in warehouses?

Forklifts are an indispensable piece of equipment for warehouse work, and there are many types to choose from, depending on your specific needs.

  • Warehouse forklifts are the most recognizable with a golf cart-size body and two fork tongs sticking out of the front. These forks can lift between one and five tons.
  • Side loaders are similar to the warehouse forklift, but the lift unloads objects on its side, making it a great choice for heavy, bulky or long items like lumber or pipes.
  • Counterbalance forklifts have the weight in the back to "counterbalance" the weight of the load. Three-wheeled versions make it easy to operate these lifts and make sharp turns.
  • Pallet jacks, walkie stackers, order pickers and reach trucks are all great options for navigating narrow warehouse aisles, allowing the operator to lift and lower pallets to various heights.
How high can a warehouse forklift go?

United Rentals has a wide selection of warehouse forklifts for rent with maximum lift heights around 20-23 feet and load capacities up to 50,000 pounds. For short lifts, we also provide pallet jacks with a maximum lift height of around 7.5 inches.

What forklift capacity do I need?

The maximum forklift capacity needed depends on the application and size of the load. Every forklift includes a plate required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that states the maximum load capacity. Before you make a decision, determine the dimensions and weight of your heaviest load, how high you need to lift the load, how many hours you need to use the lift, and what the lifting environment is like. United Rentals provides forklifts for rent with load capacities of up to 50,000 pounds.

Can factory forklifts be given outdoor tires for outdoor use?

Indoor forklifts come with cushion tires to make it easier to maneuver on smooth warehouse floors. Outdoor forklifts use pneumatic tires with deep treads and more ground clearance to make them easier to drive on rough terrains. Generally, the forklift's wheels and frame are designed for a specific tire type, so check the forklift's manual before going with a different tire type than what is recommended. It is rare for the forklift to have the ability to switch from a cushion tire to a pneumatic tire.

Tips for Choosing a Warehouse Forklift

Warehouse forklifts are best for raising and transporting crates, pallets and other materials over short distances. As the name implies, they’re often used in warehouses for loading and unloading inventory as well as picking and stacking. They can handle heavy loads and operate on indoor surfaces or smooth outdoor surfaces.

If you need the ability to move loads to the side, look for a side loader or a warehouse forklift with an available side-shift attachment. A walkie stacker is a walk-behind forklift designed to move and stack pallets at greater heights than a standard pallet jack. For the highest reach, choose a quad mast forklift.

Choose the correct forklift capacity

Think through what materials you plan to lift (single pallets? heavy containers? wood?) and 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 forklift 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 warehouse forklifts: A 3,000-pound warehouse forklift can handle light-duty to medium-duty jobs around a warehouse or other industrial site.
  • Medium warehouse forklifts: These have capacities ranging from 3,000 pounds to 15,500 pounds and are suitable for medium-duty to heavy-duty jobs. This 12,000-pound warehouse forklift can travel up to 12.1 mph under full load.
  • Large warehouse forklifts: With load capacities up to 55,000 pounds, large forklifts can handle heavy-duty applications.

In addition to capacity, you’ll need to consider the forklift’s dimensions in relation to the space restrictions of the jobsite. For example, if you’re working in a warehouse, knowing the aisle width and/or common pallet dimensions will help to determine the size and type of forklift to rent. Pallet jacks and side loaders are ideal for narrow aisles.

Know the lift height you need

The height to which you need to lift materials will determine what not only what type of forklift you need to rent but also the type of mast you need (straight or extending, and how many stages). Forklift masts are typically two-stage or three-stage, though some are four-stage (quad masts). Quad masts are designed for the highest stacking.

Remember to consider your overhead clearance, including doorways, and make sure the mast — or boom in the case of a telehandler — will fit at its lowest height. Four-stage masts collapse to a lower height than other masts.

Choose a lift truck with the right tires

Forklifts with pneumatic tires, filled with compressed air, 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.

Choose between electric, diesel and gas/LP power

You need to decide the best power option for your site and project. Electric, diesel/gasoline and propane forklifts all have their advantages and disadvantages. When looking for the right rental forklift, start by thinking about the tasks the forklift will be used for. Will the work happen mainly inside or outside? Is moving heavy pallets the most important need, or will the operator be using attachments to do other work? What is your budget?

Electric forklifts

For indoor work, consider renting an electric forklift. Electric-powered forklifts are often used to lift and transport materials in industrial or warehouse settings, especially in cold-storage facilities for food and medical equipment.

If “battery-powered” makes you pause, consider this: Sealed lead-acid batteries have better starting power, recharge more quickly and have lower maintenance costs than older lead-acid batteries. Many heavy-duty forklifts still rely on lead-acid batteries because these heavy batteries — weighing between 800 and 4,000 pounds — serve as a counterbalance to the material being lifted. Newer electric models rely on lithium-ion batteries, which are the lightest option.

The pros of electric warehouse forklifts

  • Quiet, exhaust-free operation
  • Relatively low operating costs
  • More compact than propane or diesel thanks to the lack of an internal combustion engine
  • Maneuverable, can turn on a dime
  • Controls are basic, a boon for new or less-experienced operators
  • Less downtime due to fewer moving parts and the absence of engine oil, coolants, filters and fuel
  • Less vibration, which reduces operator fatigue
  • Great performance from the AC motor
  • Performance not affected by cold temperatures needed for cold storage

The cons of electric warehouse forklifts

  • Most electric forklifts not rated for outdoor use
  • Higher costs than propane and diesel forklifts, and charging bays, chargers and tools for removing large batteries add to the costs
  • Heavy-duty work may require more expensive batteries
  • Batteries require recharging, which can slow down work and diminish runtime

Propane forklifts

For quick refueling and low emissions, propane forklifts deliver. Liquid propane (LP) powers the internal combustion engine. Propane forklifts come in many sizes and capacities and are used in trucking and logistics, manufacturing and large warehouses.

If you're considering renting a propane forklift, weigh these pros and cons.

The pros of propane warehouse forklifts

  • Can be used for work indoors or outdoors, even on inclines
  • Fast refueling (replacing a sealed propane tank takes five minutes or less)
  • Lower emissions than diesel
  • More power, greater torque and superior runtime than electric
  • Wide range of capacities
  • Longer engine life than diesel

The cons of propane warehouse forklifts

  • Fuel costs are unpredictable
  • Propane is volatile and can leak from tanks if tanks are punctured
  • More moving parts increase maintenance costs compared to electric
  • A clutch is used to slow traction speed so you may need to train drivers on loading and off-loading
  • May be difficult to start in cold weather
  • Less power and torque than diesel or gas models
  • Louder than electric forklifts

Gas/diesel warehouse forklifts

Need a bigger, more powerful forklift that can work on a slope? Renting a diesel or gas forklift is the way to go. These machines are the go-to outdoor forklifts for heavy-duty applications, such as heavy manufacturing, lumberyards and construction. Gas-powered forklifts are less common than diesel-powered forklifts but share many of the pros and cons.

The pros of gas and diesel warehouse 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 warehouse 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