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.
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.
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.
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.
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.