Renting a forklift in Bakersfield is a smart choice for construction projects, seasonal warehouse peaks, or when you need specialized equipment without a long-term commitment. As a central hub for agriculture, oil production, and logistics in the San Joaquin Valley, Bakersfield has several major rental providers ready to serve Kern County.
Rental Cost Breakdown for Bakersfield
Forklift rental rates in Bakersfield align with national averages. Standard 5,000 lb warehouse forklifts typically run $150 to $200 per day, with significant discounts for weekly and monthly rentals .
Forklift Type Daily Rate Weekly Rate Monthly Rate
3,000-4,000 lb Electric $120 – $180 $350 – $500 $1,150 – $1,600
5,000 lb Cushion Tire $150 – $200 $450 – $600 $1,200 – $1,800
5,000-8,000 lb IC (Propane/Diesel) $180 – $250 $550 – $800 $1,500 – $2,500
Rough Terrain/Telehandler $250 – $500 $800 – $1,500 $2,500 – $4,500
Pricing based on national averages; actual rates vary by provider and season .
Key Insight: Monthly rates typically save 50-60% compared to daily rates. Longer rentals (3+ months) may qualify for additional 10-20% discounts .
Major Forklift Rental Providers in Bakersfield
United Rentals (Power & HVAC)
Address: 4117 Rosedale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Services: Full fleet including forklifts & material handling, aerial work platforms, earthmoving equipment, and more
Note: United Rentals recently announced acquisition of H&E Rentals, which will further expand their local fleet
United Rentals (JCB Dealer)
Address: 34929 Petrol Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Specialty: JCB forklifts, aerial lifts, and construction equipment
Rating: 4.7 stars
H&E Rentals (Newly Relocated Facility)
Address: 34697 Imperial Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93308 (off Highway 65)
Phone: 661-393-7824
Specialty: Telescopic forklifts, aerial lifts, earthmoving, compaction equipment, generators
Key Brands: JCB, JLG, Genie, SkyTrak, Manitou, Case, John Deere, Kubota
Note: H&E recently relocated to a larger facility with expanded yard and repair shop to better serve Bakersfield and the San Joaquin Valley
PAPE Material Handling
Address: 34782 Lencioni Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Services: New and used forklifts, aerial equipment, telehandlers, rentals, and warehouse solutions
Specialties: Fleet management, telemetry, lithium battery solutions, and financing options
Ahern Rentals
Address: 2113 Taft Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93313
Services: New, used, and rental equipment including rough terrain forklifts, boom lifts, scissor lifts
Key Brands: JLG, Genie, Kubota, Snorkel, Skyjack, Case, Hyster, John Deere, Caterpillar
Note: Offers parts, service, and financing in addition to rentals
EquipmentShare
Address: 2111 Bricyn Ln, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Services: Forklifts, excavators, skid steers, portable generators, power washers, concrete mixers
Service Area: Bakersfield, Kern County, and surrounding areas
Mobile Ag & Industrial Supply
Address: 4310 Rosedale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Specialty: JCB forklifts, MOFFETT truck-mounted forklifts, tractors
Rating: 4.9 stars
Factors That Affect Rental Cost in Bakersfield
Equipment Type and Capacity: Electric forklifts (indoor use) typically rent for less than internal combustion models needed for outdoor/heavy-duty applications . Telehandlers command the highest rates due to specialized reach capabilities.
Rental Duration: Weekly rates save 25-30% compared to daily rates; monthly rates save 50-60%. Extended rentals (3+ months) often qualify for negotiated fleet pricing .
Additional Services: On-site maintenance adds $100-$300/month; operator training adds $200-$500 .
Location: High-demand periods or seasonal peaks in Bakersfield's agricultural and construction sectors may affect rates .
Bakersfield Rental Providers Summary
Provider Address Specialty Key Brands
United Rentals 4117 Rosedale Hwy General forklift rental Various
H&E Rentals 34697 Imperial Ave Telescopic forklifts, aerial lifts JCB, JLG, Genie, SkyTrak
PAPE Material Handling 34782 Lencioni Ave Warehouse solutions, telehandlers Various
Ahern Rentals 2113 Taft Hwy Rough terrain forklifts JLG, Hyster, Case, John Deere
EquipmentShare 2111 Bricyn Ln Construction equipment Various
Mobile Ag & Industrial 4310 Rosedale Hwy JCB forklifts, MOFFETT JCB, MOFFETT
The Bottom Line
Bakersfield has multiple excellent options for forklift rental. For general warehouse needs, start with United Rentals or PAPE Material Handling . For rough terrain or telescopic forklifts (common in construction and agriculture), H&E Rentals and Ahern Rentals are your best choices . For JCB equipment specifically, Mobile Ag & Industrial Supply has a near-perfect 4.9 rating .
Always request an all-in quote including delivery, fuel, and damage waiver—not just the base daily rate. Contact providers directly for current availability and pricing, as rates vary by season and demand in Bakersfield's active agriculture and construction sectors.