Sydney is Australia's largest forklift market, accounting for an estimated 24% or more of national forklift demand – the highest share of any state. The greater Sydney metro area holds the country's densest cluster of distribution centres, fulfilment warehouses and third-party logistics operations, making forklifts essential across logistics, warehousing, construction, manufacturing and retail.
Major Forklift Dealers in Sydney
Toyota Material Handling Australia – Sydney is located at 8 Secombe Place, Moorebank, NSW 2170. As an authorised Toyota dealer, TMHA Sydney supplies electric, lithium, LPG and diesel forklifts, reach trucks, pallet movers and warehouse equipment. They also offer used and refurbished options, flexible hire, repairs and servicing by factory-trained technicians using genuine Toyota parts. Phone: (02) 8706 6200.
Manitou Center Sydney at Building B/3 Shirley Street, Rosehill NSW 2142 is a Manitou dealership offering new, rental and used Manitou machines including telehandlers, masted and truck-mounted forklift trucks, elevated work platforms, articulated loaders, backhoe loaders and compact loaders. Contact: 1300 626 236.
MLA Complete Forklift Solutions supplies and maintains a comprehensive range of gas, diesel, petrol and battery electric forklifts for short or long-term rental or purchase nationwide, with branches in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Wollongong. MLA represents Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, Nichiyu Electric Forklifts and HELI Heavy Forklifts.
Forkbiz Pty Ltd, located at 6 Colyton Road, Minchinbury NSW 2770, is an authorised dealer for Hyundai Forklifts and EP Forklifts. Phone: 296754700.
Sydney Forklift Trucks is a dealer partner for HELI Oceania, exhibiting alongside HELI at industry expos across Sydney.
Forklift Hire and Rental in Sydney
Sydney offers flexible forklift hire options for short-term projects, seasonal peaks or long-term operational needs.
AAH Australian Access Hire has branch locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, offering a large range of diesel powered forklifts for hire with both short and long-term rental options. Their 4.5T diesel smooth terrain forklift offers a max lift height of 4.8m, lifting capacity of 4500kg, and stowed height of 2.275m.
TMHA Sydney delivers comprehensive forklift hire solutions for short-term projects, seasonal demand or long-term fleet supplementation. Each hire forklift is maintained to manufacturer standards.
Mars Forklifts, based in Sydney, has over 50 years of combined experience and has expanded forklift hire services nationally.
Elite Forklifts & Access Equipment is the largest forklift and access hire company in the Hawkesbury with over 15 years of expertise, offering affordable short- and long-term hire solutions.
Linde Material Handling offers forklift hire in Sydney including engine forklifts, electric forklifts, reach trucks, very narrow aisle trucks (turret trucks), order pickers, tow tractors, pallet stackers and both manual and electric pallet trucks.
Hire Costs (2026): A 12-month term can reduce weekly costs by up to 30% compared to casual hire. Standard counterbalance forklifts range from $15,000 to $45,000 to purchase; premium or high-capacity models exceed $100,000.
Forklift Training and Licensing in Sydney
In New South Wales, anyone operating a standard forklift must hold a valid LF High Risk Work Licence issued by SafeWork NSW.
Pinnacle Safety offers a 2-day forklift training course in Silverwater for **$395**, covering TLILIC0003 – Licence to operate a forklift truck. An optional Verification of Competency (VOC) is available for an additional $100. Multiple course dates are available throughout 2026 at Silverwater.
TAFE NSW offers the Statement of Attainment in Licence to Operate a Forklift Truck (900-80467). This practical short course develops the skills needed to apply for a forklift truck licence, combining theory and practical coursework with a pathway to SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence assessment. Students must be at least 18 years old and provide valid ID for SafeWork NSW requirements.
Safezone Training offers 2 days of training followed by a 1-day assessment, covering all aspects of operating a forklift including safety protocols, equipment handling and workplace regulations.
Yalagan Registered Training (YRT) provides practical hands-on training to prepare for real workplace situations, teaching safe forklift operation, handling different load types and following workplace procedures.
Forklift Operator Jobs in Sydney
Sydney's logistics, warehousing and transport sectors offer consistent opportunities for licensed forklift operators.
Current Job Opportunities:
Forklift Driver in Moorebank – $36–$37/hr with overtime and weekend rates. Requires current LF licence, proven experience in fast-paced warehouse environments and high-reach experience.
Forklift Operator roles across Sydney Western Suburbs – opportunities include high-reach and counterbalance forklift operators, team leaders, supervisors, voice picking and RF scanning.
Forklift Operator – Sydney West – requires current LF forklift licence with experience in counterbalance and grab forklifts.
Salary Data: An early career forklift operator (1-4 years experience) earns an average total compensation of AU$27.98 per hour**; mid-career operators (5-9 years) earn approximately **AU$25.64 per hour.
Labour Hire Providers:
Randstad – forklift operator placements in Moorebank and across Sydney
Drake International – warehouse careers including forklift operators, team leaders and supervisors
SEEK – extensive listings for forklift driver and warehouse storeperson roles across Sydney
The bottom line: Sydney is Australia's largest forklift market, accounting for 24% or more of national demand. Major dealers include Toyota Material Handling Australia (Moorebank), Manitou Center Sydney (Rosehill), MLA Complete Forklift Solutions, Forkbiz (Hyundai/EP) and Sydney Forklift Trucks (HELI). Flexible hire options are available through AAH, TMHA, Mars Forklifts, Elite Forklifts and Linde, with 12-month contracts reducing weekly costs by up to 30%. Forklift operators must hold an LF High Risk Work Licence, obtainable through Pinnacle Safety ($395, 2 days, Silverwater), TAFE NSW or Safezone Training. Job opportunities are active across logistics and warehousing with rates from $36–$37/hr for experienced operators.