The Ultimate Telehandler Hire Guide for Business
Telehandlers have become the backbone of modern construction, agriculture, and event logistics. But most businesses don’t need to own one to unlock their full potential. Hiring a telehandler delivers the power, flexibility, and efficiency you need—all without a six-figure investment.
Also known as telescopic handlers, these hybrid lifting machines are ideal for keeping projects moving, whether it’s lifting pallets on a building site, stacking bales on a farm, or installing structures at outdoor festivals. They can supercharge productivity, reduce labour, and minimise risk.
Owning a telehandler comes with high upfront costs, ongoing maintenance, and regulatory responsibilities. For many organisations, hiring offers a smarter alternative: access to modern, well-maintained machinery exactly when it’s needed.
In this WHC Hire guide, we’ll walk you through everything businesses need to know about telehandler hire—from machine types and attachments to costs, safety considerations, and common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you’ll be ready to decide whether hiring a telehandler is the right solution for your organisation.
What Is a Telehandler & Why Businesses Hire Them
A telehandler (also known as a telescopic handler) is a hybrid lifting machine equipped with a telescopic boom and a range of attachments. Think of it as a cross between a forklift and a crane. Its combination of lifting power, reach, and off-road capability allows businesses to safely lift and transport materials across a wide variety of applications and industries.
Examples of telehandler applications in business:
Construction: Moving heavy materials, lifting pallets to working heights, and organising day-to-day site operations.
Agriculture: Moving hay bales, loading grain, clearing fields, mucking out, and managing livestock.
Events: Erecting stages, installing sound systems, unloading/loading lorries, and moving pallets.
Why Businesses Choose to Hire
No Heavy Capital Expenditure: Hire telehandlers without tying up capital, freeing up funds for other areas of the business.
Hire Only When Needed: Gain the flexibility to use machinery exactly when required. Forget the storage or transport headaches, as rental companies handle the logistics.
No Maintenance Worries: Avoid costs for servicing, inspections (LOLER), and repairs.
Access to the Latest Equipment: Use modern, safe machinery without the risks of long-term ownership or depreciation.
Types of Telehandlers for Business Use
There is a range of telehandler designs to suit a variety of business applications. Choosing the right machine is essential to get the most out of your hire.
Fixed Boom Telehandlers
These are the most common telehandlers you’ll find at reputable hire companies. They feature a fixed cabin and a forward-pointing boom that extends upward and outward, making them ideal for general lifting and site organisation tasks.
Compact Telehandlers
Compact telehandlers are smaller versions of fixed boom machines, designed to operate in areas with limited access. Their reduced size allows businesses to manoeuvre in tighter spaces while still benefiting from the lifting capabilities they offer.
High-Reach Telehandlers
High-reach telehandlers provide superior lift and reach capabilities for demanding industrial applications. They are perfect for heavier lifting tasks and projects where additional height is required.
Roto-Telehandlers
Roto-telehandlers are a modern design that can rotate from a single fixed position, providing exceptional manoeuvrability and adaptability. Unlike fixed boom telehandlers, these specialised machines are ideal for complex projects requiring precision and versatility. Due to their advanced capabilities, they are typically a premium option compared to other telehandler designs.
Telehandler Attachments That Businesses Can Hire
One of the biggest strengths of using a telehandler in a business setting is its ability to perform a wide range of tasks. This versatility comes from the variety of attachments available. Not every business will need all of them, but it’s useful to understand how manufacturers have adapted telehandlers to meet modern operational demands.
Here are some examples of attachments you can expect to hire with a telehandler:
Forks
Perfect for moving pallets, transporting hay bales, or handling rigging at events.
Buckets
Ideal for loose material handling on building sites or for scraping and cleaning farmyards.
Basket / Man Platform
Allows for the safe lifting of workers during event setups or site maintenance tasks.
Lifting Jib / Hook
Enables specialist lifting tasks, effectively turning the telehandler into a crane for precise material placement.
Sweeper Attachment
Perfect for cleaning large areas after construction projects or maintaining hard-standing outdoor venues.
Business Benefits of Hiring vs Buying a Telehandler
One of the biggest questions businesses face is whether to hire or buy a telehandler. Purchasing a telehandler can cost upwards of £100,000—a significant capital investment that is often difficult to justify, especially if the machine isn’t used daily. This is where hiring a telehandler comes into play…
Benefits of Hiring
Financial Flexibility
Finance is always a key consideration for any business. Hiring a telehandler helps bridge the gap by offering financial flexibility. Enabling organisations to access the machinery they need without tying up capital in a depreciating asset.
Machine Flexibility
Unlike purchasing, hiring a telehandler enables you to select and switch between different machine sizes and types to suit each project. This ensures your business always has the most efficient equipment for the task at hand. Ideal for organisations that take on a wide variety of jobs.
Zero Maintenance Costs
Hiring a telehandler removes the burden of regular servicing, safety inspections, and compliance checks. Reputable hire suppliers provide access to on-site support or machine exchange should anything go wrong. Businesses simply need to fuel the equipment and use it responsibly while it’s in their possession.
Scalability
For fast-growing businesses, scalability is essential, particularly during peak periods. Hiring allows you to increase or decrease the number of units you need without the overhead costs of purchasing, protecting your business from overspending and improving operational flexibility.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Telehandler?
When it comes to telehandler hire, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Costs vary depending on a range of factors, but as a guideline, you can typically expect to pay between £330 and £500 per week. (2025)
Factors That Influence Telehandler Hire Costs
Size / Type of Machine
Hire costs vary depending on the telehandler’s type, reach, and lifting capacity. More powerful or specialised machines naturally command higher rates.
Length of Hire
Long-term hire rates are generally more favourable than single-day hires. The longer you hire, the better value you’re likely to receive overall.
Quality of Machinery & Service
Reputable suppliers provide high-quality, well-maintained telehandlers, along with a reliable service. Be cautious of below-market offers, which may carry hidden risks or lower quality equipment.
Delivery Charges
Delivery is often an additional cost. Most suppliers will quote this separately, depending on distance and site requirements.
Supplier Choice
Not all plant hire suppliers charge the same for telehandler hire. It’s worth comparing suppliers to find the best fit for your business in terms of cost, service, and machine availability.
Road Tax
Not all telehandlers are taxed or eligible to be driven on UK roads. In most cases, businesses do not require this service. However, if you do, hire companies can arrange road tax on your behalf—usually for an additional premium.
Need a price quickly? Make sure your business knows:
Telehandler Cost Checklist:
- Which size telehandler do you require?
- Length of hire? (Dates are always useful)
- Any additional attachments you may require?
- Delivery address or postcode?
Industry-Specific Applications
Telehandlers are extremely versatile machines that can adapt to the varied demands of different industries. From construction sites to farms and event venues, they provide businesses with the efficiency, safety, and flexibility needed to complete projects smoothly and on schedule.
Here are some industry-specific tasks businesses can benefit from when hiring a telehandler:
Construction
Across UK construction sites, telehandlers are essential for day-to-day operations. They move and organise materials once delivered, lift pallets of bricks and blocks to upper floors, reduce hours of manual handling, and help speed up building schedules. These multi-purpose machines are often among the first to arrive on site and the last to leave.
Agriculture
For farms and estates, telehandlers are vital for a wide range of tasks. They can stack hay or straw bales, transport feed, load grain, and assist with livestock management safely. With off-road capabilities, they can operate across uneven terrain, making them ideal for agricultural use. This versatility helps make day-to-day activities faster and less labour-intensive, especially for teams with limited staff.
Events
Telehandlers play a crucial role in event setup and breakdown. Their strength allows them to lift and position stages, unload heavy equipment from lorries, and assist with the installation of lighting and sound systems. Compact models can manoeuvre in tight spaces, making them perfect for large-scale outdoor events, exhibition venues, and urban event locations.
By hiring the right type and style of telehandler for the task, businesses can reduce labour costs, improve operational efficiency, and scale their operations without the financial burden of owning the equipment.
Safety & Compliance For Businesses
When hiring a telehandler, it’s vital that businesses take safety and compliance seriously. Compromising the welfare of staff can lead to severe financial penalties and, in the worst cases, even director imprisonment. Here are some key safety and compliance factors to protect your team and business:
Do You Need a Licence to Hire?
You don’t need an operating licence to hire a telehandler. However, organisations are legally responsible for ensuring operators are competent and properly trained. This means providing staff with the necessary qualifications to use the machinery safely. Many operators hold recognised accreditations such as CPCS or NPORS.
Daily Checks & Inspections
Operators should carry out pre-operating checks every day to confirm the equipment is safe to use. This includes examining tyres, brakes, hydraulic systems, safety features, and attachments. Any defects should be reported immediately. When hiring, notify your supplier straight away. Reputable providers will either attend promptly or arrange a replacement machine.
Load Charts & Safe Operation
Load charts are displayed inside the telehandler’s cabin and detailed in the operator’s manual. Users must adhere to the lifting and reach capabilities outlined. Overloading or working outside safe parameters puts both operators and co-workers at risk. Before hiring, always confirm the lift height and load capacity you need to ensure the machine is suitable. If in doubt, consult your hire supplier for guidance.
HSE Guidance
For safe telehandler use, businesses should follow the guidelines set by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). This covers operator training, safe lifting practices, and risk assessments. By following HSE recommendations, businesses stay compliant, reduce the risk of accidents, and maintain safer work sites overall.
Insurance & Liability Considerations
When a business is considering hiring a telehandler to support their project, it is essential to understand what happens if something goes wrong. Where does the responsibility lie? What can you do to ensure you protect your business while continuing to deliver your own service?
When your business chooses to hire a telehandler, the liability lies with the party operating it.
WHC recommends that before arranging a hire that businesses take steps to protect themselves incase the worst case scenario occurs. Lost, stolen or damaged plant hire equipment is chargeable, of which details you will find across all hire contracts.
Insurance Requirements
Most reputable plant hire companies will require you to have adequate hired-in plant insurance in place before releasing a telehandler to you. For businesses that already hire machinery, this is often covered under existing policies. However, it’s vital to check that your policy covers the full value of the equipment.
If you’re unsure about how much cover you need, speak directly with your telehandler hire supplier for guidance.
Other types of insurance to consider include:
- Public liability insurance – Covers third-party damage or injury caused when using the equipment.
- Employer’s liability insurance – Protects staff members operating or working around the telehandler.
Damage & Responsibility
Once your business takes delivery of or collects a telehandler, you become responsible for it. This includes its safe use, storage, and protection throughout the hire period. Any damage, neglect, misuse, or operator error is usually chargeable to your business. Conducting daily checks and only allowing trained or competent staff to operate the machine greatly reduces these risks.
Accidents & Liability
If an accident occurs on site, liability depends on the circumstances. However, the hiring business is generally responsible for ensuring safe operation, following HSE guidance, and maintaining proper records. Without the correct operating procedures and insurance policies in place, costs and claims can escalate quickly.
By taking the time to confirm your insurance cover and fully understand your liabilities, you can protect your business, hire with confidence, and enjoy the flexibility and benefits that telehandler hire provides.
How To Choose The Right Telehandler For Your Business
When selecting the right telehandler to hire for your project, it’s important to consider the following factors:
What loads will it be lifting?
Be specific about the maximum weight you’ll need to lift. Consider all the different tasks the telehandler will be used for (Eg: loading, unloading and lifting), ensuring the machine can handle the task.
What height do you need to reach?
Know the maximum lift height required for your project. This may mean referring to site plans or structure specifications to ensure the telehandler meets your operational needs.
What site restrictions are there?
Take into account the space, terrain, and access points on site. Referring to the telehandler’s specifications at this stage is essential to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Do you require any attachments?
Telehandlers are highly versatile machines. The right attachments—such as buckets, forks, or man platforms—can significantly improve project efficiency and reduce overall costs.
Will you need to drive on the road?
Not all hired telehandlers are road legal. Inform your supplier if road travel is required so they can provide the correct model for your project.
Businesses that plan ahead and consider these factors are far less likely to encounter costly issues, such as site delays, staff downtime while waiting for equipment swaps, overspending on unsuitable machinery, or the risks of operating unregistered equipment on public roads.
UK Road Law with Hired Telehandlers
For some businesses, having the ability to use their hired telehandler on the road is essential to their project. However, there are some key requirements you need to be aware of to avoid penalties or unnecessary risks.
In the UK, telehandlers are classed as special types vehicles under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 and the Road Traffic Act 1988. This means that when you hire a telehandler, it is not automatically road legal. If there is even a small chance that the machine will be used on the road, it must comply fully with the legal requirements.
Hired Telehandler Legal Requirements
To operate a hired telehandler on public roads, businesses must ensure that:
- The machinery is taxed.
- It displays a valid UK registration plate.
- It is covered for road use through hired-in plant insurance.
- The operator holds a full UK driving licence.
Inform Your Hire Company
When booking your telehandler, you should always make your hire supplier aware if you intend to use the machine on the road. They will be able to organise road tax and registration for you before delivery. If circumstances change mid-project, the tax can usually be applied later, providing the machinery is suitable for road use.
Check Your Insurance
Confirm that your hired-in plant insurance specifically covers road use. This helps protect your business and avoids costly disputes if an accident occurs.
Carry Out Daily Checks
Before driving a telehandler on the road, operators must ensure it is fit for purpose. This includes checking tyres, mirrors, brakes, safety systems, lights, and registration plates. These checks ensure both safety and compliance with UK road laws.
Common Business Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Telehandler
Choosing to hire a telehandler for your project can transform the way your operation runs. But, like many businesses, you’ll want to avoid costly mistakes. Here, we share some of the most common pitfalls we’ve seen over our 25 years of supplying telehandler hire in the UK.
Booking Last Minute
Telehandlers are in extremely high demand across all sectors. Their popularity has grown as more businesses discover the versatility these machines provide. Always book your telehandler hire well in advance to guarantee delivery when you need it.
Choosing the Wrong Machine Size
It’s common for businesses to hire a machine that doesn’t suit their specific application. Site managers should assess entrance and exit points, working areas, and required lifting capacities to select the correct size. Hiring the wrong machine can lead to costly delays and operational inefficiencies.
Overlooking Road Use
Even a small chance of using the telehandler on public roads requires planning. Ensure your hire machine is taxed and road-legal to avoid penalties or delays associated with improper use.
Ignoring Weather Conditions
Telehandlers are built for tough applications, which is why they’re so popular in agriculture. However, weather conditions can affect safe operation. High winds, poor visibility, and uneven terrain all pose risks to both operators and co-workers. Always assess conditions before lifting tasks.
Securing the Site
Failing to secure or store your telehandler properly can lead to theft or damage. Take appropriate measures to protect the equipment while it is in your possession and reduce hazards on site.
Using the Wrong Attachments
Telehandlers rely on attachments to complete a wide variety of tasks. Using the wrong attachment can cause breakdowns, reduce efficiency, and compromise site safety. Always match the attachment to the task at hand.
Neglecting Daily Checks
Skipping daily pre-use checks increases the risk of mechanical failure and unsafe operation. Businesses should record defects and report them to the hire supplier immediately to be rectified.
Ignoring Load Charts
Each telehandler comes with its own load and lifting charts, usually displayed in the cab. Ignoring these limits puts the machine, operator, and staff at serious risk. If the equipment cannot safely lift the required material, organise a replacement machine.
Opting for Cheap Hire
While saving money can be tempting, the cheapest option is not always the best choice for professional applications. Low-cost hire can indicate poorly maintained machinery, limited support, or hidden charges. Working with a reputable supplier ensures reliability, compliance, and peace of mind.
Managing a Telehandler Hire Agreement
Hiring a telehandler for your business is far simpler when you understand the process. Managing your hire effectively ensures you maximise your return on investment while staying compliant throughout. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you understand every stage:
Vetting Suppliers
Choosing the right supplier is the first priority. Look for reputable companies with a track record of well-maintained machinery and strong customer support. Check online reviews, accreditations, and equipment availability to help guide your decision.
Opening an Account
Opening an account with a telehandler hire supplier is usually straightforward. Most businesses need to complete an application form and submit copies of their hired-in plant insurance. This process typically takes no longer than 24 hours and allows you to access equipment quickly. For more detailed guidance, see our guide: “How to Open an Account with WHC Hire.”
Booking Delivery
Once your account is active, you can book your telehandler hire from any depot of your chosen supplier. Be sure to inform them of the machine size, required attachments, and whether road taxation is needed. Your supplier will organise delivery and ensure the equipment meets your requirements.
Keeping Up With Maintenance
Once the telehandler arrives, it is essential to keep up with daily inspections and basic maintenance. Remember, once the equipment is on-site, it is the customer’s responsibility to look after and maintain it. This includes checking tyres, brakes, hydraulics, lights, and safety systems.
Off-Hiring
Once your project is complete, you should off-hire the equipment. This notifies the supplier that you no longer require the machinery and triggers collection. Do not continue using the telehandler after giving off-hire notice, as extra charges may apply. Collections are typically conducted the same day or the next working day.
Paying Your Account
After the telehandler is returned and checked, your business account will be billed. Payment terms vary by supplier, ranging from 30 to 90 days. Settling invoices within the agreed period maintains a good supplier relationship and ensures access to future hire equipment.
Conclusion
For businesses in construction, agriculture, and events, telehandler hire offers one of the most flexible and cost-effective solutions available. By hiring, companies can avoid the stresses of ownership while still meeting time-sensitive deadlines and managing the demands of their operations efficiently.
Ready to explore your options? Check out WHC Hire’s Telehandler Hire service or get in touch with one of our depots today.