Rent Diesel Forklifts – Maximum Power for Your Outdoor Operations

Rent diesel forklifts for tough outdoor use. Brands Hyundai, Manitou, Kalmar. Lifting capacity up to 18 t. Request flexible service across Europe – quote within 24 hours.

Picture of a rental machine of the type 3 tonnes diesel | Hyundai 30D-9 4700 mm

3 tonnes diesel | Hyundai 30D-9 4700 mm

Lifting height
4,70 m
Lifting capacity
3.000 kg
Drive unit
Diesel
Details
Picture of a rental machine of the type 3 tonnes diesel | Doosan D30G-Plus 5000 mm

3 tonnes diesel | Doosan D30G-Plus 5000 mm

Lifting height
4,70 m
Lifting capacity
3.000 kg
Drive unit
Diesel
Details
Picture of a rental machine of the type Manitou MI 35 Triplex 6000 mm

Manitou MI 35 Triplex 6000 mm

Lifting height
6,00 m
Lifting capacity
3.500 kg
Drive unit
Diesel
Details
Picture of a rental machine of the type 3.5 tonnes diesel | Manitou MI 35 D ST5

3.5 tonnes diesel | Manitou MI 35 D ST5

Lifting height
4,80 m
Lifting capacity
3.500 kg
Drive unit
Diesel
Details
Picture of a rental machine of the type Manitou MI 50 Triplex 5000 mm

Manitou MI 50 Triplex 5000 mm

Lifting height
5,00 m
Lifting capacity
5.000 kg
Drive unit
Diesel
Details
Picture of a rental machine of the type 5 tonne diesel | Hyundai 50DA-9 5980 mm

5 tonne diesel | Hyundai 50DA-9 5980 mm

Lifting height
5,98 m
Lifting capacity
5.000 kg
Drive unit
Diesel
Details
Picture of a rental machine of the type 5-tonne Diesel Forklift | Maximal FD50T 4800 mm

5-tonne Diesel Forklift | Maximal FD50T 4800 mm

Lifting height
4,80 m
Lifting capacity
5.000 kg
Drive unit
Diesel
Details
Picture of a rental machine of the type 8 tonnes diesel | Hyundai 80D-9 6000 mm

8 tonnes diesel | Hyundai 80D-9 6000 mm

Lifting height
6,07 m
Lifting capacity
8.000 kg
Drive unit
Diesel
Details
Picture of a rental machine of the type Manitou MI 80 D ST5

Manitou MI 80 D ST5

Lifting height
3,00 m
Lifting capacity
8.000 kg
Drive unit
Diesel
Details
Picture of a rental machine of the type Manitou MI 100 D ST5

Manitou MI 100 D ST5

Lifting height
6,00 m
Lifting capacity
10.000 kg
Drive unit
Diesel
Details
Picture of a rental machine of the type 16 tonnes diesel | Hyundai 160D-9 4500 mm

16 tonnes diesel | Hyundai 160D-9 4500 mm

Lifting height
4,52 m
Lifting capacity
16.000 kg
Drive unit
Diesel
Details
Picture of a rental machine of the type 18 tonnes diesel | Kalmar DCG 180-6T 4500 mm

18 tonnes diesel | Kalmar DCG 180-6T 4500 mm

Lifting height
4,50 m
Lifting capacity
18.000 kg
Drive unit
Diesel
Details

Powerful, tireless, reliable: wherever loads beyond the 3-tonne mark need to be moved, where shift operation allows no time for recharging, and where rain, dust and uneven yards are part of daily life, the diesel forklift is the right choice. At Luibl Rental you can rent diesel forklifts with lifting capacities from 3 to 18 tonnes, lift heights of over 6 metres, and a valid accident-prevention regulations (UVV) inspection. Europe-wide delivery on our own low-loader trucks to more than 200 locations.

Your rental fleet at a glance:

  • Lifting capacities 3,000 kg to 18,000 kg

  • Lift heights up to 6.07 m (special configurations up to 7 m on request)

  • Brands in our fleet: Hyundai, Manitou, Doosan, Kalmar, Maximal Forklift

  • Stage V engines with diesel particulate filter on modern model years

  • Inspected per accident-prevention regulations (UVV) in accordance with BetrSichV and DGUV Vorschrift 68 before every delivery

  • Duplex, triplex or quad mast, side shift, optional fork positioner

→ Request a rental quote now

Applications – where diesel forklifts play to their strengths

Building materials trade and construction industry

Pallets of bricks, steel mesh, insulation material, roof tiles – the building materials trade depends on fast outdoor handling. Diesel forklifts from 3.5 tonnes (Manitou MI 35 D ST5) cover everyday handling, while from 5 tonnes (Hyundai 50DA-9) even heavy loads of steel or precast concrete are moved with ease. Tip from the field: for bulky loads with a low centre of gravity, it pays to size up to the next capacity class – residual load capacity at full mast lift is what matters.

Heavy industry and metal processing

Coils, steel beams, pressed parts: from 8 tonnes (Hyundai 80D-9) Luibl enters the heavyweight segment. Unloading heavy steel structures and handling material in works traffic demands maximum stability, even on uneven ground. The 16- and 18-tonne machines (Hyundai 160D-9, Kalmar DCG 180-6T) are the specialist machines among our diesel forklifts for port logistics, steel trading and heavy machinery manufacturing.

Recycling and waste management

In the circular economy, ruggedness and ease of repair matter more than any comfort feature. Diesel forklifts with super-elastic tyres withstand sharp metal and broken glass better than solid rubber variants. On request, Luibl supplies units pre-fitted with attachments such as a rotator or bale clamp – matched to the specific application.

Event logistics and trade show construction

Diesel forklifts are used to set up large trade show stands, stage constructions and outdoor events – wherever heavy loads must be moved on short notice over soft ground and no fixed charging infrastructure exists. Tank volume instead of a power socket makes the difference.

Technical features – what to look for when renting

Load capacity and lift height – choosing the right forklift

Matching the load to the machine determines both safety and cost-efficiency. Three key figures must be right for a diesel forklift:

  • Rated capacity: the standard load at the load centre (usually 500 mm or 600 mm) – listed in the model designations as "3 tonnes", "5 tonnes", "16 tonnes".

  • Load centre: the further the load's centre point is from the fork back, the more the residual capacity drops. For pallets with overhang or long loads, calculate well below the rated capacity.

  • Lift height with residual capacity: at maximum lift height, capacity drops by 20–40% depending on the model. We will send you the load chart for the relevant machine on request.

Terrain capability – front forklift or rough-terrain forklift?

Diesel front forklifts such as the Hyundai 30D-9 or Doosan D30G-Plus are designed for smooth, level ground – i.e. paved yards, storage areas and handling surfaces. For unpaved terrain, mud or shell-construction sites you need a genuine rough-terrain forklift with all-wheel drive and greater ground clearance. You'll find these separately in our rough-terrain forklift rental range. We're happy to advise which variant suits your project's ground conditions and load profile.

Environmental standards – Stage V and diesel particulate filter

Since 2019, EU Regulation 2016/1628 (Stage V) applies to newly registered mobile machinery. It significantly limits particle count, nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide emissions. Modern Luibl rental forklifts (e.g. the Manitou MI 35 D ST5) meet Stage V, feature a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and can therefore also be used temporarily indoors – provided hall ventilation is adequately sized.

Drivetrain – torque converter or hydrostatic?

Diesel front forklifts are built with two drivetrain principles that feel noticeably different in operation:

  • Torque converter transmission: classic design, rugged, proven in heavy-duty handling with long travel distances. Slightly less responsive for precise reversing.

  • Hydrostatic drive: highly responsive control, ideal for frequent load changes and millimetre-precise positioning. Very good driving comfort, somewhat more maintenance-intensive.

Which variant fits depends on the application profile. For pure yard handling over long distances: torque converter. For frequent picking and placing with precise reversing: hydrostatic.

Tyres – the often underestimated factor

Luibl supplies diesel forklifts with super-elastic (SE) tyres as standard. They are puncture-proof, wear-resistant and carry heavy loads. Pneumatic tyres are available on request for use on particularly soft ground, solid rubber for hard indoor floors. When switching between indoor and yard use, we recommend non-marking variants to avoid floor marks in production halls.

Case study – steel construction supply for bridge building

Our 10-tonne class proves its worth especially when unloading heavy steel structures in bridge construction. On an infrastructure project in southern Germany, steel beams were transferred directly from heavy-duty transporters to the interim storage area over several weeks – in changing weather and on partly uneven ground. The combination of high stability, a rugged chassis and fast refuelling significantly reduced downtime compared with an electric fleet. Technical support was provided through our on-site technician service.

Maintenance guarantee – every rental unit inspected before use

Every diesel forklift leaves our fleet only after a full check by qualified agricultural and construction machinery mechatronics technicians. The check covers:

  • Accident-prevention regulations (UVV) inspection per BetrSichV and DGUV Vorschrift 68, with current inspection sticker

  • Hydraulic pressure, mast lift pin and chain condition

  • Engine check including oil level, filters and diesel particulate filter status

  • Function test of side shift, fork positioner and other attachments

  • Tyres checked for wear and damage

  • Safety equipment: seat belt, horn, lighting, reversing alarm

For long-term rentals (from three months), recurring UVV inspections and annual maintenance are included in the long-term rate – no separate order, no extra cost.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Diesel Forklift Hire

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May diesel forklifts be operated in halls?

Conditionally. Modern diesel forklifts with a Stage V engine and diesel particulate filter can be used temporarily in adequately ventilated halls. For continuous indoor operation or in food/pharmaceutical applications, we clearly recommend electric forklifts. The decision rests on the risk assessment under ArbStättV and the requirements of your employers' liability insurance association (Berufsgenossenschaft).

Can I switch between models if needed?

Yes. For framework agreements or projects with changing requirements, we switch models flexibly – for example, from the 5-tonne forklift to the 8-tonne class when the load profile grows. Mention this when making your enquiry.

When does it make sense to hire a diesel forklift rather than an electric one?

Diesel forklifts are the first choice for outdoor use, multi-shift operation without charging infrastructure, loads from 5 tonnes upwards, and changing construction sites without a fixed power connection. Electric forklifts show their strengths indoors – in food, pharmaceutical and cold-storage environments. We're happy to advise on the right drive type for your use case.

How is the hired equipment delivered?

Luibl operates its own fleet of low-loaders. This makes us independent of external hauliers and ensures reliable scheduling – even for the large 16 and 18-tonne forklifts. Delivery is available Europe-wide to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and other countries. We organise collection straightforwardly via the release notification.

How much does it cost to hire a diesel forklift?

Rental prices depend on load capacity, hire duration, equipment specification and location. A 3-tonne model is considerably cheaper on a daily rate than a 16-tonne heavyweight. Long-term hire from three months onwards reduces the daily rate and includes statutory safety inspections and maintenance. You'll receive a concrete quote within 24 hours of your enquiry.

How long does it take to get a replacement if my own machine breaks down?

Depending on availability and distance to the nearest Luibl location, we deliver replacement machines within a few hours to the next working day. For industrial customers with critical operations, we offer framework agreements with defined response times on request.

What attachments can I add to my booking?

Side shifters, hydraulic fork positioners, fork extensions, rotators (e.g. for emptying bins), bale clamps, full cabs, driver's canopies and much more. For long-term hire, diesel forklifts can be configured individually.

What licence class or qualification is required?

Operation is governed by DGUV Principle 308-001: written authorisation from the employer, a medical fitness examination (G25), and theoretical-practical instruction – the classic "forklift licence". Permitted from age 16 (with restrictions), though commercial use is usually from 18. We offer training nationwide – including on-site sessions.

Your partner for flexible forklift rental

Whether it's short-term rental for order peaks, seasonal operations or the breakdown of your own machine – or long-term rental as a plannable fleet addition with fixed monthly terms: Luibl supplies both models from a single rental fleet. One point of contact, one invoice, one service level.

How your request works:

  1. Send a request via contact form, phone +49 (0) 851 756868-0 or email

  2. Expert consultation and quote within 24 hours on business days

  3. Delivery by Luibl low-loader truck directly to your site

  4. On-site briefing if required, technician service throughout the rental period

→ Request your individual rental quote for a diesel forklift now → Call us directly: +49 (0) 851 756868-0