Barloworld is meeting demand for short-term hire of large capacity forklifts.

Barloworld Handling is offering free delivery on certain models of large capacity forklifts as demand for them grows in the UK.

Barloworld spokesman Mark Ward says businesses today are looking to reduce risk through hiring high-value equipment short-term.

Large capacity forklifts are typically machines built to order, and their higher investment costs mean they have a longer working life than smaller-capacity forklifts. According to Barloworld, a large capacity forklift is a machine that provides over 8 tonnes lift capacity.

Barloworld has increased its stock of large capacity short-term hire trucks to meet demand in ports and terminals, and manufacturing and heavy industries.

"Some businesses are forced to buy high capacity forklifts even though their requirements may be seasonal or fluctuate," Ward explains.

"We have deployed high capacity trucks to our regional hire centres to suit the needs of local industries.

"Next-day delivery is available in most cases and we have trucks up to 18 tonnes," he adds.

This is not the first time Barloworld has promoted its hire fleets with special offers. The current offer involves free delivery on short-term hires of more than four weeks for modern Hyster forklifts with capacity between 8 and16 tonnes.

"Short-term hire is, of course, more expensive than a long-term contract, but by making modern, specialist equipment available, it has become a realistic option for businesses managing peak periods, and helps to reduce risk," Ward says.

He adds that big trucks are often unavailable or available in poor condition. Barloworld boasts trucks that are LOLER-certified and maintained by a team of local technicians who can provide quick response during breakdowns.

Barloworld has about 2,000 forklifts in its UK rental fleet ranging from electric warehouse equipment and diesel/LPG forklifts to specialist equipment like high-level order pickers and ATEX-compliant, Pyroban-protected equipment.