Rent Diesel Forklifts – Maximum Power for Your Outdoor Operations

Powerful, hard-wearing, reliable: wherever loads beyond the 3-tonne mark need to be moved, wherever shift operations allow no time for charging breaks, and wherever rain, dust and uneven yards are part of daily business, the diesel forklift is the right choice. At Luibl Rental you can hire diesel forklifts with load capacities from 3 to 18 tonnes, lift heights of over 6 metres and a valid inspection in line with VUV. Europe-wide delivery on our own low-loader trucks to more than 200 locations.

Your rental fleet at a glance:

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

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

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

• Stage V engines with particulate filters on modern model years

• Inspected in line with ArGV 3 and VUV before every delivery

• Duplex, triplex or quad mast, side shifter, fork positioner available on request

→ Request a rental quote now

Building Materials Trade and Construction Industry

Pallets of bricks, steel mesh, insulation material, roof tiles – the building materials trade thrives on fast outdoor turnover. Diesel forklifts from 3.5 tonnes (Manitou MI 35 D ST5) handle everyday turnover, while models from 5 tonnes (Hyundai 50DA-9) move heavy loads of steel or precast concrete elements with ease. Practical tip: For bulky loads with a low centre of gravity, it pays to move up to the next capacity class – residual load capacity at full mast height is the deciding factor.

Heavy Industry and Metal Processing

Coils, steel girders, pressed parts: From 8 tonnes upward (Hyundai 80D-9), Luibl enters the heavy-duty segment. Unloading heavy steel structures and handling material in plant traffic demands maximum stability, even on uneven ground. The 16- and 18-tonne machines (Hyundai 160D-9, Kalmar DCG 180-6T) are the specialist units 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 fitted 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 rotators or bale clamps – matched to the specific application.

Event Logistics and Trade Show Construction

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

Load Capacity and Lift Height – Choosing the Right Forklift

Matching the load to the machine determines both safety and 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 names as "3 tonnes", "5 tonnes", "16 tonnes".

• Load centre: The further the load's centre of gravity sits from the fork back, the more 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 is reduced by 20–40% depending on the model. We will send you the load capacity diagram for the relevant machine on request.

Off-Road Capability – Standard Forklift or Rough-Terrain Forklift?

Diesel 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 higher ground clearance. You'll find these separately in our rough-terrain forklift rental range. We're happy to advise which variant best suits your project's ground conditions and load profile.

Environmental Standards – Stage V and Particulate Filters

Since 2019, EU Regulation 2016/1628 (Stage V) has applied 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 diesel particulate filters (DPF) and can therefore also be used temporarily indoors – provided hall ventilation is adequately sized.

Drive System – Torque Converter or Hydrostatic?

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

• Torque converter transmission: A classic design, rugged and proven for heavy-duty handling over long distances. Slightly less precise for fine reversing manoeuvres.

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

Which variant suits you best depends on your application profile. For pure yard handling over long distances: torque converter. For frequent loading and unloading with precise reversing: hydrostatic.

Tyres – The Often Underestimated Factor

Luibl supplies diesel forklifts with super-elastic tyres (SE) as standard. They are puncture-proof, wear-resistant and can 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 outdoor use, we recommend non-marking variants to avoid floor markings in production halls.

Our 10-tonne class proves its worth especially when unloading heavy steel structures for bridge construction. On an infrastructure project in southern Germany, steel girders were transferred directly from heavy-duty transporters to the intermediate storage area over several weeks – in changeable 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.

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

• Inspection in line with VUV under ArGV 3 and VUV, with a current inspection sticker

• Hydraulic pressure, mast carrying pins and chain condition

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

• Functional test of side shifter, fork positioner and other attachments

• Tyres checked for wear and damage

• Safety equipment: seatbelt, horn, lighting, reversing alarm

For long-term rentals (from three months), the recurring inspections in line with VUV and the annual maintenance are included in the long-term terms – with no separate order and no additional costs.

Whether short-term rental for peak workloads, 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. Get in touch via contact form, phone +49 (0) 851 756868-0 or email

2. Expert advice and a quote within 24 hours on business days

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

4. On-site briefing where needed, technician service throughout the rental period

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