Denver is a major logistics and distribution hub for the Rocky Mountain region, with a mature and diverse forklift market. This guide covers the area's leading dealers, rental options, training services, and industry insights.
Major Forklift Dealers in Denver
Denver has several full-service dealers offering sales, rentals, parts, and service.
Arnold Machinery Company is a material handling specialist serving the region since 1944. Located at 3800 Quentin St, Denver, CO 80239, they are an authorized dealer for Hyster and Yale forklifts. They offer new and used forklift sales, rentals, repairs, preventative maintenance, tires, parts, and 24/7 service.
Western Material Handling is the official Hangcha dealer for Colorado and Wyoming. They stock over 150 forklifts across three locations and offer sales, rentals, repairs, and training.
Welch Equipment Company Inc is a leading Denver dealer representing Toyota, Yale, and Hyster brands. Located at 5025 Nome St, Denver, CO, they provide comprehensive material handling equipment, parts, service, and training.
FMH Material Handling is located at 4105 Globeville Rd, Denver, CO 80216. Founded in 1978, they offer new and used forklifts, railcar movers, industrial shelving, and short-term and long-term equipment rentals.
The Forklift Store is a full-service dealer offering electric, gas, and diesel forklifts, serving various material handling needs across the Denver area.
Mile High Forklift is located at 1609 E 58th Ave, Denver, CO 80216, providing forklift rentals and sales for industrial and commercial applications.
Forklift Rentals in Denver
Denver offers flexible rental options for short-term projects and seasonal peaks. Typical rental costs include:
Forklift Type Daily Weekly Monthly
5,000 lb Cushion Tire $150 $393 $1,007
5,000 lb Electric Cushion Tire $182 $468 $1,248
5,000 lb Pneumatic Tire $154 — $1,040
8,000 lb Cushion Tire $269 $624 $1,560
Key rental providers include:
Arnold Machinery Company offers a rental fleet of late-model, low-hour equipment from Hyster-Yale, with capacity up to 20,000+ lbs. Their fleet includes electric, LPG, and diesel forklifts, narrow aisle forklifts, and attachments.
United Rentals is located at 11250 E 40th Ave, Denver, CO 80239, offering forklifts, telehandlers, aerial lifts, and construction equipment.
BigRentz is an online marketplace offering forklift rentals in Denver with easy online booking and price comparison.
Coates Hire provides forklift and access equipment rentals across the Denver area.
Regulations and Training
Forklift operators in Colorado must comply with OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.178, covering formal instruction, practical training, and evaluation. OSHA has initiated a new Regional Emphasis Program for Region 8, which includes Colorado, targeting powered industrial truck safety.
Training providers:
Online certification through US Forklift Certification offers OSHA-compliant online training for $58, approximately 1 hour, with certification valid in Denver and nationwide.
T-N-T Construction Training in Aurora, CO offers over 22 years of OSHA-compliant forklift safety training.
Welch Equipment Company provides forklift operator training at their Denver facility.
Denver Forklift Market Insights
Labor Rates: According to Intella Parts' 2026 Forklift Dealer Labor Rate Survey, the national average labor rate is $180/hour. Denver is below average at **$147/hour**.
Operator Salaries: The average annual pay for a forklift operator in Denver is approximately **$55,213**, with top earners making up to $67,649. The average hourly wage is approximately $26.55 for experienced operators.
The bottom line: Denver's forklift market is served by major dealers including Arnold Machinery (Hyster/Yale, since 1944), Western Material Handling (Hangcha dealer), Welch Equipment Company (Toyota/Yale/Hyster), and FMH Material Handling (since 1978). Rental options include Arnold, United Rentals, BigRentz, and Coates Hire, with daily rates starting at $150. OSHA-compliant training is available through US Forklift Certification (online, $58) and T-N-T Construction Training (Aurora, 22+ years). Denver's labor rate is $147/hour and operator salaries average $55,213/year.