Largest stock - Best prices
0
£0.00
Northern 0161 768 8488
Midlands 0121 368 0730
Southern 020 4538 0604
Transporting awkward loads should not break your budget. At Trucks Direct UK, we make Side Loader forklift hire simple. With competitive pricing, breakdown cover, and end-to-end support, you can hire on a flexible plan tailored to you.
Leaders in
Best Prices
30 Day Money
UK’s Widest
4.8 stars
For your same day quote complete the 5 steps below.
Here’s why businesses in the UK trust us:
Trusted by
O.H. Logistics put the MiMA MJ25 head to head against a Combilift alternative, testing both in their own warehouse under real working conditions. The result was a clear win for MiMA on manoeuvrability, control and value. As an authorised MiMA dealer, Trucks Direct supported the process throughout, supplying a branded fleet that now delivers confident, reliable performance every shift.
Read The Full Story
Trucks Direct supplied GreenPower counterbalance forklifts to VW Commercial Vehicles’ head office, enhancing their efficiency and sustainability. The lithium-electric fleet reduces emissions while delivering top performance. With cost-effective operation and reliable service support, VW now benefits from a greener, more productive warehouse solution.
Read The Full Story
Trucks Direct supplied GreenPower counterbalance forklifts to EDF Energy’s nuclear facility in Scotland, ensuring zero-emission, high-performance lifting in a safety-critical environment. Trucks Direct fully maintain these forklifts on-site, meeting strict nuclear safety standards, providing reliable, low-maintenance operation while supporting EDF’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.
Read The Full Story
As a long-standing partner, Trucks Direct supplies GreenPower counterbalance forklifts and pallet trucks to Trailer Freight International (TFI), ensuring seamless logistics and reduced emissions. With ongoing service and maintenance support, we keep TFI’s fleet running at peak performance, meeting their operational demands with reliable, sustainable solutions.
Read The Full Story 4.8 stars
“Professional dedicated people with expert MHE knowledge. Great people, great choice, great prices, excellent after care! The best one stop shop for all your MHE requirements. From a forklift to a pallet truck these guys have it all and will listen to your requirements and give you good honest advice."
Craig Canning
"Dealing with this company was an absolute pleasure. The staff’s friendliness coupled with their extensive knowledge made my experience hassle-free. Looking forward to future business with them. Thank you!"
Robin Danielsson
"Bought a Greenpower Eco 25 fork truck. Delivered in 72 hours, great truck, great price, great service.Will be back."
Jennifer Hobbs
“We recently purchased a brand-new reach truck and container unloader from Chris, and the service has been excellent from start to finish. The team were extremely helpful, and both trucks were delivered within just a couple of days—much quicker than expected. Highly recommend!”
Dale Purvis
“First time buying this sort of equipment. I spoke to Hayley and she guided me to the best solution for my business practically and financially. The straddle Stacker was delivered as agreed and it was everything which we discussed. I would highly recommend this company and dealing with Hayley Maxwell.”
Ian Woodcock
“We were looking for a new forklift for our new warehouse. I rang for some advice and spoke to Barry, who was really helpful. I ended up driving down with our team to see a new truck and purchased on finance. Got good advice from Alex and the warranty is much better than previous trucks we have bought.”
David Scotland
“We decided to stop by Trucks Direct one day when we were out on a delivery and Chris was kind enough to spend some time with us to discuss our needs and show up the most appropriate truck. We ended up buying a new Greenpower machine and are over the moon with it.”
Aaron Telford
“Absolute 5 star service! Had an issue with a forklift, Brady was able to expertly diagnose the issue over the phone. Lee then arrived the following morning to rectify the fault. Both their professionalism and knowledge was second to none and they truly are a credit to the business. Nothing was too much trouble.”
Simon
At Trucks Direct, we supply high-quality new and used forklifts, all LOLER certified for safety and compliance. Stocking trusted brands like JCB, Caterpillar, Bendi, and Hyster, we offer a wide range of articulated forklifts, reach trucks, and side loaders to suit any business need. Every forklift is thoroughly inspected, fully serviced, and ready for years of reliable operation. With expert guidance and exceptional customer service, we help businesses across the UK find the right forklift at the best value.
Side loader forklifts can handle irregular loads by carrying them crosswise. This function offers stability, high versatility and manoeuvrability across a range of terrains. However, they are highly specialised machines. Often requiring more skill to operate than a standard Counterbalance forklift. Therefore, if you are getting certified and want to try before you buy, you have come to the right place.
We are proud to offer some of the most competitive prices and the widest service radius, covering the entire UK mainland (with free delivery!). Our LOLER-certified Side Loader forklift rental starts at just £177.45 a week. How do we offer these prices? Thanks to the relationships we have built with our finance partners and manufacturers. These costs cover maintenance, breakdown cover and like-for-like replacement in as little as a few days.
Using our contact form, you can select your ideal:
Once you submit your form, we will review your requirements and supply a complete quote. We will also talk you through your Side Loader forklift rental contract. So you have complete visibility. You will never encounter any hidden costs, only predictable monthly outgoings.
Contact us if you have any questions about our Side Loader forklift rental services. We are happy to assist you in finding the perfect Side Loader forklift for your requirements.
Looking to make your operations more efficient with reliable, convenient machines? You can depend on Trucks Direct UK’s Side Loader forklift trucks for hire to get the job done. Our Side Loader forklifts are manufactured by some of the best brands in the forklift industry. From MiMA to GreenPower, you will find something suitable for your needs. And if you are not entirely sure what you are looking for, we will match you with the right machine at the right price.
When you hire, you do not have to worry about depreciation, maintenance, or large capital expenditures. Therefore, the cost of hiring a forklift is often preferable for businesses than purchasing a machine outright. And with our flexible hire options that allow you to spread the cost over as many as 84 months, you can forecast your spending long-term.
Unsure if your hired forklift will fit in your warehouse? Our team offers over-the-phone consultations to determine the best model for you. We also provide a 30-day money-back guarantee. Therefore, if you need to return your Side Loader forklift for any reason, we will collect it at no cost and start your refund.
So, whether you need a 3,000kg MiMa for a month or a fleet of GreenPower Side Loaders for a year, contact Trucks Direct UK. Our experts will help you determine the ideal Side Loader forklift truck for hire.
You can use Side Loader forklifts to transport long, irregularly shaped materials. These materials include timber, metal, plastics, and sheets that are too long to be carried face-on by a standard Counterbalance forklift. With a Side Loader forklift, you can move raw materials from the yard directly into the production line, because modern models are suitable for use inside and outdoors. And because the load is lengthwise, your Side Loader can fit through aisles only slightly wider than itself.
You can use Side Loader forklifts to transport long, irregularly shaped materials. These materials include timber, metal, plastics, and sheets that are too long to be carried face-on by a standard Counterbalance forklift. With a Side Loader forklift, you can move raw materials from the yard directly into the production line, because modern models are suitable for use inside and outdoors. And because the load is lengthwise, your Side Loader can fit through aisles only slightly wider than itself.
The upfront cost of a Side Loader forklift generally starts from £34,000 and can exceed £60,000 for high-capacity models. However, annual ongoing costs of maintenance, breakdown cover and LOLER certifications can total £2,000 to over £10,000. For businesses that need Side Loader forklifts but can not afford the capital expenditure, Side Loader forklift hire is a great option. Hiring rather than buying can get you through seasonal peaks and unusual jobs for as little as £177 a week.
The difference between a Side Loader and a forklift is that a Side Loader forklift transports the load on the side, parallel to the direction of travel. But a standard forklift carries the load on the front, making the machine long when carrying a pallet. It is for this reason that Counterbalance forklifts rely on a heavy counterweight at the back. However, Side Loader forklifts retract their forks to rest the load on the machine’s chassis, which results in zero swing and a comparatively low centre of gravity. The placement of the load also creates the possibility of narrow aisle operation, which a standard forklift could struggle with.
The difference between a Side Loader and a trailer is that a Side Loader is self-propelled, and a trailer is a passive tool. Side loaders use hydraulic masts/forks to move materials. Conversely, trailers rely on equipment such as Side Loaders to manage loading and unloading. Essentially, Side Loaders can complete the tasks of a trailer. But a trailer cannot complete the tasks of a trailer without additional assistance.
28th July 2026
Unplanned downtime is the silent profit killer in warehouse operations. A single forklift breakdown can halt productivity for hours. Emergency repair costs routinely dwarf what a scheduled service would have cost. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), “lift...
22nd July 2026
Most warehouses meet the minimum requirements for forklift compliance. Certificates are filed. Inspections are booked. Operators have been trained, at some point. But compliance alone doesn't prevent accidents. It sets a floor, not a standard. Being struck by a moving...
15th June 2026
Choosing between used forklifts and new machines is about ROI and the hidden cost of ownership. A new forklift might have fewer miles against it; however, a used machine could be far better suited to your operational requirements. Purchasing the...
