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Forklifts and telehandlers are essential materials-handling machines within the UK construction sector. From housing developments and commercial builds to infrastructure, utilities, and industrial projects, these machines are relied upon daily to lift, carry, and position materials safely and efficiently. Whether moving palletised bricks, lifting roof trusses, placing steelwork, or supporting site logistics, forklifts and telehandlers play a critical role in keeping construction projects moving.
At Gable Business Finance, we understand how diverse the UK construction sector is and the unique challenges it faces, particularly when it comes to finance. Construction businesses operate under tight programmes, strict health and safety requirements, and ongoing pressure to control costs while maintaining productivity. Having worked within this sector for many years, Gable understands these challenges and supports contractors, developers, and plant operators by providing flexible and competitive funding solutions tailored to real-world construction operations.
This expert guide explains the role of forklifts and telehandlers in the construction centre, why they are so important to site efficiency and safety, the different types of machines used across UK construction projects, and the finance options available to acquire, upgrade, or refinance lifting equipment.
Every construction project depends on the timely movement of materials. Blocks, bricks, timber, plasterboard, steel, roofing materials, and mechanical components must be delivered, stored, and distributed around site efficiently. Forklifts and telehandlers provide the lifting capability needed to manage these materials safely.
Within the construction centre, forklifts and telehandlers are used to:
Without reliable lifting equipment, sites quickly become congested, labour is wasted on manual handling, and productivity suffers.
Forklifts and telehandlers work alongside excavators, cranes, dumpers, scaffolding systems, and site plant. Telehandlers, in particular, often bridge the gap between mobile plant and cranes by offering flexible lifting without the cost or setup time of larger lifting equipment.
This versatility makes them indispensable on modern UK construction sites.
Construction programmes are tightly scheduled, with trades relying on materials being available at the right time and in the right place. Telehandlers and forklifts enable fast, precise material placement, reducing delays and helping sites maintain momentum.
Efficient lifting equipment:
Manual handling remains a major risk on construction sites. Forklifts and telehandlers reduce the need for manual lifting, lowering the risk of injury and supporting compliance with UK health and safety regulations.
Modern machines incorporate safety features such as:
One of the key reasons telehandlers are so widely used in UK construction is their versatility. With the right attachments, a single machine can support bricklayers, roofers, steel erectors, cladding installers, and M&E contractors.
Rough terrain forklifts are designed for uneven ground and outdoor use. They are commonly used on construction sites where standard warehouse forklifts would struggle.
These machines offer:
Telehandlers are the most common lifting machines on UK construction sites. They feature a telescopic boom that allows loads to be lifted forwards and upwards, providing reach that traditional forklifts cannot match.
Telehandlers are ideal for:
Rotating telehandlers offer a 360-degree rotating upper structure, combining features of a crane and telehandler. They are increasingly used on complex or restricted sites where space is limited.
Compact telehandlers are used on urban sites with limited space. Their smaller footprint and tight turning radius make them suitable for residential developments and refurbishment projects.
Industrial forklifts are sometimes used on large construction logistics hubs, prefabrication yards, and material storage areas where surfaces are prepared and controlled.
The flexibility of forklifts and telehandlers is enhanced through the use of attachments. Common attachments include:
Attachments allow contractors to maximise machine utilisation and reduce the need for additional plant.
The UK construction sector relies on established manufacturers known for reliability and support, including :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}, :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}, :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}, and :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
These brands offer machines designed specifically for UK site conditions and regulatory requirements.
Forklifts and telehandlers represent a significant investment for construction businesses. Gable Business Finance structures funding solutions that reflect utilisation patterns, project cycles, and cashflow realities.
Hire Purchase allows the cost of forklifts or telehandlers to be spread over a fixed term while working towards ownership. This is ideal for core machines used daily across multiple projects.
Finance Lease offers lower monthly payments and flexibility where contractors expect to upgrade machines regularly.
Refinancing releases equity tied up in owned forklifts and telehandlers, providing working capital without selling essential equipment.
Cashflow funding supports labour, fuel, and operating costs during peak construction periods.
Invoice financing helps manage long payment terms common in construction contracts.
Contract Hire may suit short-term site requirements or project-specific lifting needs.
Yes. Most construction lifting equipment can be financed, subject to age and condition.
Yes. Used forklifts and telehandlers are commonly financed.
Typically between 3 and 7 years, depending on machine type and usage.
Often yes, particularly where attachments are essential to operation.
A regional housebuilder financed multiple telehandlers to support a large residential development, improving material flow and reducing manual handling.
A contractor invested in a rotating telehandler to lift materials in a constrained city-centre project.
Refinancing owned machines released capital to support expansion into new regions.
A used telehandler provided reliable lifting capacity at reduced monthly cost.
Invoice financing supported cashflow during extended payment terms.
Forklifts and telehandlers are fundamental to safe, efficient construction operations across the UK. Correctly specified and well-financed lifting equipment supports productivity, safety, and profitability.
Gable Business Finance understands how diverse the UK construction sector is and the unique challenges businesses face when investing in forklifts and telehandlers. Having worked within this sector for many years, Gable provides flexible and competitive funding solutions designed to support real-world construction projects.