A counterbalance forklift carries its load on forks at the front of the machine. The forklift counterbalance is the heavy cast-iron counterweight built into the rear of the chassis, which offsets the weight of the load, keeping the truck stable during lifting, travel, and lowering. Because there are no outrigger arms extending from the machine, operators can drive directly up to a load, pick it, and move without repositioning. This makes counterbalance forklifts faster and more flexible for general material handling than alternatives like reach trucks.

Engine forklifts are generally the better choice when you operate primarily outdoors, need to lift loads over 3.5 tonnes regularly, work on uneven surfaces or sloped yards, or need continuous runtime without scheduled recharging. For predominantly indoor or clean environments with set shift patterns, electric forklifts are often more cost-effective over the long term. A Linde specialist can help you compare total cost of ownership across both options. Contact us to learn more.

Linde engine forklifts are available in diesel, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), and CNG (compressed natural gas). Diesel is recommended for outdoor-only use. LPG and CNG are suited to mixed indoor/outdoor environments as they produce lower emissions during indoor operation, provided the space is adequately ventilated. The right choice depends on your site layout, shift patterns, and local fuel availability.

The Linde engine forklift range covers 1 to 18 tonnes across 14 models. The H16–H35 series covers general industrial use (1.6–3.5 tonnes); the H35–H80 handles heavier applications (3.5–8 tonnes); and the H100–H180 series is built for ports, steel, and the most demanding heavy-lift environments (10–18 tonnes). Baoli Value range models are available for lower-demand applications.

Linde's hydrostatic drive transmits power hydraulically rather than through a conventional gearbox, clutch, and drum brakes. The operator controls speed and direction using two pedals, no gear changes, no clutch, no rolling back on slopes. This makes the truck far easier to operate, reduces mechanical wear, lowers maintenance costs, and extends the working life of the equipment. Linde MH was the first forklift manufacturer to introduce this system, and it remains a core differentiator of the Linde IC range.

To see a video of the hydrostatic drive in action, and learn more about this innovation, visit our blog Why the Linde Hydrostatic Drive is in a class of its own.

Yes, LPG and CNG forklifts are suitable for indoor use provided there is adequate ventilation. They're a popular choice for operations that move between covered loading areas and outdoor yards throughout the day. Diesel forklifts are recommended for outdoor use only due to exhaust emission levels. If your operation is entirely indoors, Linde's electric counterbalance range is likely a better fit.

Yes. Linde engine forklifts are available for short and long-term hire across Australia, from a single day to multi-year rental agreements. The hire fleet includes diesel and LPG models from 1.6 tonne through to heavy-lift capacity trucks. All hire equipment is factory-maintained and supported by Linde's national service network. View the engine forklift hire range on our forklift truck hire page.

Hire costs vary by model, capacity, fuel type, and rental duration. Short-term hire is generally priced per day or week, while long-term rental is quoted as a monthly rate that can include scheduled maintenance. Get a hire quote or read our guide on how much forklift hire costs.

Linde IC trucks can be equipped with a comprehensive range of driver assistance and safety technology, including: Safety Pilot (load weight and height monitoring to prevent tip-overs), Curve Assist and Speed Assist (automatic speed management), Reverse Assist Radar and Camera (pedestrian and obstacle detection while reversing), BlueSpot and TruckSpot (floor-projected warning lights), and the Safety Guard proximity warning system. Explore all Linde safety solutions.

The H-series uses Linde's proprietary hydrostatic drive, i.e., no clutch, no conventional transmission, no drum brakes. The HT-series uses a torque converter transmission, which is a more conventional drivetrain suited to certain heavy-lift applications (10–18 tonne). Both series are available in diesel. Your Linde specialist can advise which drivetrain better suits your load profiles and operating environment.

Linde and Baoli sit within the same Power to Choose framework. Linde's Performance and Performance Plus IC trucks are engineered for medium to high-intensity operations where uptime, durability, and advanced features matter most. Baoli (Linde's Value range) offers reliable, straightforward diesel and LPG forklifts for lower-demand operations; they're a cost-effective option backed by the full Linde national service and support network.

Linde operates a national branch and dealer network with 24/7 service support, 365 days a year. Scheduled maintenance is carried out by fully qualified Linde technicians, and parts can be delivered anywhere in Australia with same-day availability in metropolitan areas. The Linde Service Portal gives you real-time visibility of service jobs, equipment history, and maintenance records online. Find your nearest service centre here.

Linde MH offers a broad range of counterbalance forklifts for sale, covering diesel, and LPG models from 1-18 tonnes. The range includes the Linde H and HT series Performance Eco, Performance and Performance Plus trucks, as well as Baoli Value range models.

Counterbalance forklift pricing in Australia varies depending on capacity, power source, and specification. Entry-level models start from a lower price point, while high-capacity or fully specified trucks represent a larger investment. Finance and rent-to-buy options are available to help manage costs. The best way to get an accurate figure is to request a quote from a Linde specialist based on your specific application.

Linde counterbalance forklifts are available for purchase. Given the range of models and configurations, requesting a quote lets you get pricing on the specific model, capacity, and options that suit your operation. Contact Linde MH directly or use the Request a Quote function on the product pages.

Yes. Linde Australia offers finance options to support the purchase of counterbalance forklifts, rent-to-buy arrangements are also available. Speak to a Linde specialist to discuss the options that suit your budget and cash flow requirements.

Warranty terms vary by model and purchase arrangement. Linde Australia supports all new trucks through the national branch and dealer network with access to Linde-qualified technicians and genuine parts. Contact Linde directly for warranty specifics on the model you are considering.

Start with your load capacity requirements, operating environment (indoor, outdoor, or mixed), shift structure, and available fuel infrastructure. A Linde specialist can assess your application and compare models on total cost of ownership, not just purchase price. Call 1300 454 633 or use the contact form to speak with the team.

Counterbalance forklifts are used for lifting, transporting, and stacking palletised or non-palletised loads. They are designed for applications that need extended runtime, higher load capacity, or the ability to work on rough outdoor terrain where electric forklifts aren't suited. IC forklifts are the standard machine for applications such as loading and unloading vehicles, moving goods within a warehouse, handling materials on a construction site, and managing stock in distribution operations. Their versatility across indoor and outdoor surfaces makes them suitable for most general material handling tasks.

A counterbalance forklift lifts from the front with no outriggers and can operate across indoor and outdoor environments. It is the more versatile option for general material handling. A reach truck uses outrigger arms to straddle a rack and extends its forks into the racking bay, allowing operation in narrower aisles and at greater rack heights. Reach trucks are optimised for high-density warehouse storage. If you need both outdoor capability and high-level racking, a counterbalance forklift and a reach truck may each play a role in your operation.

A 4-wheel counterbalance forklift provides greater stability for heavy loads, outdoor surfaces, and multi-shift high-intensity work. It is generally the better choice when lifting over 2.5 tonnes regularly, operating on uneven or sloped surfaces, or running extended shifts where stability and durability matter more than turning radius.

Counterbalance forklifts are used across warehousing and logistics, manufacturing, construction, freight and transport, retail distribution, agriculture, ports, steel and metal fabrication, mining, as well as waste and recycling. Their combination of outdoor capability, lifting capacity, and straightforward operation makes them the default material-handling machine across most heavy industry sectors in Australia.