“Must-Have” Forklifts & Material Handling Machines for 2025

Whether you’re managing a warehouse, yard, or freight depot, choosing the right equipment can have a major impact on productivity, safety, and staff fatigue.

In 2025, the industry focus is mostly on versatility, low-emission options, and smarter movement of goods; not to mention bang for buck given a tighter economy.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the “must-have” forklift types and material handling machines shaping Australia’s logistics sector this year.

Forklifts That Are Leading the Charge in 2025

1. Electric 3-Wheel Forklifts

Compact, quiet, and great for tight indoor spaces. These are fast becoming the standard in medium-density warehouses thanks to their tight turning circle and minimal emissions.

• Ideal for narrow aisles and small turning areas
  
• Rechargeable lithium options now offer fast charge with minimal downtime
• Reduced running costs compared to diesel or LPG models

2. All-Terrain Forklifts

Still essential for construction sites, farms, and yards with rough terrain or uneven loading zones.

• High ground clearance and tough suspension
  
• Optional 4WD for mud, gravel, or unsealed areas
  
• Many models now include better suspension and comfort for long hours outdoors

3. Walkie Stackers & Pedestrian Forklifts

Ideal for warehouses or retail environments with low-height racking.

• Electric lift but manually guided
  
• Low training requirements
  
• Great for small businesses moving palletised stock

4. Articulated Forklifts (Flexi/Bendi Types)

Perfect for warehouses transitioning to narrower aisles without fully switching to turret trucks.

• Swing mast reduces the need to turn in tight spaces
  
• Can often replace reach trucks while increasing throughput
  
• A strong middle-ground between traditional and VNA equipment

Pallet & Load Handling Machines to Watch

1. Electric Pallet Jacks (“Walkie Pallet Movers”)

These are replacing manual jacks in many facilities due to safety and ease of use.

• Better ergonomics for staff
  
• Reduces injury risk in heavy pick zones
  
• Affordable entry-point for powered equipment

2. Scissor Lift Tables

Increasingly popular in workshops, assembly lines, and eCommerce warehouses.

• Great for order picking and packing stations
  
• Minimise over-reaching with easy-to-use vertical lift
  
• Some models now include foot-pedal or electric lift options

3. Conveyor Systems

An essential tool for high-throughput warehouses but also outdoor uses for grain, wood and quarry applications. In 2025, modular conveyor kits are being adopted more widely by mid-sized facilities.

• Expandable as your operations grow
  
• Reduces reliance on forklifts for short-distance movement
  
• Can integrate with sorters or packing stations

Automation and What To Look For In Future

• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are starting to enter more mainstream adoption, especially in distribution centres.
  
• Telematics on forklifts is now common, with live battery tracking, error codes, and operator logs among other benefits over an older model.
  
• Hybrid forklifts are emerging, offering the torque of diesel with the option to switch to electric in emissions-regulated zones.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, it’s not about having the most expensive machine. It’s about matching the right handling tool to the job, keeping staff safe, and moving goods efficiently with an affordable investment.

Machines4U connects thousands of buyers with forklifts, stackers, and handling tools across every industry in Australia. Start browsing today and find the perfect forklifts and materials handling equipment options that will work smarter for your space.