Where to Rent a Crane or Forklift for Unloading Large Saunas from the Truck

You ordered a 600-pound barrel sauna or a 2,000-pound pre-assembled cabin sauna, and the freight company just called to schedule delivery. There is one detail nobody mentioned during checkout: the truck pulls up, lowers the liftgate (if it even has one), and the rest is on you. Moving a crated sauna from a truck bed to your backyard is not a two-person-and-a-hand-truck situation. In most cases you will need a forklift, a crane, or a similar piece of heavy equipment to get the job done safely.

This guide walks you through exactly where to rent that equipment, what it will cost, which type of machine fits your situation, and how to prepare your property so delivery day goes smoothly.

Why You May Need a Crane or Forklift for Sauna Delivery

Most outdoor saunas ship via freight carrier on a flatbed or enclosed trailer. The carrier delivers curbside, meaning the truck parks at the nearest accessible point on your property—typically the end of your driveway—and unloads the crate to ground level. From there, it is the homeowner's responsibility to move the sauna to its final location.

Some deliveries include liftgate service, where a hydraulic platform on the back of the truck lowers the crate to the ground. That gets the sauna off the truck, but it does not get it across 50 feet of lawn and onto a concrete pad behind the garage. And many larger saunas exceed the weight capacity of a standard liftgate entirely.

Here is a general idea of what different sauna types weigh when crated and ready for delivery:

• 1–2 person infrared saunas: 200–400 lbs. Often manageable with a furniture dolly and two strong helpers.
• 4-person barrel saunas: 400–700 lbs crated. You are getting into forklift territory here, especially on uneven ground.
• 6–8 person barrel saunas: 700–1,200 lbs. A forklift is strongly recommended.
• Pre-assembled cabin saunas: 1,000–3,000+ lbs. These are the units that frequently require a crane, especially if the final placement is behind a fence, over landscaping, or in a location a forklift cannot reach.
• Large custom or commercial saunas: 2,500–5,000+ lbs. Crane service with a certified operator is essentially mandatory.

If you are shopping for a barrel sauna or a cabin-shaped sauna, factor equipment rental into your planning from the start. It is far easier (and cheaper) to coordinate a forklift rental for the same day as delivery than to have a crated sauna sitting in your driveway for a week while you figure out logistics.

Forklift vs. Crane: Which One Do You Need?

These two machines solve different problems, and choosing the wrong one can waste your money or leave you unable to complete the job.

When a Forklift Is the Right Choice

A forklift is the simpler, cheaper, and more common option. It works well when the delivery truck can park on a flat, firm surface and the sauna's final location is accessible by driving across solid ground—a paved driveway, a compacted gravel path, or firm dry soil. Forklifts slide their forks under the crate, lift it a few inches off the ground, and transport it horizontally. For most residential sauna deliveries where the path from the truck to the sauna pad is relatively clear and level, a forklift is all you need.

A rough-terrain forklift is the best option if you need to cross grass, gravel, or slightly uneven ground. Standard warehouse forklifts have smooth cushion tires designed for concrete floors and will get stuck or tear up your lawn immediately. Make sure you specify outdoor or rough-terrain capability when you call the rental company.

When You Need a Crane

A crane becomes necessary when the sauna needs to go somewhere a forklift physically cannot reach. Common scenarios include placing a sauna over a fence or retaining wall, positioning it on a raised deck, lifting it to a rooftop or second-story terrace, or navigating it through a backyard accessible only through the house or a narrow side gate. Cranes lift vertically and can swing loads laterally, giving them the reach and flexibility that forklifts lack.

For residential sauna deliveries, a small mobile crane (sometimes called a boom truck or crane truck) is typically sufficient. These are highway-legal trucks with a crane mounted on the chassis, so they drive directly to your property, set up stabilizer outriggers, and lift the sauna over obstacles to its final spot. They are much more affordable than the massive tower cranes you see on construction sites.

The Telehandler: A Middle-Ground Option

A telehandler (telescopic handler) combines elements of both a forklift and a crane. It has forklift-style forks mounted on an extendable boom arm, giving it the ability to reach up and over obstacles while still carrying loads on forks. If your sauna needs to go over a short fence or up a slight grade but does not require a full crane, a telehandler may be the most cost-effective solution. Most equipment rental companies carry them alongside their forklift and crane inventory.

Where to Rent a Crane or Forklift: Top National Companies

These are the largest equipment rental companies in the United States. All of them offer forklifts and cranes suitable for unloading saunas, along with delivery to your property and pickup when you are done.

United Rentals

United Rentals is the largest equipment rental company in North America, with over 1,100 locations. They carry everything from warehouse forklifts to rough-terrain models, telehandlers, carry deck cranes, and mobile crane trucks. They offer online booking, same-day availability at many locations, and delivery and pickup service. They also provide operator training if you need someone to run the equipment. Visit unitedrentals.com to search by zip code for the nearest branch.

Sunbelt Rentals

Sunbelt Rentals operates over 900 locations across the U.S. and offers a comparable selection of forklifts, telehandlers, and cranes. They are known for responsive customer support and offer 24/7 assistance and on-site consultations to help you choose the right equipment. Their online booking system lets you reserve equipment, request delivery, and get a quote without picking up the phone.

Herc Rentals

Formerly Hertz Equipment Rental, Herc Rentals has over 275 locations nationwide. They carry gas and electric forklifts, telehandlers, high-capacity forklifts, carry deck cranes, boom trucks, and mobile cranes. They offer flexible rental terms, including half-day and single-day rentals, which are ideal for a one-time sauna delivery. Delivery service is available.

BigRentz

BigRentz is not a rental company itself—it is an online marketplace that aggregates equipment from rental yards across the country. You enter your zip code, select the equipment you need, and BigRentz connects you with a local provider. This is a particularly good option if you want to compare prices from multiple providers without calling each one individually. They list forklifts, telehandlers, and cranes, all with transparent pricing.

Home Depot Tool Rental

Home Depot rents forklifts at select locations, typically smaller models suited for warehouse and light-duty outdoor work. For a smaller sauna delivery where you only need to move a crate across a flat driveway, their rental desk can be a convenient and affordable option. Availability varies by location, so call your local store first. They do not typically rent cranes.

Local and Specialty Rental Options

National chains are not your only option. In many cases, local providers offer better pricing, more personalized service, and the kind of hands-on expertise that helps when you are figuring out logistics for the first time.

Local equipment rental yards: Search Google for "forklift rental near me" or "crane rental [your city]." Independent rental companies often have lower daily rates and are more willing to work with homeowners on short-notice jobs. They can also advise on exactly which machine works for your specific property layout.

Crane service companies: Many crane companies offer operated crane service, meaning they bring the crane and a certified operator as a package. You pay by the hour (typically with a minimum), and the operator handles setup, lifting, and placement. For a pre-assembled sauna delivery, this is often the smartest option because the operator has insurance, knows how to rig the load properly, and can place the sauna exactly where you need it. Search for "crane service [your city]" or "rigging company near me."

Moving and rigging companies: Companies that specialize in moving heavy equipment—hot tubs, safes, industrial machinery—often have the equipment and expertise to handle sauna deliveries as well. They may use a combination of forklifts, cranes, rollers, and skid systems to move the sauna from the truck to its final position. This can be especially useful for complex placements.

Landscaping and excavation companies: If you are already having site work done for your sauna pad—grading, pouring concrete, running electrical—your contractor may have access to a skid steer, mini excavator with forks, or telehandler that can handle unloading. Coordinating the delivery with an active jobsite can save you a separate equipment rental entirely.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Forklift or Crane?

Pricing varies by equipment type, your location, rental duration, and whether you need an operator. Here is a general breakdown to help you budget:

Forklift Rental Costs

A standard warehouse forklift (3,000–5,000 lb capacity) typically rents for $150–$300 per day. A rough-terrain forklift—which is what you want for most residential sauna deliveries—runs $250–$500 per day. Telehandlers start around $200–$400 per day for smaller models with 5,000–6,000 lb capacity. Keep in mind that most rental companies define a "day" as 8 hours of use.

On top of the base rental rate, expect additional fees for delivery and pickup of the equipment (often $100–$300+ depending on distance from the rental yard), an environmental fee, and fuel. If you need a certified operator, add $30–$60 per hour for labor. Some rental companies require proof of insurance or offer damage waiver plans for an additional daily charge.

Crane Rental Costs

A small mobile crane or boom truck typically rents for $200–$500 per day for the equipment alone. Operated crane service—where the company provides the crane and a certified operator—generally runs $150–$300 per hour with a 2–4 hour minimum. For a straightforward residential sauna lift that takes an hour of actual crane time, you might pay $500–$1,000 total including mobilization (the cost of driving the crane to your property).

Crane rentals almost always require a certified operator. Unlike forklifts, where a confident homeowner might feel comfortable operating the machine (though OSHA certification is technically required), crane operation is genuinely dangerous without proper training and should be left to professionals.

Money-Saving Tips

Schedule the equipment rental for the same day as your sauna delivery to avoid paying for multiple days. Book in advance—last-minute rentals and rush delivery fees are significantly more expensive. Compare quotes from at least three providers. If you only need the equipment for 30 minutes to an hour, ask about hourly rates rather than full-day pricing. And if you are buying a sauna that ships in multiple crates as a DIY kit, you may be able to unload individual panels and components by hand, avoiding equipment rental entirely.

What to Know Before You Rent: Preparation and Logistics

Renting the equipment is only half the equation. A successful sauna delivery requires preparation on your end as well.

Assess Your Property Access

Before you call a rental company, walk your property and answer these questions:

• How wide is your driveway? A delivery truck needs at least 10–12 feet of width to approach. A crane truck may need more for outrigger setup.
• Is the ground firm and level where the truck will park and where the forklift will drive? Soft, wet soil will not support heavy equipment.
• Are there overhead obstacles? Low power lines, tree branches, or roof overhangs can limit crane reach and create serious safety hazards.
• How far is it from the truck parking spot to the sauna's final location? This determines whether a forklift alone can do the job or whether you need a crane.
• Are there fences, gates, retaining walls, or landscaping between the truck and the final spot? If the sauna has to go over or around any of these, you probably need a crane or telehandler.

Take photos and measurements before calling rental companies. Many will ask for this information to recommend the right equipment.

Coordinate Timing

The forklift or crane needs to be on-site and ready before the delivery truck arrives. Freight carriers usually provide a delivery window rather than an exact time, so plan to have your rental equipment available for the full window. Contact your freight carrier to narrow down the delivery time as much as possible, and give yourself a buffer on each side.

Prepare the Delivery Area

Clear a flat, firm area for the truck to park, the equipment to operate, and the sauna to be placed. Remove any vehicles, lawn furniture, decorations, or debris from the path. If the forklift needs to cross grass, lay down plywood sheets to distribute weight and protect your lawn. Have your sauna pad or foundation ready before delivery day—you want to place the sauna once, not move it twice.

Check for Permits

In some municipalities, operating a crane on a residential street requires a permit, especially if you need to block part of the road. Check with your local building or public works department. Most forklift operations on private property do not require permits, but it is worth confirming.

Operator Certification

OSHA requires forklift operators to be trained and certified. If you rent a forklift and plan to operate it yourself, ask the rental company about their certification requirements and whether they offer a brief training session as part of the rental. Many companies provide a quick orientation. For crane operation, always hire a professional operator—this is not a DIY task.

Alternatives to Renting Equipment Yourself

Renting a forklift or crane and managing the logistics yourself is one option, but it is not the only one. Depending on your situation, these alternatives may be simpler or more cost-effective.

Request Liftgate Delivery

Many freight carriers offer liftgate service, where a hydraulic platform lowers your crate from the truck bed to ground level. This eliminates the need for a forklift at the unloading point, though you still need a plan for moving the sauna from the curb to its final location. If your sauna weighs under 1,500 lbs and you have a relatively short, flat path to the installation site, a liftgate combined with a heavy-duty furniture dolly or appliance cart may be enough.

Hire a Local Moving or Rigging Company

As mentioned earlier, companies that specialize in heavy moving can handle the entire process—meeting the delivery truck, unloading the sauna, and transporting it to the final location. You pay a flat rate or hourly fee and do not need to worry about renting equipment, finding an operator, or managing logistics. Get quotes from companies that specifically mention hot tub, spa, or heavy equipment moving experience.

Use the Delivery Company's Equipment

Some freight carriers have trucks equipped with truck-mounted forklifts (like a Moffett forklift that rides on the back of the delivery truck). If available, this can be the most seamless option because the driver unloads the sauna with their own equipment and may even be able to place it close to the final location. Ask when scheduling your delivery appointment whether a truck-mounted forklift is available. There is usually an extra charge, but it eliminates the need for a separate rental entirely.

Break the Delivery into Manageable Pieces

If you purchased a DIY sauna kit rather than a pre-assembled unit, the sauna arrives in multiple crates containing wall panels, roof sections, benches, a heater, and hardware. Individual panels typically weigh 100–200 lbs each, which two or three people can carry. In this case, you may not need heavy equipment at all—just a dolly, some moving straps, and a few friends. This is one of the practical advantages of kit saunas over pre-assembled models.

Safety Tips for Unloading Day

Saunas are expensive, and the equipment used to move them is powerful. Taking shortcuts on delivery day is how things get damaged—or how people get hurt.

• Inspect the crate before unloading. Check for visible shipping damage before the delivery driver leaves. Take photos of all sides of the crate. Note any damage on the bill of lading before signing. This protects you if you discover damage later.
• Verify the weight. Confirm the actual crated weight of your sauna and make sure the forklift or crane you rented has sufficient capacity. Do not guess—check the shipping documents or contact the manufacturer.
• Use proper rigging for crane lifts. Saunas should be lifted using rated straps or slings positioned according to the manufacturer's lift points. Never wrap a chain directly around a wooden crate, and never lift from a single point unless the load is designed for it.
• Keep people clear. Establish a safe zone around the equipment. No one should stand under a suspended load or between the forklift and a fixed object.
• Protect your property. Heavy equipment will leave tracks on lawns and can crack thin concrete or pavers. Use plywood to distribute weight on grass and choose a path that avoids irrigation lines, septic components, and underground utilities. Call 811 (the national "Call Before You Dig" hotline) at least a few days before delivery if equipment will be driving across your yard.
• Watch for overhead hazards. Power lines are the most serious concern. Cranes and telehandlers can reach heights that put them in contact with electrical lines. The equipment operator should be aware of all overhead hazards before starting work.

Planning Your Sauna Purchase with Delivery in Mind

The best time to think about delivery logistics is before you buy your sauna, not after it ships. Here are some factors to consider as you shop:

Kit vs. pre-assembled: If you are comfortable with some hands-on assembly, a DIY sauna kit ships in smaller, lighter crates that are much easier to unload and carry to the installation site. Pre-assembled saunas save you build time but require heavier equipment for delivery. Weigh the tradeoff based on your property access and willingness to assemble.

Sauna size and weight: Larger saunas like 6-person and 8-person models are significantly heavier and more difficult to maneuver than compact 2-person units. Check the shipping weight in the product specifications before ordering so you can plan equipment accordingly.

Location accessibility: If your ideal sauna spot is tucked behind the house with no equipment access, consider whether a different placement might save you hundreds of dollars in crane fees. Sometimes the most practical location is also the most accessible one.

Foundation first: Have your sauna pad or foundation completed before the sauna arrives. Whether you are using a concrete slab, gravel pad, or composite deck blocks, placing the sauna directly onto a finished foundation on delivery day eliminates the need to move it again later.

Need help figuring out the right sauna for your space? Browse our full selection of outdoor saunas—from compact barrel saunas to spacious cabin saunas and modern glass-walled designs. Every product page includes shipping weights and dimensions so you can plan your delivery with confidence. If you have questions about delivery logistics for a specific model, give us a call at (360) 233-2867—we have helped thousands of customers navigate the unloading process and are happy to walk you through it.