If you use forklifts in the course of your work, it often poses the dilemma of whether you should buy or rent one when the need arises. Whilst investing in your own machine might be good for a company that needs it all the time, renting might be preferable for companies that only need these machines every once in a while. If you use different models to complete different tasks, you’re also better off with a forklift rental.
Unfortunately, many people feel cheated after renting forklifts that are not in good condition, are overpriced or are simply unsuitable for the job at hand (despite how they were advertised). Machines that lack proper servicing are prone to regular breakdowns and if the supplier takes a long time to replace it, you’ll be left with unsustainable downtimes. Next time you’re on the lookout for a forklift rental, consider the following:
- Find a supplier who offers a wide range of clean and well-serviced machines. This way, if you need a different kind of forklift, they will be able to easily exchange it for you. Plus, if the one you’re using breaks down, they should easily be able to replace it.
- Ensure that the supplier has a fully equipped service centre with experienced technicians who can be dispatched to fix faulty forklifts onsite. In the case of small faults, they should not delay you from achieving your daily targets.
- What sorts of loads will the forklift be expected to carry? You must be clear about this from the get-go to ensure that you receive a machine that can manage the jobs that you tackle. Overloading can lead to serious accidents and even fatalities in worst case scenarios.
- What kind of environment are you working in? Whether indoors or outdoors, rough or smooth terrain, it should be specified. This will help the supplier to give you a forklift rental to match. Using the wrong type of machine for the environment can lead to damage.
- How long do you need the forklift? This will generally depend on the nature of your operations and the job at hand. Although short term rental can prove to be quite pricey, most suppliers will offer great deals when it comes to long term rentals.
- Ensure that you’re clear on the contract. Does it state that the supplier is responsible for servicing and maintenance? Does it state whether you’ll be provided with an operator or whether you’ll need to provide your own? Does it state what insurance (if any) is included?
- Inspect the forklift immediately upon its delivery to your site (preferably before the delivery driver has left). Take note of any faults and be sure to inform the supplier of them. If you’re not comfortable with the state of the machine, request another one.
We hope that you’ve found the above tips useful in finding the right forklift rental for your needs. At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that there is a variety of models on offer so finding one that best meets your needs can be a challenge at the best of times. If you’re still unsure which forklift is the best choice for your workplace, ensure that you speak with us – our helpful team is happy to steer you in the right direction.
