No large upfront purchase costs
Forklifts can be hired on either a short term or long term basis. Organisations can avoid the large upfront costs involved in purchasing a forklift by renting equipment for desired timeframes. Long term hire can be arranged for a weekly or monthly price with a rental company. Short term hire prices can vary however most forklift companies do have regular pricing campaigns to take advantage of and you should always ask what deals are available to you.
No maintenance costs and issues
When a forklift is purchased, the owner is responsible for all maintenance costs and any associated issues such as downtime. Over the course of a year, this can add significant amounts to the cost of the asset. Also, as the forklift ages, maintenance costs increase simultaneously. The added cost of sidelined out of service equipment and organising temporary replacements if necessary, must also be considered when budgeting for a new forklift.
When forklifts are hired, the hire company is usually responsible for all maintenance costs so the cost of servicing or the replacement of a forklift does not need to be taken into account. If there are problems with a hire forklift and a replacement is required, most hire companies will provide the replacement unit free of charge. Some organisations believe regular hire payments are easier to budget for than unexpected costs which can occur when a forklift is purchased.
Safety and legal issues
Forklift owners must make sure their vehicles are properly maintained and meet all relevant safety requirements. Many accidents involving forklifts are due to neglected maintenance schedules and poor working conditions. Companies hiring forklifts are responsible for the training and working conditions of forklift legislation and can offer expert advice together with full risk assessments, lifting plans and method statements which cover aspects such as personal protective equipment, checklists and operating instructions.
Choice of models
Renting a forklift enables an element of flexibility for a workplace. The customer can select the appropriate model to rent for a specific job which may be different to a model to that is required for another task. The same level of flexibility cannot be obtained when purchasing a forklift which can lead to higher costs for an organisation and/or inefficient working practices.
In order to make the most suitable decision for your business in regards to renting or purchasing your materials handling equipment, speak to an industry professional to engage the best advice for your operation first. By analysing the above four factors and advice provided by equipment specialists, you will be in a position to make the most fitting decision for your circumstances.
