Forklifts are the best material handling option for the lifting, transporting and unloading of goods. However, buying a forklift isn’t always a feasible option for many warehouse owners, especially if they’re brand new models. As such, renting the equipment is often more cost-effective and convenient when it comes to the smooth and productive running of a warehouse. So what are the benefits of renting a forklift and what should you consider when choosing this option?
Benefits of renting a forklift
There are many benefits of renting a forklift that some warehouse owners might not be aware of and many of them come with hiring a forklift as opposed to buying one outright and we’ve detailed some of them below:
It’s an affordable option
Buying brand new equipment can be incredibly expensive for warehouse owners, and many don’t have the funds to do that even if they wanted to. Therefore, hiring a forklift instead is a more viable option for those who are on a budget but also want to improve efficiency and productivity throughout their warehouse. There are also short and long term contracts available, so you can rest assured that the contract you opt for will suit your financial needs as well as your operational requirements.
Allows for flexibility
You’ll be able to choose the time period you need the forklift for, should you choose to hire one. In addition to that, you’ll also be able to choose the best option and rental agreement for you. We have electric, diesel and LP gas forklifts available for either long or short term rent, so whether you need a forklift for outdoor or indoor use, there will be a machine and hiring agreement available to suit you.
The machine will be safety and quality checked
You can rest assured that any machine, whether it be a forklift or not, that you hire from Refurbished Forklifts will be safety and quality checked before being handed over to you. This way, you’ll have absolute peace of mind that your employees will be safe behind the wheel of a rented forklift, enabling operations to run smoothly and efficiently.
You’re not responsible for any parts or components that break down
If the forklift you’ve hired breaks down or isn’t running as expected, then stop using it immediately and get in touch with the company you rented it out from. They’re responsible for fixing the issue or giving you an entirely different forklift. All of the forklifts available for hire should be fully serviced and regularly maintained by the rental company to ensure the safety of the operator at all times, so perhaps ask about that before committing to a forklift hire contract.
You won’t have to worry about finding the space to store it
You won’t have to worry about housing your rented forklift permanently, especially if your site is too small. Once you’ve finished with it, then the rental company should come and take it off your hands within a reasonable timeframe for absolute convenience. This way, you won’t have to deal with finding extra storage space or having to pay to expand your premises or store machines offsite.
Perfect for first time forklift users
If you’ve never owned or needed a forklift before, and this is your first experience of using one, then renting a forklift would be more sensible than purchasing one outright. Going for the short term hire option will be even more convenient as you’ll have plenty of time to try out the forklift without having to keep it in your possession for longer than is needed. If you like it, then perhaps you could look at extending the contract in order to improve productivity throughout your warehouse.
Things to consider when renting a forklift
There are many things that you should consider when choosing to hire a forklift, especially if it’s your first time going through the process. Some of the factors involved with renting a forklift and that should, ultimately, influence your decision as to which forklift you hire, include:
What is the maximum weight you need to lift?
The weight of the load you’re looking to handle should be the primary consideration. You want to make sure that the forklift you’re looking to hire has the capability to lift products of a certain weight, otherwise, the forklift will be wasted. Tell the rental company the weight of the load you’re wanting to transport so they can offer you the most appropriate solution for your application.
What height do you need to raise the load to?
This is a worthwhile question to ask yourself, because you’ll then be able to lift the load to the optimum height. It’s important that you tell the rental company what height you’re looking to lift goods up to so that you’re supplied with a machine that has that capability and not one that only has the functionality to lift stock a metre or two.
What’s the maximum height you can get with respect to the maximum weight?
This is just as important as the previous point, mainly because it’s all very well and good having a forklift that can carry a certain load, but will it be able to lift that weight to the required height? Again, this should be something that you mention to the forklift rental company as they’ll be able to point you in the right direction in terms of providing you with a suitable machine.
What type of cargo are you needing to handle?
Consider, firstly, what type of stock you’re wanting to handle, secondly, think about the packaging that comes with it, including any pallets. You should factor in the weight of either the packaging, the pallet or both when looking to hire a forklift specifically for this load. You should also ask the forklift provider whether extra attachments will be needed to help with the moving and handling of the cargo.
How long will you need the forklift for?
When hiring a forklift, many warehouse owners have a decent timeframe in mind, but should you need the machine for longer than was initially estimated, then the forklift company should have no problem in extending the contract for you. But when hiring the forklift initially, try to give specific dates and times as this will help to speed up the booking process.
If this is your first time renting a forklift, then it could take up to a week for your application to be approved, so make sure you enquire at least 7 days before you need the machine to avoid disappointment and to prevent falling behind on operations.
Will the forklift be used indoors, outdoors or both?
This will help the forklift rental company to decide whether you’d benefit more from an electric forklift, a diesel forklift or an LP gas forklift. Diesel forklifts are robust and incredibly powerful and so they’d be better placed in an outdoor setting.
Electric forklifts are ideal for indoor use, whereas LP gas machines are perfect for operations taking place both inside and outside. Make sure you know what the forklift will be used for and where before you enquire about hiring a forklift.
Research your forklift rental company
It’s important that you’re hiring from a reputable, trusted company. Look for reviews online and go from customer recommendations. Some questions you could ask the company, before committing to hiring a forklift from them, include:
- What are your service level agreements?
- How old is the forklift you’re looking to offer me?
- What condition is the forklift in?
- Has the vehicle got a full service and maintenance history?
- Will the forklift be able to carry out the operations I’ve outlined in my initial query?
- Do you provide transparent, clear contracts/rental agreements?
Here’s how Refurbished Forklifts can help you
Here at Refurbished Forklifts, we have a number of high-quality, powerful machines available to rent or purchase. No matter what it is you need, or how small your budget may be, we’ll be able to provide you with the most ideal solution for you. In addition to electric, LP gas and diesel forklifts, we’re also able to supply our customers with an abundance of warehouse equipment, including reach trucks, order pickers, pallet trucks and more.
We have transparent rental contracts available all for a reasonable price, regardless of whether you’re looking to hire machines for the long or short term. However, if you’d like to buy a forklift to add to your fleet, or even if you’re looking to buy one for the very first time, we have a wide range of vehicles available, all of which have been fully refurbished by our team of highly-skilled engineers. You’ll always be great hands when choosing a material handling solution from us here at Refurbished Forklifts.
For more information about the forklifts we have available to rent or buy, or to enquire about any of the other warehouse machinery we’re able to offer, get in touch with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable team today – we’re always on hand to talk you through your options and provide solid, expert advice.
