If you need a forklift for the short term or if you are not ready to make the investment into buying one, renting a forklift can be a great option. Forklifts come in various types, sizes, weights, and load capacities, and have many accessories to choose from. Narrowing down the specifications will make your forklift rental search much easier. Here are the top things to consider before reaching out to a forklift rental company and signing an agreement.
Decide on What Type of Forklift You Need
First things first, decide what type of forklift you need. There are many types of forklifts for specific uses. Take some time to figure out which type will work best for your application. For example, certain forklifts are made narrower to fit between warehouse aisles, while others are designed to tow heavy items. Some types are better suited for outside use, while others are made for indoor use. If you are not very familiar with forklifts, your rental partner can also help you figure out the best fit for your business.
Gas vs. Electric?
There are gas and electric forklifts available. Gas-powered forklifts with an internal combustion engine are the most common type of forklift on the market. They tend to be better for rugged, outdoor environments, and can usually go longer distances. Although certain types may be suitable for indoor use, others may produce fumes that can pollute the air indoors. Also, when renting a gas forklift, make note of the specific fuel you will need to obtain.
Electric forklifts are better suited for indoor use without any concerns about toxic fumes. Since they need to be charged, you won’t need to worry about gas costs. However, make sure to inquire about any specific maintenance that the batteries may require and whether the chargers will be included with the rental.
Load Capacity & Weight of the Forklift
What is the maximum weight of the loads you will be carrying? Certain forklifts are heavier-duty than others. While the average forklift can carry around 5,000 lbs, their load capacity can range from 3,000 to 15,000. Another factor to consider is the weight of the forklift itself. The surface that you will be driving on may require limitations to weight.
Do You Need Any Accessories?
There are many forklift attachments and accessories available; including tire types. Some job sites may require cushion or non-marking tires, while others may require pneumatic tires. Always inquire about the different accessories to accommodate your needs. Longer fork sizes, dump hoppers, forklift diapers, and safety lights, are just a few examples of accessories you can choose from.
What Happens if Something Breaks?
An important question to ask the forklift rental company is regarding maintenance. If something happens to the forklift while rented, who handles repairs? Some companies may cover maintenance as long as it wasn’t an issue caused by user error. You may also want to inquire about whether they have their own repair techs that will prioritize your repair, or if they will need to contact a third-party company. All of these factors can affect the cost and downtime.
What Are the Agreement Conditions and Terms?
Different forklift rental companies will have different contracts. Even if you have rented forklifts before, always read the agreement carefully. You may be able to rent a forklift daily, weekly, monthly, or longer term. If you think that there is a chance that you would be interested in purchasing the forklift, you may want to mention that as well. Some companies offer rent-to-buy programs.
Does Your Insurance Cover Forklift Rental?
Make sure to verify that you will have rental coverage through the rental company to protect the equipment. That coverage protects against any damage to the equipment itself, but you should also check with your insurance to see if covers rentals. If there is injury or property damage caused by the equipment that you are renting, it would be a good idea to know that it would be covered under your insurance.
Do You Have a Licensed Operator?
OSHA requires that the person operating a forklift is certified as a forklift operator. Never let an uncertified employee operate a forklift. Even when used by a certified person, forklifts can be dangerous. Make sure that all of your employees are trained in workplace safety, and understand how to work around a forklift.
How Will the Forklift Be Delivered?
Another important question to ask when renting a forklift is whether the rental company provides delivery services. Are you willing to pick up the forklift or do you need it to be delivered to the job site? It’s always a good idea to inquire about delivery and dropoff conditions, as well as any overtime rates and fuel surcharges.
Why Rent a Forklift from BMH Equipment?
BMH Equipment has been the trusted leader in forklift sales and rentals for over 45 years. We have a wide range of forklifts and other equipment available for rental to fit every need. When you rent a forklift from us, you also receive priority service, which means less downtime and improved productivity. Contact us today to get in touch with a rental specialist.
