A Quick Guide to Renting a Forklift

If you are contemplating whether you should rent a forklift or purchase one, this quick guide may help you make an informed decision. Additionally, our rental equipment experts share tips on how you can go about renting the right forklift to get the job done.

Reasons to rent a forklift

1.Your Business is growing

When your business is booming, you may need forklifts on short notice to fulfill demand. You can consider renting forklifts to execute these orders because purchasing a new forklift can be a lengthy process. You should need to spend time shortlisting the right model as investing in a new forklift is a major business decision. You also need to consider the lead times associated with the new equipment. Renting can support your business growth quickly and with low capital outlay.

2.You are expecting a seasonal peak

Rental forklifts are your best bet if you need additional equipment just to tackle the seasonal peak. Renting a forklift for peak seasons can help you avoid the costs associated with equipment lying idle during off-seasons.

3.You need modern equipment

Purchasing the latest forklift model with advanced technology can be expensive and make a dent in your budget. That said, certain demanding applications need you to work with the most recent models to ensure productivity, reliability, and safety. In such a scenario, renting a forklift can help you get a fully-loaded modern piece of equipment while not having to worry about upfront investment.

4.You want to avoid downtimes

When one or more of your forklifts is under repair, you can cover-up and avoid the downtime by hiring a forklift. Renting offers you the flexibility that you need in such situations as you can hire a forklift for a day, a week, or a month.

5.You are looking to save capital

Renting can help you save on the big upfront cost associated with an equipment purchase. You can invest that capital in other parts of your business. Most dealers offer a Rental Purchase Option (RPO) using which you can purchase the forklift at a later stage if you find it to be a good fit for your needs.

Renting can be a good option in many scenarios, including the ones listed above. Below is a list of a few things to be watchful of when renting material handling equipment:

Determine your operational needs

1.Having the right wheels on the rented forklift is critical for your operations. The pneumatic forklift tires offer high- traction, ground clearance, and performance on rough surfaces and are ideal for outdoor applications. Cushion forklift tires are made of smooth solid rubber and are fitted around a metal band. They offer less traction and are mainly used on indoor surfaces which are smooth and even. Your rental dealer representative should be able to suggest the right option based on your application.

2.You would also need to choose between electric and internal combustion forklifts. Both types offer unique advantages, and you can read more about their pros and cons in our electric forklift FAQs. If you do not have infrastructure for charging a forklift, it might be a promising idea to invest in it if you are planning to rent for a long term i.e., over a year. Electric forklifts can help you bring down your operational costs significantly.

3.Determine if you have any special requirement to successfully get the job done. Whether you need longer forks or an unusual mast size, being clear on your needs would go a long way in renting the right equipment.

Trained Operator

Improper use of forklifts can be a major safety threat and can cause serious injuries to those working in your facility. The safety regulation laid down by WorkSafeBC remains the same whether you purchase or rent a forklift. You must ensure that the operator is trained on the type of forklift that you are planning to rent.

WorkSafeBC states, “Workers must be trained to CSA Standard B335-94, Industrial Lift Truck Operator Training, and have passed the test before they can operate a lift truck (forklift). Workers can be trained by their employer or a third-party provider. Every two years the driver must be re-evaluated and given additional training as needed.” You can find more information here.

Find a good dealership and have an open conversation with them

The key to your success with any rented equipment lies in finding the right equipment from the right dealer. Research and find a dealer who has a well-maintained fleet of equipment and provides reliable service support. A dealership like ours works with you to understand your needs and offer a model which best suits your requirement.

Be upfront about the length of time you need to hire the forklift for, the application you would be using it for, and by when you need the forklift. This information can help our equipment specialist find the right forklift which will get your work done.

We have a large forklift fleet available for renting throughout British Columbia. Our team of rental specialists have the experience necessary to ensure your needs are met.