Renting a forklift can save you a lot of time, money, and hassle. That is, if you make sure to get the forklift that fits your needs! Not all forklifts are the same. The following 5 points should all be considered to determine the kind of forklift that will suit your projects.
- Determine the weight your forklift will need to hold.
The average forklift can lift about 5,000 pounds. You will need an accurate weight measurement of whatever it is that you need to lift before renting a forklift. Other things to consider are the size and shape of the product you are lifting. Is it uniform and square, or irregularly shaped? Is it sitting on a pallet, or directly on the floor? You may require special forklift attachments in order to do the job.
- Determine the maximum lift height your forklift will need to reach.
Like the weight of the product, you will also need to accurately measure how high your forklift will need to reach. If you push a forklift beyond what it is supposed to lift, not only are you breaking the terms of your renter’s agreement, but you are endangering the forklift, the product, and everyone around you!
- Identify the ground surface the forklift will be operating on.
Will you be working on a smooth warehouse or factory floor? A construction site with debris on the ground? A rough, outdoor lot? The kind of surface your forklift will be operating is a huge consideration when renting a forklift. Not all forklift tires are created equal. Some can handle rougher, outdoor terrain, while some tires are meant to stay on the smooth factory floor.
You also need to consider how wide the lanes will be, and determine how sharp a turning radius your forklift will need.
- How long will you be renting a forklift?
Sometimes, a job can take longer than you expect, or be delayed. You should be sure that you have your forklift long enough to complete the job. Take notes of the measurements above and call about renting your forklift in advance to ensure that it will be there when you need it.
- Should I rent or buy?
Will the jobs that require a forklift be few and far between? Then renting a forklift is a perfect option for you. But, if you find yourself with an expanding business that seems to be renting a forklift more and more, perhaps it is time to consider buying one of your own?
Like we said, renting a forklift can save you time, money, and hassle, but if you rent the wrong forklift, all it will do is waste your time and cost you money! So, consider these points when renting a forklift, ask the renter any additional questions you may have, and happy renting!
It’s great that you mentioned how renting a forklift could save you time, money, and hassle. We need to lift some heavy materials for a construction project and I think we’ll need some equipment to do it. So, I am planning to rent a forklift to make things easier.