Things to Consider Before Renting a Forklift
Smooth operations are critical when it comes to handling material in our bustling warehouses and storage facilities. Forklifts are the beasts of burden that make heavy lifting a breeze. And when you need to move tons worth of cargo around your space, they’re the best tools for the job. Forklifts provide more efficiency and flexibility for loading, storing, and stocking products. Whether you need to supplement your warehouse equipment, test your fleet needs, or rent for a short-term project, this guide will highlight some things you should consider before reserving a forklift rental.
What Type of Forklift Should I Rent?
Forklifts come in various sizes, weights, lifting capabilities, and other specs that you should consider before making your choice. Below are some specifications you can consider before making your rental selection.
Should I rent an electric or gas-powered forklift?
Before you even start looking into forklift models, you can narrow your search by choosing an electric or gas-powered lift. Gas-powered forklifts or those with an internal combustion engine (ICE) are a common choice, but efficient electric models perform many of the same tasks with unique benefits. We can break down the pros and cons of each here:
Gas-Powered Pros
-
-
- Gas lifts are better optimized for rugged use. If you need to run your lift outdoors or long distances between warehouses, they are your best bet. They also offer quick refueling without lengthy recharging or expensive extra batteries.
- As rental lift trucks, gas trucks require no infrastructure set up. You won’t need to hire an electrician to wire in a charger for a short-term rental need.
-
Gas-Powered Cons
-
-
- Gas-powered lifts produce fumes. While a well-maintained propane lift truck is safe to use indoors, some operators may notice the fumes, especially if you are used to running electric lift trucks.
- Maintenance and gas costs can quickly stack up with gas-powered lifts. Their engines are more prone to break down, and gas costs after running a lift for long hours can make for an expensive addition to your budget.
-
Electric Pros
-
-
- Electric forklifts are the best choice to run inside warehouses as they are quiet and free of any toxic fumes. Additionally, maintenance costs over the long run may be lower.
- There will be no gas charges, although you will still need to charge your electric forklift and account for energy costs.
-
Electric Cons
-
-
- Batteries and chargers will be additional costs. Electric lifts will need time to recharge in between shifts periodically unless there are batteries available to swap out.
- Lead-Acid batteries require maintenance. You will need to set up a program to properly care for your batteries including watering and proper charging.
-
What is the maximum height you need the forklift to reach?
Consider how the rental lift truck will be used in your facility and take note of racking shelf heights. Andersen Material Handling has rental lift trucks in stock for nearly every application.
What is the maximum weight you need the forklift to pick up?
When determining the size of the rental lift truck you need, consider not only the heaviest weight but also the load dimensions (length, width, and height). Your Andersen Material Handling sales representative will be able to recommend the right rental lift truck that works for your needs.
What’s Included with a Forklift Rental?
There are some logistical needs for renting and operating your forklift, so what can you expect from your forklift rental service? Here are some common questions you may have.
Do I have to pick it up, or will it be delivered?
Your rental lift truck will be delivered by a trained professional driver.
Are battery chargers and batteries included for electric forklifts?
Yes. A battery is included as standard, and extra batteries are available for an additional cost depending on your specific application and needs. A charger is included as standard, though you may opt-out if your existing chargers are set up to handle the additional rental battery.
Does a gas-powered forklift include the gas or LP?
No.
Do I Need an Operator Certification or License to Rent a Forklift?
Is an operator’s license required to operate a rental forklift?
Yes! It is the law to ensure any who will be operating your forklift are certified. OSHA requires that your employees are adequately trained and evaluated before operating forklifts. This is best for insurance and liability purposes as well as the safety of personnel and property.
Can I hire a temporary forklift operator during my rental?
Hiring a temporary forklift operator can be a good option if none of your employees have obtained a forklift certification.
Get your employees forklift certified with Andersen Material Handling’s Forklift Operator Program. Our course covers all the certification and training you will need for skilled and safe lift truck handling.
Do I Need to Worry About Forklift Maintenance During a Rental?
What happens if something breaks?
All scheduled and break-down maintenance and repairs are covered in your rental rate. However, repairs resulting from accidental damage, improper use, or battery damage caused by your operators is not included.