Top 4 Factors to Look Into When Choosing a Forklift Rental Company
Forklift trucks, or forklifts, are one of the most versatile vehicles available in today's market. These trucks have a wide range of material handling applications in the industrial sector. These include pallet handling, handling of paper reels, beverage handling and many more.
If you are currently in the market for rental forklifts, be it because you can't afford to buy the machines outright or because you temporarily need additional units, you will want to get the machines from the right provider. With so many forklift hire services operating in your area, selecting the best company can be a daunting task.
Aside from choosing a rental company that understands your particular requirements and needs, here's what to look into to ensure you choose the right forklift rental service.
Condition of the Equipment
The first and perhaps most important thing to consider when you are hiring forklifts is the condition of the equipment you will be renting. Forklift hire services generally charge additional costs for machines that are returned damaged, so make sure you thoroughly inspect the equipment you need before you rent in order to detect and make note of any signs of wear and tear. Generally, you should rent forklifts that look clean and well-maintained. Even better, look for a forklift hire service that has a new fleet.
Insurance Coverage for the Equipment
As with other heavy equipment, forklifts require insurance coverage to protect equipment owners from injury or property damage that may occur as a result of operation of the equipment. Be sure to hire your forklifts from a provider that at least holds basic insurance required to operate the equipment. Otherwise, you may be held liable for workplace accidents that the equipment owner is responsible for.
Additional Fees
If you have set a fixed budget for your forklift rental and you intend to stick to this budget, you will not like it if your forklift provider charges you extra without letting you know ahead of time. Before you rent, ask your preferred provider about what might make you pay more than the pre-agreed amount. Knowing about hidden costs up front can ensure you accurately estimate the total cost of your rental.
Terms of Service
Last but not least, make sure you read and understand all the terms of the contract. Make sure you are comfortable with these terms before you rent. Otherwise, you may incur fines or penalties for breaching terms of service.