Electric Forklift Rental 2019 – Get an Affordable Quote
There are many different options to consider when selecting electric forklift rental equipment. Depending on the job or project, different aspects of specifications will be more important than others, so it is important to choose carefully. Some of the differences in forklifts include:
Gas vs. Electric vs. Diesel
Electric powered forklifts are extremely environmentally friendly due to the lack of fumes and harmful emissions. They also tend to be more cost efficient electric forklift rental over a long amount of time, as the cost of recharging a battery is much lower than the cost of fuel.
They tend to run quieter than their counterparts, but they do require a better floor surface to maneuver on. In addition, they have a very high initial cost and require a specific space reserved for docking and battery charging stations.
Gas powered forklifts usually use liquefied petroleum gas and are large in popularity due to their flexibility regarding work environments. They tend to cost less initially than electric powered forklifts, and they are available in multiple models and sizes depending on the job requirements. These forklifts are popular for their versatility, as one can usually use both indoor and outdoor for a variety of jobs. Unfortunately, they have the highest cost in regards to long term maintenance and care, as they require fueling regularly as well as regular antifreeze service in the winter.
Diesel powered forklifts are generally used in outdoor environments as they tend to exude higher levels of exhaust fumes. When used indoors without catalysts or purifiers, the emissions caused by diesel powered lifts can be incredibly toxic. They tend to be more fuel efficient than their LPG fueled counterpart, as well as having higher acceleration and better lift speeds compared to an electric lift. Diesel engines have a far longer life than gas lifts because they operate at lower revs, and they usually have a higher residual value compared to other lifts.
Counterbalance vs. Reach
Counterbalance forklifts are the the most common electric forklift rental to utilize, as they have a weighted back to counterbalance the weight being applied to the forks of the lift. In electric lifts, the battery is usually stored on the back to act as a natural counterbalance for the machine, allowing the lift to be driven directly to the load or racking to obtain the product. Counterbalance forklifts can utilize four or three wheels depending on the range of motion needed for the job. Three wheel counterbalance lifts have a tighter turn radius and are excellent for both indoor and outdoor jobs involving small spaces.
Reach trucks are used mainly for warehouse operations where products are stored on high racks. Their forks can usually exceed heights of 10 meters while still operating safely using outriggers that allow the forks to reach product without the body of the machine moving. They are best suited for indoor work, as their wheels are built very low to the ground and their undercarriages are easily damaged by uneven terrain. Because of the way they are designed, reach forklifts tend to have high levels of maneuverability and tight turn radius.
Renting vs. Purchasing a MyForkliftRental
There are many factors to consider when making the decision to rent or purchase your electric forklift rental equipment. Important questions to ask your businesses partners are as followed:
- How often will your business be utilizing this lift?
- What sort of capital does your business have for initial cost?
- What does the maintenance budget for this equipment look like?
- What is the projected growth of this business over the next two to three years?
These questions will require answers in order to help make your decision. There are benefits to both renting and purchasing your equipment, but it is entirely dependent upon your company's needs and expectations.
Renting
There are many benefits and reasons to rent your equipment. They usually do not involve a down payment, so there is a lower initial cost. In addition, renting allows your company to consistently upgrade into the newest models of equipment, avoiding hefty maintenance schedules and fees. Renting equipment also does not interrupt your business's lines of credit, allowing room for other purchases if need be. If your business has low but consistent need for electric forklift rental use, renting may not be the right option, as long term renting is almost always more expensive than buying your equipment.
Buying
Buying a MyForkliftRental is a good option for any business that has a consistent need for production but does not expect an increase in productivity. Forklifts can cost anywhere from $15k to $50k, depending on weight capacity, and speciality lifts at extreme weights can cost upwards of $100k. Even so, the benefit of buying a forklift is very simple: ownership. Once you've completed payments, you will possess a very valuable piece of equipment your company can utilize. However, if you are certain you will want to continue upgrading your equipment, doing so with a purchased forklift can be more difficult than if your business is renting one.
There are many questions and specifics that go into electric forklift rental selection—the best way to determine which product is best suited for your company's needs is to have a consultation with a professional. Many companies offer consultation upfront before a rental agreement or purchase is made, so be sure to reach out to your local providers and get an accurate understanding of what your company requires.