If you are in the market for a forklift, you may wonder if you should buy or rent one. Both sides have pros and cons, but in general, renting a forklift is a more flexible option. Here are four benefits of renting a forklift: 

  1. You can get the correct type of equipment for your short-term project needs. 
  2. You can upgrade, or downgrade as needed. 
  3. You can avoid the hassle and expense of owning a forklift. 
  4. You have access to material handling experts to help with set-up and training. 

GET THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT FOR SHORT-TERM PROJECTS 

If you only need a forklift for a short-term project, then renting is the way. Renting a forklift is also an excellent option for businesses that do not have the storage space for one. 

Scissor lifts and boom lifts (sometimes called aerial work platforms) are popular short-term rentals. They offer many of the same benefits as a forklift but with a few key differences.

  1. They are smaller and more maneuverable, making them ideal for tight spaces. 
  2. Unlike some material handling equipment, you can use most scissor lifts and boom lifts indoors and outdoors. 
  3. They have a smaller weight capacity than a forklift. 

FLEXIBILITY TO UPGRADE OR DOWNGRADE EQUIPMENT 

Renting forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment allows you to upgrade or downgrade your equipment whenever your business needs change. If you need a bigger forklift for a new project, you can rent one. If your business is downsizing and you don’t need as much equipment, you can return the equipment you don’t need and only pay for what you use. 

AVOID THE HASSLE AND EXPENSE OF OWNING EXPENSIVE EQUIPMENT 

Buying and maintaining forklifts and material-handling equipment is expensive. Not only do you have to pay for the equipment, but you also must pay for maintenance, repairs, and storage. Renting allows you to avoid the hassle and expense of buying and maintaining a forklift that you may not need in the long run. 

GET HELP FROM MATERIAL HANDLING EXPERTS 

You get help with setup and training if you rent forklifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, and other equipment from experienced material handling dealerships. They can help you choose the right equipment for your needs and train you to use it safely.

It’s important to remember that operators need to be trained to safely operate each type of equipment they use. For example, if your forklift driver is certified on 3-wheel electric forklifts and you rent an order picker, they will need additional training to comply with OSHA requirements 

Toyota Material Handling Solutions offers forklift operator safety training that includes classroom and hands-on instruction by Toyota-certified trainers. Click here to read our blog post with answers to common questions about forklift operator training. 

If you need a forklift, aerial work platform, or other material-handling equipment for your business, consider renting instead of buying. You only pay for the equipment when you need it, and you don’t have to pay the expenses involved with owning expensive material-handling equipment. You’ll also have more flexibility and options and may even save money in the long run. 

Toyota Material Handling Solutions has the industry’s most complete lineup of material handling solutions. Contact us to talk to a rental expert today! 

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