Construction Forklift
Do You Know What Maximum Capacity Really Means?
Your lift’s maximum capacity is not as straightforward as you might think. Maximum capacity refers to the machine’s capability when operating within narrow parameters and ideal conditions. For example, a forklift’s maximum capacity refers to the total weight the machine can lift when the load is four feet long and the load center is 24 inches wide. When it comes to aerial lifts, the use of attachments or operating at maximum height will decrease the maximum capacity of the machine. It’s important to understand the lift’s capacity within the context of your operation in order to prevent equipment damage and accidents.
Also, as of 2021, OSHA has changed its safety requirements for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). All aerial lifts now have a safety sensor to prevent operation when the machine is loaded above its official weight capacity, meaning you can no longer count on any wiggle room when considering a MEWP’s capacity. When the lift exceeds its maximum load, it will simply stop working.
Find Out Why Herc-U-Lift Has So Many Longtime Customers
bringing it in to the time they’re sending it out so we can see
the whole process. This might take the whole day, and then we’ll
come back with a plan.”
– Barry Jacobson, Herc-U-Lift Sales Manager
but the most important is having the right piece of equipment
in the right operation.”
– Will Lacina, Herc-U-Lift Development Manager
expenditures, our finance team can customize a contract to your
needs. Every business has different financial pressures. We can
help alleviate yours.
each customer with minimal travel time, and when you sign up for
our Planned Maintenance Program or a Full Maintenance Plan you
will not be charged any travel time on maintenance service. Our
techs will also prevent travel charges by consolidating repair and
maintenance visits.
delivery or line up a time soon afterward to show the customer
how to operate the machine, give maintenance instructions, and
answer any questions they have.”
-Joe Gerdes, Herc-U-Lift Territory Manager
them. Emergencies rarely happen between nine and five, Monday
through Friday. We’re available to our customers anytime to help
with anything they need.”
-Joe Gerdes, Herc-U-Lift Territory Manager
Nine Benefits of Renting and Leasing Equipment
The rule of thumb for determining whether it’s cost effective to buy a machine is forecasting that it will be in operation at least 30 to 40% of the workweek. As every situation is unique, this rule is only a starting point for a cost-benefit analysis. Below are some additional factors to consider as you decide whether to rent, lease, or buy.
1. Rental equipment is up-to-date and well-maintained.
A common myth is that rental equipment is often out-of-date or poorly maintained. In fact, the opposite is true. Rental equipment is often used more consistently than privately-owned equipment so that machines reach the end of their life while they’re still cutting-edge. Also, rental companies are careful to protect their assets with timely inspections and maintenance that are often postponed by contractors managing a busy worksite.
2. You can try different machines to find your best fit.
Is the latest innovation really going to save you time and money? Specifications and reviews can’t tell you everything you want to know. What works well for one team may not be a good fit for another. Using the machine on the job for a few days or weeks allows you to see how it performs for you. The next time you rent, you can try another technology, model, or brand until you find the right investment for your business.
3. You can get the best machine for each particular job.
Rather than buying a versatile machine that performs okay at various tasks, renting allows you to utilize the best technology for each application. Avoid wasting fuel with a lift that is bigger than you need, wasting time fitting and removing attachments, and wasting energy maneuvering a clumsy machine when a dexterous one is available. Renting can help you keep your operation lean and efficient.
4. You can save money on storage and transportation.
Storing heavy equipment requires space and security, both of which are costly. Renting means you only have to think about the equipment when it’s on the jobsite, not when it’s taking up space needed for something else. Most rental companies offer pickup and delivery as well as transportation between worksites. When you move to a new site, you can rent from the closest company or branch, reducing the fuel and labor required to transport your equipment.
5. Renting and leasing frees your capital for other expenditures.
In addition to eliminating the worry of depreciation and the hassle of resale, leasing frees your capital for better investments. A down payment on machinery may not bring the greatest return on investment compared to other ways of utilizing your capital.
6. You can forget about maintenance, inspections, carbon monoxide testing, repairs, and insurance.
Equipment rentals always include the cost of maintenance and inspections, and lease contracts can include them as well, allowing you to forget about equipment upkeep and focus on delivering quality to your customers. A lease contract can also include the cost of breakdowns that were not caused by misuse.
7. Your expenses will be more predictable.
Outsourcing the liabilities of equipment ownership protects your bottom line. Even well-maintained equipment breaks down from time to time, but if you are renting your equipment or have a lease contract that includes maintenance and repairs, you will not have unexpected bills.
8. Renting and leasing keeps your enterprise flexible.
If you rent or lease your equipment, you can easily adapt to market forces because your capital is not locked up in your machinery. You will be financially free to try new things and comfortable using new equipment to match new opportunities.
9. Leasing saves money.
Of course the upfront cost of renting and leasing is less than purchasing your machinery outright, but even when you have a long term need for the equipment, it can be less expensive to lease than to buy. A fair market value lease often delivers the lowest total cost of ownership. At the end of the contract, you can turn in the machine or buy it for the fair cash value. In other words, you can have it both ways: the flexibility of renting and the benefits of ownership.