You’ve accepted a job that requires an aerial lift and now you’re weighing your options. Do you buy a new piece of equipment, or spend the money to rent what you need for the job?
Renting an aerial lift is a cost-effective solution for companies that need lifts only occasionally, or when transporting a fleet would be too expensive. As a contractor, you know that unused equipment depreciates in value and costs you money. In contrast, renting a lift is a tax-deductible business expense, and you’ll have access to the latest and most durable models.
You might also consider renting if you’re in the market for an aerial lift. Renting gives you the opportunity to try different models and decide which make and model suits your needs.
Choosing the best aerial work platform rental for the job may seem overwhelming, especially if you haven’t rented one before. The good news is, it’s easy to figure out what you need by taking a closer look at your job site. We’ve pulled together a guide to renting lift equipment so you can decide which aerial lift is best for you.
Confused about the difference between scissor lifts, boom lifts, or forklifts? There’s a wide variety of aerial equipment designed to address specific needs. Choosing the right one is as simple as assessing the requirements of the job.
Scissor lifts have large platforms and are great for moving several people and/or big pieces of equipment straight up and down. If you can’t get directly underneath the area you need to work on, or if there are any obstacles you may need to maneuver around, a scissor lift won’t be a good fit for you. You’ll probably be looking for a boom lift.
Boom lifts have turntables at the base that allow them to move in a full circle. They have smaller platforms than scissor lifts and come in two different types ─ telescopic and articulated. Telescopic boom lifts have one straight arm that adjusts to the reach you need. These lifts can access areas directly above and at a direct angle. An articulated boom lift works best for areas that require navigating around obstacles. The arm on the articulated lift bends like a finger, making it an ideal choice for a job that is hard to reach.
If your primary goal is to move equipment or supplies from point A to point B, a forklift might be your most efficient option. If the job is too big for a traditional forklift, a telehandler can often be used to reach places and transport items that a forklift isn’t able to reach. Telehandlers have a variety of attachments that make them very versatile machines. In many jobs, they function as small cranes. In fact, a crane could be used for some of these jobs. However, a crane is much more expensive, so telehandlers are usually a much more affordable option for the jobs they can handle. They can also be used in conjunction with forklifts to lift and place loads.
There are two ways of measuring height when operating aerial lifts: platform and working height.
Capacity refers to the number of personnel and the amount of weight a piece of equipment can lift. To determine the capacity you need, add up the weight of all personnel, equipment, and tools that will be on the aerial lift platform. Don’t push the capacity limit for any of the lifts—it’s dangerous to your crew and equipment.
Now you have an idea of the type and capacity you need—it’s time to think about the ground you’ll be working on. Is it indoor or outdoor? Level or sloped? Will it be dry, wet, or frozen? Are there any holes, debris, or obstacles to navigate around? The last thing you want is for the equipment to slide when you have personnel and equipment in the air.
If the terrain could be muddy or rocky, we recommend renting a lift with four-wheel drive or a crawler undercarriage. If you’re dealing with debris, consider a lift with higher ground clearance. Don’t forget to pay attention to the tires, too. You can choose from foam-filled, high-flotation, non-marking.
The power source you choose is important because it affects your bottom line. You can choose from electric, diesel, propane, or hybrid.
Once you have determined what type of lift you need, you can determine the tools you’ll be using. Most lifts feature electrical outlets and airlines on the platform but there are a variety of other optional features that can make your job easier.
For example, you could have a built-in generator and a power cable with lines for air and water running up the arm of the boom to the platform so you can power a variety of tools. These features minimize the number of wires and hoses hanging in your worksite, creating a safer environment. Choose the features you think will best empower you to get the job done quickly and effectively, but don’t choose features that are so complex they could add time to your job as your team tries to learn how they work.
Make sure you read and review the rental contract and insurance details. Usually, the equipment dealer will cover the equipment itself, but your company will likely be held accountable for any injury to the operator or property damage while the equipment is in use. Every insurance policy is different, so be sure you know where the dealer’s insurance ends and your responsibility begins.
The most important part of the aerial lift rental is not the equipment, but rather the person operating it. An operator is an experienced professional who is familiar with best practice in aerial equipment safety. This isn’t something a willing member of your team can just jump in and do.
An operator is specifically trained to work with aerial equipment and can be expected to enforce the use of all safety equipment, like fall protection equipment, and maximum capacities of the machine. If you do not have someone to fill that role, see if the dealer has operator training or if they know of a place you could find a qualified operator to assist you with your job.
We’re here to help you explore your options. Yancey has been in business for more than 100 years and are proud to be Georgia’s authorized Cat® dealer. We offer temporary aerial equipment for long- or short-term rental needs and have 15 convenient locations to serve clients throughout Georgia, including Atlanta, Macon, Savannah, Albany, Columbus and more! Our goal is to deliver the highest-quality equipment with unmatched service and support.
We can walk you through the process of deciding which aerial lift will be best for your job and put together a turnkey lift rental solution. Contact us today.
