What to Consider When Choosing a Rental Forklift in Buffalo
Forklift rental can be a cost effective and efficient solution for businesses that need temporary, seasonal, or one off material handling capabilities. Before you rent your forklift, there are several key factors to think about to ensure you choose the best machine for your specific job and facility. To help you out, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide for forklift rental and how to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
Here are the steps to take to find your rental forklift:
- Assess your specific needs
- Choose the right type of forklift
- Consider rental duration and cost
- Verify machine condition and safety features
- Review your rental agreement
- Consider additional attachments
- Evaluate your forklift rental provider
1. Assess your specific needs
When it comes to your forklift rental, some of the most important things to consider are where it will be working and what exactly it will be doing.
- Load capacity—Determine the maximum weight that the rental forklift will need to lift. Overloading the machine can be dangerous and may lead to mechanical failure.
- Lifting height—Consider the height you need to reach. Standard forklifts have varying lifting capabilities, so it’s crucial to match the rental unit to your warehouse or jobsite requirements.
- Your aisle width and warehouse size—You don’t want rental forklifts that don’t fit inside your facility. Know how far apart your racks are, so you can tell our team, and we can recommend options that will work within your space.
- Indoor vs. outdoor use—The operating environment impacts the type of machine you need. Although there are electric and internal combustion forklifts that can be used in inside and outside environments, not every model can be used both indoors and outdoors. If we know where your rental forklift will be operated, we can help you choose the best option.
2. Choose the right type of forklift
At JIT Toyota-Lift, we carry a variety of rental forklifts and other material handling equipment. Here are some of the most common machines we rent out and what applications they typically handle:
- Counterbalance Forklifts—Commonly used in warehouses and manufacturing facilities.
- Reach Trucks—Ideal for high shelving in narrow aisles.
- Pallet Jacks—Best for moving lighter loads over short distances.
- Rough Terrain Forklifts—Designed for construction sites and uneven surfaces.
3. Consider the rental duration and cost
Before choosing your forklift rental, it’s important to consider your budget and your timeline. Not having a clear idea of how long you need the machine or what steps of the project should be completed before renting can cause you to pay for your machine when you don’t actually need it. When you talk to our rental team at JIT, ask about price range and any other fees included in the rental.
4. Verify machine condition and safety features
Before finalizing your rental, it’s important to ensure the forklift is in good working condition. At JIT, we’ll provide you with up-to-date maintenance records, so you can feel confident that your rental will do its job well. We’ll also show you all safety features, so you understand how they work and how to correctly use them. Your operators should be trained and certified to operate the specific type of forklift you are renting.
5. Review your rental agreement
Carefully read the terms and conditions of the forklift rental agreement, including liability clauses, damage policies, and insurance requirements. Understanding the maintenance and repair responsibilities will help you avoid unexpected charges and potential disputes with the rental provider.
6. Consider additional attachments
Depending on your operational needs, you may require specialized attachments such as side shifters, clamps, or extensions to enhance the rental forklift’s functionality. Share all the details about your job and facility with our team, so we can recommend any necessary attachments to help you get the most out of your rental.
7. Evaluate your forklift rental provider
Choosing a reputable rental company with positive customer reviews is crucial. Look for companies that offer support services, such as on-site repairs and replacement units in case of breakdowns. A reliable dealer, like JIT, ensures a smoother experience and minimizes downtime in your operations.
At JIT, we offer a large rental forklift fleet of high quality, well maintained machines. In addition to forklifts, we also rent pallet jacks, telehandlers, boom lifts, scissor lifts, stock pickers, sweepers, floor scrubbers, golf carts, forklift attachments, and more. Tell our team the specifics about your project, and we’ll make sure you find the perfect option for your needs!