5 Top Factors That New Contractors Should Consider Before Renting a Forklift

Hiring a forklift is critical to enhancing production efficiency and reducing costs. However, leasing the machinery is not as easy as many people might think. You need to be methodical in analyzing a couple of factors before you can hire a forklift if you want to save time and money. If you are a new contractor in need of fork lifting services, you need to consider these top tips to get value for money:

The weight of Your Cargo --The weight of cargo you intend to be carrying is the first factor to consider before renting a forklift. Notably, forklifts come in different sizes depending on the load capacity that they can handle. For instance, if you plan on lifting heavy cargo, you are better off getting a large forklift hire. Industry experts recommend that it is better to overestimate the weight of cargo than to underestimate it only to realize the forklift is incapable of managing the load.

Lift Height -- Forklifts have maximum hoisting capacity regarding height. Before renting, determine the height of the highest rack where you intend to store your cargo. Knowing the height of the stand on the upper level of your warehouse ensures that you can find the optimal forklift.

Maneuverability -- Forklifts should be operated carefully especially regarding acceleration and braking. If the working space has several intersections, you have to consider the maneuverability of the forklift before hiring. Some forklifts can be impractical to operate in tight spaces, and thus, you might need alternatives such as scissor lifts and narrow-aisle lifts. These versions are ideal for maneuvering in tight spaces.

Surface Terrain -- The ground surface of a work-site- also determines the type of forklift to hire because these machines have different tire designs. If you are working on a construction project, you have to hire a forklift with large tires such as rough terrain forklifts and telehandlers, which are well equipped to deal with the rough terrain. For smooth interior surfaces such as inside a warehouse, you need to rent a pneumatic tire forklift or cushion tire forklift.

Duration of Use -- Another useful factor to consider when renting a forklift is the period you intend to use the equipment. Most vendors will bill you by the hour from the time the machinery is delivered to your site. Plan so that the duration you envisaged is adequate for the forklift to complete the intended task. Poor planning and subsequent delays will automatically lead to high costs of renting a forklift.