Forklifts are versatile pieces of equipment that, when combined with the right forklift attachments, can greatly improve your team’s productivity across a variety of material handling tasks. These may include organizing pallets in a warehouse or moving heavy lumber across rough terrain at a construction site. Renting a forklift can provide the material handling capabilities needed for these and many other projects.
In this post, we explore important considerations to help you determine if renting a forklift is right for your project. And if so, what type of forklift you should rent.
When to Rent a Forklift for Your Project
There are several reasons to rent forklifts rather than buying them, including:
- Fluctuating Needs: Renting a forklift is ideal when you have a short-term or seasonal need and don’t need a forklift for ongoing operations. Forklift rentals provide you the right equipment for a day, week, month or longer period to match your needs.
- Avoid High Upfront and Maintenance Costs: Renting a forklift has a lower upfront cost than purchasing. Plus, if you rent from Herc Rentals, our forklifts undergo meticulous inspections and maintenance in between rentals so they are always ready to deliver optimal material handling performance.
- Access to New, Advanced Models: Herc Rentals forklifts are well maintained and offer state-of-the art features to improve productivity and operator comfort. Many of our forklift models include telematics, full-suspension seats, waterproof electrical components, gradeability for slopes and ramps, and compatibility with various forklift attachments.
Once you’ve determined that renting a forklift is right for your business, there are many things to consider when selecting a model. In the next section, we’ll discuss three key considerations when renting a forklift.
3 Things to Know When Renting a Forklift
1. Types of Forklifts
Due to the wide range of forklift models and capabilities available, it’s important to do your research or speak with an equipment expert when determining the type of forklift most suitable for your project. Below are three common types of forklifts, and within each category are different models that vary by capacity, lift height, and size.
- Electric Forklifts: These forklifts run on rechargeable battery power. They are ideal for indoor use like warehouses or manufacturing facilities with emissions and noise restrictions. Learn more about electric forklifts: What is an Electric Forklift and is it Right for Your Project?
- Rough Terrain Forklifts: Powered by diesel fuel, these all-terrain forklifts are designed to handle heavy loads across uneven terrain. They are best for outdoor construction sites, agricultural settings, or forestry work.
- Internal Combustion Forklifts: Powered by diesel, propane, or a combination of both, these forklifts offer high lifting capacities and faster acceleration than electric models. They are ideal for heavy-duty projects in shipyards and lumber yards.
To determine the type of forklift most suitable for you, you must consider the specific needs of your project, including:
- Load Capacity: Estimate the maximum weight of the materials to be moved and select a forklift with sufficient load capacity. An overloaded forklift can result in tip overs, broken equipment, and injuries.
- Lift Height: Know how far and high materials need to be lifted. If the target area is hard to reach, you may need to rent a telehandler instead of a traditional forklift.
- Machine Size and Fuel Requirements: Examine the size of the project site, including the terrain. Note any obstacles that the forklift may need to maneuver around. Also consider noise and emissions regulations and fuel costs to make sure the machine you rent will adhere to these requirements.
Additional reading: Internal Combustion Forklifts vs. Electric Forklifts: Which is Right for You?
2. Types of Forklift Attachments
When renting a forklift, increase the versatility and functionality of your rental with forklift attachments.
Types of forklift attachments you may need include:
- Truss Booms: Truss booms extend a forklift’s reach and lifting capabilities, perfect for transporting oversized or awkwardly shaped objects.
- Bin Dumpers: These attachments allow you to lift and tilt bins, crates, and containers that carry bulk materials.
- Carpet Poles: Carpet poles are designed specifically for moving large and heavy rolled materials such as carpet and fabric.
- Jib Attachments: These crane-like extensions provide access to hard-to-reach areas that require more flexibility and control than a standard forklift can offer.
Learn more about forklift attachments: 4 Forklift Attachments to Improve Material Handling Productivity
3. Forklift Safety
Safety should always be the top priority on any project site. Forklifts can cause damage, injuries, or even death when used incorrectly. In the United States, Federal law requires all forklift operators to be over 18 years old and be properly trained and certified. Forklift safety standards are so strictly enforced in the US that they are regularly listed in OSHA’s Top Ten Most Frequently Cited Standards.
If you’re renting a forklift, ensure your designated operators are properly trained and certified. Herc Rentals offers a variety of equipment safe operations training and train-the-trainer courses. This includes training specific to operating forklifts. Explore safety training options or request safety training on our website.
Choose Quality Forklift Solutions From Herc Rentals
Enhance your operations and material handling capabilities by renting a forklift from Herc Rentals. Browse our wide selection of material handling solutions, including electric forklifts, IC forklifts, rough terrain forklifts and forklift attachments. Or, call (888) 777-2700 to discuss options with an equipment expert today.
