Forklifts see a lot of use on any number of projects, ranging from agricultural to construction to industrial and beyond. But buying one of these machines can be expensive, especially if you only need it for a limited amount of time. We here at KMC Forklift want you to have the tools you need without over-investing, so we’ve put together some tips for renting the right forklift below. For more information, or to see the forklifts we have available, contact our store in Bryan, Texas, today!

What You Need

Finding the right forklift is much the same whether you’re renting or buying. Your first consideration is what features and specs you’ll need. Think about the specific jobs you’re renting the machine for and the capabilities and power it will need to complete the job.

Next, think about how long you’ll need the forklift for. This will impact the length and type of rental you end up landing on, so you’ll need to have a firm work schedule in mind. Most forklift rentals will allow for renting on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis with longer rentals being cheaper overall. Many rental agreements also have a limit on how many hours of use you can put on the machine, so make sure to keep the workflow streamlined.

You’ll also want to inform the renter about the weight and volume of the largest possible load you plan to move with the forklift, as well as how high you’ll be lifting them. Remember that the higher the machine can lift a load, the lower its weight capacity will be.

The Job Site

Next, make sure the rental you’re looking at is compatible with the work site. You’ll need a narrow machine for narrow aisles or tight confines, for instance, or different styles or tires for different surfaces you’ll be driving on. Indoor forklifts tend to have cushioned tires designed for smooth, hard surfaces like concrete, but any outdoor usage will require pneumatic tires that can handle multiple terrain types.

Responsibilities

Like with any rental, you need to establish firmly who is responsible for what while you have the forklift. Typically, customers aren’t responsible for regular wear and tear, but you might be liable for repairs that occur at the work site. Make sure to discuss this thoroughly with the renter beforehand to avoid any surprise fees or penalties.

You should also clarify whether the forklift will be delivered to the worksite or whether you’ll need to pick it up, as well as whether you’ll need to conduct regular service while you have it.

We hope these tips help you get the forklift and the rental agreement you need! To learn more, or to see the forklifts we have available to rent, contact us at KMC Forklift. We proudly serve the people of Caldwell, College Station, and Hearne, Texas—let us serve you today!