When to Choose a Forklift Rental Versus Purchase

When production at your company begins to gradually increase or a short-term project is announced, whether or not to invest in additional forklifts is a key question. Use these questions to determine if you should choose a forklift rental versus purchase.

Forklift Rental Versus Purchase

Has the increase to business been caused by a particular event?

Many companies have felt the impact of economic slowdowns, so an uptick in business is encouraging. However, it’s essential to understand the cause of this growth and assess its sustainability. If the increase may be temporary, renting forklifts is a more flexible choice, allowing for a short-term commitment with monthly, weekly, or daily expenses. A forklift rental can help you maintain productivity and fulfill customer orders during peak demand.

What is the length of the short-term project?

Short-term projects may be internal or brought on by a customer request. It is important to determine the length of the project and obstacles that can lengthen or shorten it. If your project is planned to be 6 months or longer, you may find a benefit to purchasing a forklift. Dollars used for the monthly forklift rental can be invested into a purchase of a new or used forklift.

Do you need a specialty forklift?

While some companies have a need for a mixed forklift fleet, your equipment may be standard for your operation. If a specialty forklift is needed for a project, a forklift rental allows flexibility to have access to equipment you would not normally purchase. Only consider a forklift purchase if the equipment can be used with long-term, daily operations.

Did your company set aside budget dollars for a forklift purchase?

Most companies are cautious about budgeting and setting aside dollars only for immediate needs. If business has been unpredictable, more than likely your company did not set aside budget dollars for a purchase. Keeping a forklift rental as your option decreases the risk of not having the cash flow you need for other projects or emergencies.

Are you concerned the need for a forklift will become long-term?

If the increase to your business appears to be stable and long-term, paying for a forklift rental may seem like a waste of money. In this case, select a Rental Purchase Option (RPO) for a new or used forklift. The RPO allows you to put a portion of your monthly forklift rental payment toward the purchase of the selected forklift, but doesn’t commit you to the acquisition.

Need to reserve a forklift rental? Contact us to speak with a rental specialist, or schedule an appointment with a sales consultant to learn more about a rental purchase option.