Most rental and equipment-buying surprises come from fees nobody asked about: delivery, damage waivers, fuel, overtime hours and cleaning. Take these questions to every lift or forklift company you call, write the answers down side by side, and get the important ones on the contract.
When to reserve: usually 3–10 days ahead; cranes need a site plan.
The Questions
- What is the platform or working height and the weight capacity?
- Electric or engine-powered, and is it rated for indoor use, slopes or rough terrain?
- Is operator training or certification required, and do you offer it?
- What do delivery, pickup and setup cost?
- Is a damage waiver included, and what about tire damage?
- Who is responsible for the daily inspection?
- For cranes: is it bare rental or operated and maintained, and is a lift plan included?
- How is overtime or extra time on site billed?
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Tips
- OSHA requires that forklift (powered industrial truck) operators be trained and evaluated; ask the dealer or rental company about training.
- Measure doorways, ceilings and floor load limits before ordering a lift.
- Use a slab scissor indoors and a rough-terrain model on dirt or gravel.
Before You Sign
- Check the start and end dates and times, the exact model and attachments, and the total price.
- Read the damage, loss and late-return terms.
- Photograph the equipment at delivery and return.
- Pay by credit card where possible, and keep the signed contract.