Licence to Operate a Forklift Truck
May 24, 2017Things to Think About Before You Hire a Forklift
There are several things to think about before you hire a forklift, such as the amount of time that you intend to rent the vehicle (and if you’d be better off buying one), as well as the maintenance fees, associated fuel and energy costs, and even storage. Some companies prefer to buy their trucks outright, especially if they are planning on putting them to good use well into the future, but for occasional usage; there’s really no harm in renting as you go. However, the number one issue before you even consider moving forward is you need to ensure you have the correct license to operate a forklift truck (or a CV license for a vehicle loading crane).
Before considering hiring a forklift, it’s well worth considering factors such as:
How long do you plan on borrowing the truck for?
If you are only intending to hire a forklift for a few days a year, then you’ll undoubtedly find a variety of lending agencies that will be willing to cater to your requirements. If you run a business that might need a truck for prolonged periods of time however, then you may be better off considering buying a truck instead. The cost of buying a truck when compared to hiring one for the same amount of time can be much lower, but for infrequent or occasional uses renting can be the way to go.
Are you getting the fairest deal?
Not all forklift suppliers will charge the same rental rates and although many aim to be as competitive as possible; the same can’t be said for all of them. The best way to ensure that you are receiving the fairest deal on your rental agreement is by comparing the prices proposed by different agencies. Once you find one that can suit your budget, whilst still offering a reliable and fully functional truck that’s suitable for your requirements – it can be pretty simple to sign up to an agreement and enjoy the functionality of your temporary vehicle from that point onward.
Could you benefit from a more versatile model?
When people think forklift, it’s not uncommon for them to typically envision a truck with a pair of prongs used for lifting crates. In reality, forklift trucks are much more versatile than many people imagine and plenty of models are capable of having their front fittings changed for more convenient alternatives. Some can utilise gripping arms, while others are ideal for lifting flat objects via flat plates instead of prongs, so the model that you choose should be capable of addressing as many varying services as possible.
With all of the above considered, you should be well on your way to choosing the best forklift truck for your business – and one that will undoubtedly make a huge difference to your work ethic – find out more about getting a forklift licence to further your career
Before going into any high risk operational task ensure you check out the correct training courses.