Forklift rentals are a popular option for many types of businesses. Click on each section below to learn more about this great service.

  1. When to Rent a Forklift
  2. How Much Do Forklift Rentals Cost?
  3. Types of Businesses that Could Benefit from Forklift Rentals
  4. What You Need to Know Before You Rent a Forklift
  5. Renting vs. Buying
  6. Rental Options from Ri-Go Lift Trucks

If you are looking to rent forklift equipment, Scissor Lifts or Booms, or Sweeper Scrubbers, we can help. We have over 1,200 units to choose from and the best brands in the industry. Contact us today to reserve your unit with as much notice as possible.

Forklift Rentals

1. When to Rent a Forklift

Forklift rentals can help you through seasonal busy periods or when your truck is down.

Renting a forklift can be advantageous in various situations, including the following:

a) Seasonal Demands:

If your business experiences seasonal demand fluctuations, you might require extra equipment during peak times. Forklift rentals will let you get the equipment you need for those busy times without committing to a long-term purchase.

b) Short-Term Projects:

For specific projects or events requiring lifting or moving heavy items, renting a forklift for the duration of the project can be more cost-effective than buying. Renting allows you access to any capacity of forklift and any mast height or specification you might need whereas your current fleet may be limited in capacity or spec. Many people rent a sweeper scrubber for example after a large project to clean the facility then return it when it’s clean – or over the holidays to start fresh with a clean plant in the new year. Many Maintenance projects require a scissor lift or boom truck to access hard to reach places for a week or 2 – that is a perfect time to call RIGOLIFT and rent exactly what you need only for the time you need it then return it.

c) Equipment Breakdowns or Maintenance:

If the forklifts that you own are getting repairs or maintenance done, you may want to rent replacement equipment to avoid any downtime. If you do the service with RIGOLIFT we supply a rental at a 20% discounted rate!

d) Trial Runs or Testing:

If you are considering purchasing a new forklift you might want to rent various models to test their suitability and performance in your specific operations to find out which type works best for you. Try before you buy and avoid disappointment later.

e) Sudden Increase in Workload:

If you have unexpected or sudden increases in workload, you might require additional equipment temporarily, which renting can fulfill without long-term commitments. Only pay while you need it and return it anytime.

f) Budget Constraints:

If you have budget constraints or limited capital, renting will provide access to necessary equipment without a significant upfront investment or painful CAPEX requirements.

g) Specialized Tasks:

Certain tasks or projects might require specialized forklifts that your company doesn’t typically use. Renting allows you to get the specialized equipment you need for those specific tasks. Heavy capacity units to move machinery or rare outdoor projects that may require an outdoor truck for a limited time – these are perfect short term rental instances.

Ultimately, renting a forklift can give you flexibility and cost-efficiency, especially if you don’t require constant or long-term use of this equipment.

2. How Much Do Forklift Rentals Cost?

forklift rentals

Forklift rentals will vary in price depending on factors like the length of your rental and the type of equipment you need.

The cost of forklift rentals can vary significantly based on several factors including:

a) Type of Forklift:

Different types of forklifts (electric, propane, diesel, etc.) and their capacities will have varying rental prices.

b) Duration of Rental:

Short-term rentals (daily or weekly) typically have higher daily rates compared to longer-term rentals (monthly or yearly).

c) Location:

Prices can vary depending on the region or country due to factors such as

  • Market demand
  • Accessibility / transport costs
  • Availability
  • Local economic factors

Check with your local forklift dealer to find out the forklift rental cost for your area.

d) Additional Services:

Any extra services like delivery or maintenance can add to the overall cost. You also want to make sure that you provide your operators with the proper training they need to use the equipment you rent.

It’s always best to directly contact forklift rental companies or check their websites for precise pricing based on your specific requirements and location. They can provide accurate quotes tailored to your needs.

3. Types of Businesses that Could Benefit from Forklift Rentals

warehouse

Warehouses and distribution centres need forklifts for their daily operations.

Several types of businesses can benefit from forklift rentals. These businesses often find renting forklifts more cost-effective and flexible than purchasing, especially when they need specialized equipment for short-term projects or to manage seasonal fluctuations in workload. Here are some examples:

a) Warehousing and Distribution Centres:

Businesses involved in storage, inventory management, and distribution often require forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers or pallet trucks to move goods efficiently within their facilities. Ri-Go Lift Truck has rentals of all types to meet the needs of the Warehousing and Distribution industry.

b) Construction Companies:

For construction projects, forklifts are useful for the following tasks:

  • Transporting materials
  • Loading/unloading trucks, and
  • Maneuvering heavy items around the site

During renovations or demolition projects, forklifts can also help in moving debris and clearing sites.

c) Manufacturing Facilities:

Industries involved in manufacturing frequently use forklifts for handling raw materials and moving finished products. They are also useful in organizing your production floors.

d) Retail Stores and Big-Box Outlets:

Large retail stores utilize forklifts for the following:

  • Unloading shipments
  • Organizing stock in warehouses
  • Transporting goods within the store

Pallet jacks (the smallest version of a forklift) are especially useful in these types of settings because of their compact size.

e) Shipping and Logistics Companies:

shipping containers

Forklifts can be used in shipping yards.

Freight handlers and logistics companies use forklifts for loading and unloading cargo from trucks and containers in shipping yards.

f) Agriculture and Farming:

Farms and agricultural businesses often use forklifts for tasks like moving produce or loading/unloading equipment. They can also be used to handle your bales of hay.

g) Event Management Companies:

These companies might need forklifts to set up stages and move heavy equipment. In addition, they can also assist in organizing large-scale events.

4. What You Need to Know Before You Rent a Forklift

vehicle ip ratings for forklifts

Forklift rentals: You need to know what you will be lifting and where you will be using the forklift.

Here are some things that you should know before you do any forklift rentals:

a) What Do You Need to Lift?

Before you rent a forklift you need to know information about what you are going to be lifting and where you will be using your forklift. This will help you get the proper forklift rental you need. You should make sure you know the answers to the following questions:

b) How Much Weight Do You Need to Lift?

This is probably one of the most important things to know before you do a forklift rental. You need to rent a forklift that has a capacity that can handle the weight of the loads that you will be moving. The load size is also crucial as most forklifts are rated at a 24″ Load Center (for a 48″ long load) that is a 4 ft cube. If the Load is larger than this – the load center may be longer than 24″ so the load will feel heavier to the forklift – necessitating a larger forklift capacity to lift the same weight. So the Weight and size of the load is crucial for us to select the right size rental forklift for you.

c) How High Do You Need to Lift It?

You should also know the height of the shelving in your facility. Forklifts have different lifting heights so you need to choose one that can lift your loads as high as you need them to. Generally the higher you lift the load the less the forklift capacity will be – keep that in mind to ensure you rent a sufficiently heavy capacity forklift.

d) Where Will You Be Using Your Forklift?

It is also important to know where you will be using your forklift to choose the right one to rent. For example, you will need to know the following:

i) Will you use your forklift outside, inside, or both?

If you need to operate your forklift inside, then an electric or propane model is a better choice. This is because electric forklifts give off no harmful emissions and propane gives off fewer emissions than diesel or gas. If you need to operate your forklift outside, then an internal combustion engine model will work great or a lithium-ion electric model that is designed for outdoor temperatures.

ii) Will you use it on polished cement floors, dirt, asphalt, or other surfaces?

Make sure that you choose a forklift with the type of tires that will work best on the surfaces that you want to operate it on. For example, cushion tires are best for polished cement floors whereas you will want pneumatic tires if you are going to be using your forklift on dirt or other rough surfaces.

iii) How wide are the aisles in your facility?

If you have narrow aisles in your facility or if the space that you want to use your forklift in is very tight, you should try to rent a forklift designed for narrow aisles. Make sure you know the width of your aisles before you rent so that you get equipment that you can easily operate and turn around in.

iv) Are there any height restrictions in your warehouse?

Check the height of the forklift as well before you rent it. You want to make sure that it can fit under any low doorways or other spaces in your facility.

All these factors will need to be taken into consideration when choosing a forklift to rent.

5. Renting vs. Buying

It may make more sense to buy a forklift instead of doing forklift rentals.

There are times when it makes sense to buy a forklift instead of doing repeated forklift rentals. Here are the advantages of buying a forklift compared to renting one:

a) Long-term Cost Savings:

Over time, owning a forklift can be more cost-effective than renting, especially if it’s used consistently.

b) Control and Availability:

Ownership means immediate access to the equipment whenever needed, without relying on rental availability.

c) Customization and Familiarity:

You can customize your forklifts by ordering one with the features and options to suit your specific needs and preferences. Also, familiarity with the equipment can streamline your operations.

d) Tax Benefits:

Depending on the region, there might be tax advantages or depreciation benefits associated with owning your equipment instead of renting it.

e) Long-term Investment:

A purchased forklift can become an asset that potentially retains some resale value when properly maintained.

f) Financing Options:

Many dealerships offer financing so that you can pay for your forklift over time. You may be surprised at how little it could cost you.

For example, Hangcha makes high-quality forklifts at unbelievably low prices! They have the best prices in the industry, so you may find that financing a new Hangcha forklift would be a better value than constantly doing forklift rentals.

It’s best to ask your forklift dealer about all of your options and have them choose the best one for you.

6. Rental Options from Ri-Go Lift Truck

Enjoy the best forklift rentals from Ri-Go.

If you are looking for the best forklift rentals, contact us. We have over 1200 rental units available!
Come in and visit our showroom today! When you rent from Ri-Go, you will get:

  • Next day tilt n’ load delivery to your door
  • Over 1200 units to choose from – All makes and models
  • Capacities to 30,000 LBS
  • Rent by the day, week, month or long-term
  • Discounted rates while your truck is being serviced
  • Forklift Trucks – Propane, electric, diesel and natural gas
  • Scissor Lift Trucks – Electric and propane up to 40-foot lift heights!

Ri-Go Lift Truck offers a comprehensive range of equiment to rent including:

  • Forklift trucks
  • Scissor lifts
  • Safety cages
  • Power pallet trucks
  • Various attachments

Choosing Ri-Go Lift Truck means selecting one of the industry’s most reputable and trustworthy names. You can expect swift delivery and collection, hassle-free operation, and welcoming, polite customer assistance. Many of our customers LOVE working with Steve and Rebecca, Amanda and Karan in our rental dept. Try them out today and see why we think they are THE BEST RENTAL TEAM IN THE CITY!

What Our Customers Think…

“Great team, friendly and responsive. Looking forward to a long and prosperous business relationship.”

– Frank Gregoire
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