January 16, 2025
Deciding to rent a forklift rather than purchasing one can be beneficial for your business for multiple reasons. For one, renting lets you avoid the high upfront costs of buying a forklift, thus freeing up your capital for other business needs. Additionally, forklift rental can offer better flexibility as it allows you to scale depending on demand such as during seasonal spikes or short-term projects. Last but not least, rentals often provide access to newer forklift models with advanced features, letting you improve the efficiency and safety of your warehouse operations at less the cost.
Before you sign any rental agreement, however, it’s important to first verify that the type of forklift you’re renting is one that will truly meet your requirements. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when renting a forklift to ensure that it’ll be a great fit for your warehouse operations:
Different forklift types are designed to handle varying loads. Thus, it’s essentially to rent one that can sufficiently handle the weight of the goods you intend to load to avoid safety hazards and inefficiency. Start with identifying the maximum weight of goods or cargo your warehouse typically handles. For instance, if your heaviest pallet weighs 2000 kg, then make sure the capacity of the forklift you’re renting is at least that weight.
Choosing the right load capacity ensures smooth and safe operations, particularly in warehouses handling heavy loads such as machinery or bulk items. In addition, avoid overloading your forklifts beyond their capacity. A forklift operating at or near its maximum capacity can be extremely unstable, increasing the risk of tipping over.
This consideration is particularly important for warehouses that utilise vertical storage systems. If the forklift type you rented has insufficient height capacity, you may be limited in your storage or be forced to come up with unsafe workarounds. In addition, choosing the wrong mast type—for example, renting a forklift with a single-stage mast when your storage height requires at least a three-stage mast—can hinder overall warehouse efficiency.
To more accurately determine what height capacity to look for when renting a forklift, measure your highest shelf or rack where materials need to be placed. You may also consider forklifts with mast height adjustability.
VNA or very narrow aisle racking is becoming more popular, especially for e-commerce and retail warehouses that are expected to store diverse inventory while maintaining accessibility for fast order fulfillment. In line with this, make sure to evaluate your warehouse layout and measure your aisle width first to ensure that the forklift type you’ll be renting won’t have difficulties navigating a smaller warehouse.
If you manage a high-density warehouse, compact forklift models are your best option. You may also look into reach trucks or articulated forklifts instead of a standard counterbalance forklift to maximise storage and maintain efficiency.
The frequency, intensity, and duration of use can influence the type of forklift you should be renting. After all, forklifts designed for light use may not withstand the demands of heavy, continuous operations, which can only lead to frequent breakdowns and inefficiencies.
Thus, evaluate your intended use for the forklift you’ll be renting. If it will only be for occasional use, then renting a lower-cost basic model may suffice. Meanwhile, if you foresee heavy-duty use across multiple shifts, opt for a high-capacity forklift with features that can help reduce operator fatigue such as suspension systems that lessen vibrations transmitted to the operator as it's driven around.
Renting a forklift that is capable of supporting different attachments or that carry special features may be required as well, depending on your intended use. For instance, you may need a forklift with a rotator attachment if your warehouse handles drums or a side shifter to make pallet placements more precise.
Determine if your operations will require special attachments and then consult with your rental provider if they carry that attachment. By choosing a forklift that already comes with the necessary attachments, you can maximise efficiency and make the most of your rental period.
The type of forklift you should rent may also depend on whether you’ll be using it indoors or outdoors. If you intend to use the forklift on smooth indoor floors, then standard tyres and models often work well enough. However, for outdoor or rough terrain usage, you may want to choose forklifts with pneumatic tyres to better navigate uneven ground. Choosing the forklift type that best suits your warehouse terrain ensures safety, operational efficiency, and durability in its operating environment.
Just because renting a forklift costs less than buying one, that doesn’t mean you can be careless over which forklift type you’ll be renting. Make sure to thoroughly consider the factors listed above to make more informed rental decisions that align with your warehouse operations' needs, therefore ensuring safety and optimal performance.
