3 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Forklift Hire Company

When it comes to keeping your business humming, few tools are as indispensable as the trusty forklift. But finding the right rental partner for these heavy lifters requires some thoughtful diligence. Rather than just grabbing the first Google search company with a fleet, let’s walk through the key factors for choosing a forklift hire firm that aligns with your operation’s unique needs and priorities.

We’ll skip the formal intros and dive right into my off-the-cuff advice as a fellow operations manager, and considering Forklift Hire Auckland – Adaptalift NZ is no exception. Take it all with a grain of salt, of course. I’m no forklift expert! But I’ve worked with my fair share of rental outfits over the years at various warehouses. Hopefully some lessons I picked up along the way will give you a helpful starting point.

Fleet diversity and availability

First and foremost – get a sense of their fleet diversity and availability. You want decent selection across forklift types so they can serve up the perfect machine for each handling scenario. Counterbalance, reach trucks, pallet jacks – they should have the essentials covered and then some. Ask about variety of lift heights, weight capacities, features etc. to ensure options for your quirkiest loads.

And don’t forget to check on overall availability. Having 50 forklifts looks great on paper but doesn’t help much if they’re constantly booked out! Make sure they maintain enough depth in the fleet to support your team even in peak season. Absolutely clarify their policies on breakdowns and replacements too. Your operation is dead in the water if lifts are awaiting repairs for weeks.

Safety and security

Now, this next factor is a bit of a downer. But safety absolutely cannot be overlooked when dealing with heavy equipment zipping around. Verify the rental company takes training, maintenance, and compliance seriously. Ask about their technicians’ certifications, how often their lifts get inspected, safety ratings, and related protocols.

You’ll sleep easier knowing their operators are skilled and machines are routinely checked for issues. And please please double confirm they meet all occupational safety regulations! The last thing you need is regulators snooping around because of lax practices. Safety may seem boring, but it’s truly foundational. Don’t cut corners here.

Alright, let’s chat cost because I know that’s on everyone’s mind in this economy. Clearly lay out their full pricing structure including things like rental rates, maintenance, insurance fees, and fuel. Watch for hidden surcharges or gotchas in the fine print. If it seems too good to be true…well, you know how it goes.

Cost does matter

That said, cost isn’t everything. The cheapest outfit may have ancient lifts held together with duct tape. Find the sweet spot combining service quality with affordability. You want a partner focused on customer success, not wringing out every cent.

Speaking of customer success, take the time to evaluate responsiveness and technical expertise. Things go wrong when relying on any type of rental equipment eventually. Whether it’s flat tires, wonky steering or full-on breakdowns, you need service teams that can diagnose and resolve issues promptly.

Ask about average response times, emergency services, and maintenance capabilities. And don’t forget to inquire about training and consulting offerings in case you need to brush up on skills. Knowledgeable support makes all the difference when you’re in a jam.

Last but not least, look for rental companies that go the extra mile on flexibility. No business’ needs stay static forever. Your ideal partner should tailor agreements to your unique situation and evolve alongside you.

Conclusion

Maybe you have an influx of orders next quarter requiring 10 additional lifts. Or perhaps you’re expanding to a new facility with different flooring material that warrants special wheels. Look for demonstrated willingness to adapt to the shifting tides. The right fit today may feel like a straight jacket tomorrow if your needs aren’t accommodated.

Whew, I know that was a whole lot of points to chew on! Finding lift suppliers with mastery across all those areas is no easy feat. But taking the time upfront to carefully evaluate your options is a worthy investment. You work too hard to settle for equipment partners that can’t keep pace and deliver peace of mind. Stay picky out there, but most importantly, stay safe!