A Novice's Guide to Renting the Right Forklift Truck
Forklifts are indispensable when it comes to moving and lifting materials on a construction site. However, construction needs vary across construction projects. This means that, if you are hiring a forklift truck, you'll need to choose one that best suits the needs of your project. If you are new to forklift rentals, getting the right one for your project can be a challenge because you may not know exactly what to look for. This guide will help you with your forklift truck selection process.
Determine the Lifting and Reaching Capacity You Require
How heavy are the construction materials that you intend to lift? The lifting or carrying capacity of forklift trucks vary and it's imperative to hire one that can lift the heaviest load you have on-site. Loading materials that are too heavy for the forklift can result in mechanical damages that would cost you a significant amount of money to either repair or pay the rental company. On the other hand, you don't want a forklift whose lifting capacity is too much for what you need. That's because, generally, you will pay more for forklifts with higher lifting capacities. Therefore, with the help of your contractor, get an estimate of the heaviest loads you'll have on your site.
You'll also need to think about how high you need the materials lifted since forklift trucks also differ in their reaching capabilities. Keep in mind that while forklift trucks may reach a certain height, they can only support a given amount of weight at that height, so remember to ask for that.
Look at The Terrain on Your Construction Site
The terrain will help you choose a forklift with the right type of tyres. You wouldn't want the forklift to get stuck in the mud because you hired one with tyres meant for indoor use. You would have to call for additional expenses to remove it. For uneven outdoor terrain, pneumatic tyres are usually the best. These tyres are strong with thick and deep treads that can withstand the uneven outdoor terrain. For light outdoor use involving working on smooth pavements with concrete surfaces, such as areas around your pool, consider a forklift truck with cushion tyres to prevent damage to those surfaces.
Consider the Rental Duration
Some forklift rental companies will offer you better deals on the equipment depending on how long you intend to rent it for. Others will impose overtime charges if you use the forklift over a certain duration. To ensure you have the right forklift for your budget, make sure you ask about such deals and charges before you hire one. For more information on equipment hire, contact a heavy equipment rental company in your area.