Scissor lifts can simplify the process of getting work done in elevated positions. Renting one is also considerably cheaper than trying to buy your own machine. But the scissor lift hire process can be a little tricky to navigate.
Rental companies will typically give you a long list of conditions to guide the equipment hire process. Before you agree to a contract, you should review the terms and ensure you’re well-informed about every line and clause in the document.
The terms and conditions will typically cover key aspects of the hiring process. This may include your responsibility, liability, usage limitations, return policies and so on. In this post, we’ll attempt to demystify the fine print of the scissor lift hiring process by providing a guide to the common terms and conditions
Terms of Payment
Rental companies typically charge a rental fee that covers the rental duration. Companies may charge hourly, daily or weekly, depending on the contract. You should pay attention to the rental cost and choose a suitable plan based on your project timeline.
You also need to know what your rental payment covers per the agreement in your contract. For instance, if you are charged a working week rate, you’re not allowed to use the equipment on weekends. If you intend to do this based on your project timeline, then you have to pay a full week rate. The scissor lift hire charges will last for the duration of your contract. Rental companies may charge an extra fee or penalty if you go over this period.
In addition to the main rental cost, other charges may be added to your total payment. Some companies add delivery and pickup costs. They may also charge you for loading and unloading the vehicle. A deposit payment may also apply for cover any damage to the equipment when it is in your possession. If you need to pay for permits to get the machine or have it delivered to your location, they’ll include it in your bill.
You may also need to pay for an operator if you want one supplied to you by the equipment rental company. In this case, you will have to pay for the operator’s hourly rate.
Your Responsibility When Hiring Equipment
The rental company’s main responsibility is to see to the delivery of the scissor lift to your location. Once the lift is delivered to your worksite, you become responsible for it. It’s your responsibility to protect the equipment from the weather, vandalism, or theft. You also have to see to it that the lift is not used in a way that damages it or voids the term of your contract. At the end of the scissor lift hire period, you have to see to its return.
You are also responsible for the lift operator and other workers on your site have received appropriate instructions. They should learn all about correct usage, maintenance, and safety. You can request a competent operator or call for assistance with training your in-house operator.
Fueling the machine and providing lubricants is also a part of your daily responsibility when you hire a scissor lift. You’re expected to follow all basic daily maintenance. All costs incurred in the process of this maintenance are also up to you.
Your responsibility for looking after the equipment only ends after you return it in good working order. As part of the terms of your agreement, you’re expected to notify the rental company of any damage to the equipment while it is in your custody.
After the rental period expires, you should have the machine cleaned or pay the cost of cleaning it to the rental company. Most rental companies will hold the machine for a few days during which they’ll check for damages. If they find any damage chargeable to you during this inspection, the company will send you a bill. This bill will cover the cost and any penalties for lost revenue as a result of the damage.
Maintaining Hired Equipment
Maintenance is an important part of the equipment hire terms and conditions. When you hire a scissors lift, you must ensure that it remains in perfect working order while it is with you. Before you start using the lift, you should inspect it and report any issues right away. Similarly, if the equipment breaks down while it is with you, you must report it immediately.
Routine maintenance is normal. But, you’re not allowed to carry out a major repair without informing the rental company. In case of major damage or fault, return the lift to the rental company so they can have it examined and fixed.
Insurance
Most rental companies require you to pay a damage deposit or waiver as part of the rental cost. Note that this fee isn’t a substitute for insurance. The damage waiver only covers accidental damage as long as the repair cost does not exceed the waiver. So if the damage deposit is $400, it’ll only cover for damage with a $400 repair cost or less.
This is why many companies require renters to take out a short-term insurance policy as part of the rental agreement. Insuring the equipment covers the cost of replacing the lift if it’s lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair. In any of these cases, any money received from the insurance company as a settlement for the claim goes to the rental company. You must not negotiate with the insurer or compromise the claim without the rental company’s permission.
Conclusion
The terms and conditions highlighted above are the general terms for renting a scissor lift. However, each company has specific conditions laid out in their contract. Consequently, renters are advised to review the contract they receive. You should also confirm that the terms are favourable before proceeding to sign.
At easyToolhire, we prioritise helping clients make knowledgeable decisions for their projects. Our team of experts will guide you through the scissor lift hire process and explain all you need to know about our services. Contact us to learn more about our scissor lift hire contract, terms and conditions.
