Scissor lift hire is clearly the cost-effective way to get an aerial scaffold for your elevated projects. It’s cheaper than buying a new unit, but like every other piece of equipment, it takes proper planning to get the best deal and make the most of your rental. This explains why most people get curious about scissor lift hire costs.
Truth is, there’s no accurate way to estimate the precise scissor lift hire cost. That’s because pricing depends on several variable factors like the height or size of the scissor lift, the type of lift, duration of hire and other rental conditions. In this post, we’ll explore some of the things to expect regarding budgeting for scissor lift hire and how to save costs.
Factors that Influence Scissor Lift Hire Pricing
To calculate the true scissor lift hire cost, you need to consider the actual hire cost, cost of transportation, insurance and damage waivers. Each of these costs is influenced by various factors as determined by the rental companies. Some of the factors that influence scissor lift hire pricing include:
Lift Height
This refers to how high the scissor lift platform can extend. Generally, lifts with higher height limits tend to cost more than lifts with lower heights. The maximum extension you can get with your scissor lift often depends on the scissor lift height. For instance, rugged, rough terrain scissor lifts tend to have a height range of about 8 to 20 metres. But for an electric scissor lift, you can expect a height of about 5 to 15 metres on average.
Transportation Cost
Some hire companies offer delivery and pickup services as part of their overall package. Others will only provide the lift, which means you’ll have to handle transportation yourself. The total transportation cost often depends on the size of the scissor lift and the distance to your construction site. You’ll pay more for a larger lift being transported over a long distance since a larger lift can only be transported on a large flatbed truck.
Type of Scissor Lift
The type of scissor lift you want to get will also influence how much you need to pay. This depends largely on the specific conditions of the job you’re working on. If you’re working in rough terrains, for instance, you’ll need a heavy-duty diesel scissor lift built for tough outdoor terrains. In contrast, portable electric scissor lifts are used for less intensive projects in indoor spaces. In addition to influencing the rental cost, the type of scissor lift will also determine how much you’ll spend on fueling and maintaining the unit.
Availability
Like in all markets, the demand for scissor lift hire can drive prices up or down as the case may be. During peak seasons when demand exceeds supply, scissor lifts are likely to cost more compared to off-peak seasons. This is why it’s always best to book your rentals well ahead of time so you can pick the best, yet affordable lift.
Insurance Costs/Damage Waivers
Rental companies charge additional fees in addition to the main rental price. In some cases, these are refundable fees that you’ll get back if the lift is returned in good condition. Compare the insurance cost for the rental companies you’re considering and choose the most favourable one for you. Also, review the terms and conditions to ensure you don’t do anything that’ll void your deposit.
Effective Budgeting Strategies To Cut Costs On Scissor Lift Hire
Worried about the high cost of scissor lift hire? There are a few strategies that can help you save costs and keep your budget low. Here are some of them:
Go For Larger Lifts
One of the ways to save money on scissor lift hire is to rent a lift that has a large platform and a high weight limit. This way, you can carry an extra load and have an additional person on the lift. While the upfront cost of this lift might be higher than that of a smaller lift, being able to lift more people will help you get the job done faster, reducing the overall rental duration.
Hire Long-term
You can save money on scissor lift hire by planning your project in a way that allows long-term rental. Generally, short-term hire attracts higher prices compared to long-term rentals. That’s because rental companies often give discounts and rewards to people who rent machinery for longer periods. You can benefit from this if you keep the scissor lift with you on a long-term agreement.
Limit Rental Duration
This sounds like a counterpoint to the point above. Either option could be valid depending on your specific situation. Rental companies will charge you based on the overall rental duration. This means you will still have to pay even if the machine sits redundant on your site.
This is why you should only hire long-term if you need the lift with you for long periods. This isn’t the case in many cases. In most cases, you’ll only need a scissor lift for a small window during the course of your project. You can save costs by planning your project properly, ensuring that you only have the scissor lift on site when you need it.
Save Cost By Renting Nearby
The further the delivery site is from the rental company, the more it’ll cost you to cover transportation costs. A quick workaround for this is to rent from suppliers in your vicinity. Companies like easyToolhire have partners in various cities and can help you find a rental company near you for your scissor lift rental needs.
Conclusion
The ultimate scissor lift hire cost-saving hack is to rent from a reliable company with affordable rates. At easyToolhire for instance, our experts will provide comprehensive support to help you find the most suitable scissor lift for your project while saving you costs in the process. Contact us now to learn more about our services.
