Do you have an upcoming project that will require the use of a forklift, but you do not have one yourself? If so, then you'll definitely need to rent a forklift so that you can get the job done. Here are some things to think about when renting a forklift. 

The Materials You're Moving

You'll want to have a handle on what kind of materials you will need to move with the forklift. This can help the forklift rental company match you up with a forklift that is going to be right for your needs. It's a good idea to know the approximate dimensions of the items on each pallet, as well as the pallet's total weight. All forklifts are not created equal, and there are stronger forklifts designed to move bigger loads. Of course, those heavy-duty forklifts are going to be more expensive to rent, so you may not want to pay more than you need to.

The Height Of The Storage Location

Another way that forklifts are different is with how high the forklift can actually lift a pallet. You should know how many feet upward you need to move pallets, which would be the height of the tallest pallet rather than the platform it is going on. Pallets can be stored on top of each other, but you must factor in the height of the pallet on the bottom to ensure that you have the height you need in a forklift.

The Insurance

When you are renting such an expensive piece of machinery, it's important to know what happens if the forklift is damaged while you are using it. That's why you want to ask about the insurance policy that comes with your rental, and to fully understand how it works. Do you have to purchase a separate insurance policy, or does it come with the rental? If you do need to use the insurance policy, is there a deductible you need to pay? What would the replacement cost of the forklift be in a worst-case scenario? It's always worth knowing the answers to these questions so that you can be well prepared. 

The Driver

You'll want to know your state's rules for operating a forklift since some states require a license to use one. If there are license requirements, you will want to know who will be driving the forklift so that you are not stuck with a rented forklift that nobody can operate. 

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