So how do you avoid spending too much on equipment? If you know one magic number, the decision is easy.
Think of your equipment like an employee. Would you pay someone a full-time salary and benefits to only work 24 hours per week and stand around the rest of the time?
With a forklift rental, you only pay for the predetermined rental period. The dealer covers all routine maintenance and repairs that are not operator caused. When you buy a forklift, you’re paying for the equipment whether you use it a little or a lot.
Qualify Then Buy
Think of renting as the opportunity to try before you buy and avoid bad investments. When the purchase process happens too quickly, that's when mistakes happen. For example:
Your new client has a job that requires a 25-foot aerial work platform. Until you know that client is going to stick around long-term, renting allows you to get the job done without tying up capital. If that client offers a second job, one that requires a 36-foot lift, you're in trouble if you bought a lift and it's too small.
Smart buyers take their time, evaluate their short and long-term needs and calculate the magic number. If you’re not sure about your utilization ratio, please don’t hesitate to. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have and help you compare financing options with rental rates so you can make an informed decision. Many experienced managers are surprised when we price out the cost to rent versus buy or lease equipment.
Other Reasons to Buy Equipment
If the equipment you need will get used more than 60 percent of the time, buying or leasing is a better value without a doubt. Here are a few other scenarios when it’s better to purchase equipment:
Fleet Management and More
Managing projects can be complicated - permits, project delays, material acquisitions, job site headaches, etc. Free up your team members to focus on their areas of expertise and let Mid-Columbia Forklift and MidCo Material Handling handle your fleet management. Our planned maintenance program will eliminate knee-jerk reaction repairs, and drive down costs by allowing you to take advantage of volume discounts on parts and fluids.
We sell Doosan/Bobcat, Clark, Hangcha and Toyota forklifts. We're a dealer for AICHI aerial lifts, and Powerboss & FactoryCat industrial cleaning equipment. Our rental fleet includes many different brands, and we offer long-term rentals, flexible terms, and rent-to-own options.
Questions? Contact an expert at Mid Columbia Forklift and or MidCo Material Handling. We take pride in providing World Class service and equipment for our customers, and our experienced material handling experts can help you make a confident decision to lease or purchase equipment.
Contact us online or by phone:
Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137
Further Reading
Forklift Mast Height - Know Before You Buy
Common Misconceptions About Buying a Used Forklift
Forklift Rentals in Washington