As a maintenance manager, you may not have access to all the equipment you need throughout the year, and equipment rentals can save you time and money when you’re getting the job done. Are equipment rentals part of your maintenance budget? Plan ahead to avoid costly surprises with a smart approach to your maintenance and repairs.
There are a few steps you can take to make renting equipment simple, cost-efficient, and a helpful part of your maintenance strategy.
Know the project
Knowing the full scope of the task you are undertaking is fundamental in planning for the equipment you’ll need. From costing to specs, you need all the information before scheduling the job and booking the equipment to complete the work as efficiently as possible. Even if you are simply renting a forklift to reorganize inventory, knowing exactly what the project entails is crucial.
You may need to book the equipment ahead of time, too, so knowing the scope can help you to develop a more accurate timeline to be sure you have the equipment you need when you need it. Having this information can help you avoid overspending by renting equipment that is more than what you need for your project.
Do your research
Get the right equipment for the job. Knowing the difference between an articulated manlift and a scissor lift, for example, will help you determine which best fits your project.
As well, some equipment requires a special license or training to operate, so make sure that you are certified to use the equipment or hire a qualified professional to operate the equipment you’re planning to rent.
Look into the daily and weekly rates. Sometimes it costs more to rent something for 3 days than it does for a full week, so make a call based on what makes the most sense for your business. On top of the rental fee, there’s often a delivery fee for heavy equipment, so inquire about these fees and include add them to the project’s budget.
Look at the weather forecast too. If your project is weather-dependent, renting equipment you can’t use during a week of rain is a waste of your budget. Schedule the work and equipment rental within the limitations of the project, including the weather.
Put safety first
Whether you are using the equipment you are familiar with or it’s your first time, be sure to read the manual and follow user instructions to ensure you are using the equipment correctly and that your team stays safe.
As well, provide and enforce the use of PPE like safety glasses, steel-toed boots, hard hats, and more to mitigate the risk of accidents or injury.
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When booking the equipment, check on the availability of a service technician, should you need it during the project. This will help to keep you on time and on budget if something goes wrong or you have an issue with the equipment while it’s on-site.
Renting equipment is often required for maintenance, so plan ahead for efficient, cost-effective, and safe project management.
