Renting vs. Buying a MEWP: Making the Smart Choice for Your Business

If your project involves working at height, choosing the right equipment is the first big decision you’ll have. Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are the go-to solution, but the decision to rent or buy one has a big impact on your finances and project efficiency.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of both options, so you have the information you need to make the right choice for your business. Let’s get into it.

• What Are The Main Types of MEWPs?
• What Are The Pros and Cons of Renting a MEWP?
• What Are The Pros and Cons of Buying a MEWP?

What Are The Main Types of MEWPs?

Before we dive into the rent vs. buy debate, let’s clarify the two main types of MEWPs you’re likely to choose between:

Cherry Pickers (Boom Lifts)

These lifts are all about reach and flexibility. Equipped with a hydraulic boom, a cherry picker offers horizontal and vertical manoeuvrability, making it a great choice for accessing difficult-to-reach areas or over obstacles.

Spider Lifts (Vertical Lifts)

Known for their compact design and stabilising legs (or ‘spider legs’), spider lifts are perfect for tighter spaces where stability and precise vertical movement are required.

Scissor Lifts

These lifts provide a stable platform for straight vertical elevation. They are excellent for jobs that require a larger platform and extra weight capacity, such as construction or warehouse work.

Each type of MEWP has unique strengths, making it suitable for a variety of tasks, from construction and maintenance to emergency access.

What Are The Pros and Cons of Renting a MEWP?

Renting a powered access platform is usually the most popular choice, thanks to the wide range of models available and the peace of mind it brings. That being said, it’s important you have the full picture, so let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons in more detail:

The Pros of Renting a MEWP:

• Cost-Effective – Renting tends to be the cheaper option in the long run. Not only do you remove the upfront purchase payment, but storage costs and maintenance costs are also not your responsibility. This makes it a great option for businesses managing cash flow or working on one-off projects.
• Flexibility – Renting allows you to choose the right MEWP for your specific project requirements, adapting to different needs without a long-term commitment.
• No Maintenance Wories – Maintenance, repairs, and storage are handled by the rental company. So, not only are your rental costs lower, but it also means you have fewer logistical headaches to think about.
• Latest Models – We always update our fleets to offer you the latest models, which means you can access the newest features and comply with current safety standards.

The Cons of Renting a MEWP:

• Availability Issues – If you leave your planning to the last minute, you may face availability issues for specific models, especially during peak times, unless you plan ahead.
• Can’t Customise Equipment – When you rent a MEWP, you can’t customise it the same way you could if you purchased it. That being said, we have a full range of MEWP types and accessories that will make sure your project goes off without a hitch.

What Are The Pros and Cons of Buying a MEWP

Buying a MEWP comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at some of the main ones.

The Pros of Buying a MEWP:

• Long-term Investment – If you’re using MEWPs frequently on a daily basis, buying could be cost-effective in the long run.
• Availability – Owning a MEWP means it’s available whenever you need it without depending on rental availability.
• Customisation – You can choose specific features tailored to your long-term needs.

The Cons of Buying a MEWP:

• High Initial Cost – The upfront cost of buying a MEWP can be big, which can be a barrier for smaller businesses or those with fluctuating workloads.
• Maintenance and Storage – Owning an elevated work platform means you’re responsible for ongoing maintenance, repairs, and storage, adding to the total cost of ownership.
• Depreciation – Like most heavy equipment, MEWPs depreciate over time, affecting their resale value.

Hire a MEWP For Your Next Project With 2 Rent

Whether you need a rental cherry picker for a complex aerial installation or hire spider lift for maintenance in a confined space, renting offers the flexibility you need to tackle diverse projects with ease and efficiency.

At 2 Rent, we’re here to make sure you have reliable MEWP rentals that keep your projects moving without breaking the bank. Reach out today for your free quote.