When it comes to powered access equipment, such as cherry pickers, scissor lifts, and boom lifts, the decision always comes down to: should you buy or rent?
Both options have benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Let’s explore the details so you have the information you need to make the best choice for your project.
- Renting Powered Access Equipment
- Buying Powered Access Equipment
- Should I Rent or Buy Powered Access Equipment?
Renting Powered Access Equipment
First, let’s take a look at the advantages and potential drawbacks of hiring your powered access platforms.
Advantages of Renting PAE
Renting powered access equipment comes with a few different advantages, particularly when it comes to cost and flexibility. The most obvious benefit is the lower initial cost. Renting completely removes the need for a large upfront investment, making it a more accessible option for many businesses.
The rental company also handles all maintenance and repairs, saving you time, effort, and money.
Flexibility is another big advantage of renting. You can rent equipment as and when you need it, making it perfect for short-term projects or occasional use. This means you only pay for the equipment when it’s in use, avoiding the costs associated with idle machinery.
Plus, with the wide range of equipment available, renting means you can access the latest models with advanced technology and safety features, letting you complete your projects efficiently and safely.
Disadvantages of Renting PAE
In certain situations, renting can have its downsides. One of the main ones is availability – there may be times when the equipment you need is unavailable, especially during peak periods. This may cause delays and disrupt your project schedule.
Another minor inconvenience is the paperwork required for renting frequently. Each time you rent equipment, you’ll need to go through the rental agreement process, which may take a bit of extra time.
This being said, whether you’re hiring PAE for a short period of time or a long-term project, the cost savings heavily outweigh any drawback, helping you keep your project within budget.
Buying Powered Access Equipment
Now that we clearly understand renting PAE let’s go over the advantages and disadvantages of buying a powered access platform for your project.
Advantages of Buying PAE
Owning your powered access platform has the potential to improve your long-term savings, particularly if you use the equipment on a regular basis. By purchasing the piece of equipment outright, you avoid ongoing rental fees. Having the equipment on hand also means it’s always available whenever you need it, removing delays that might occur if rental equipment is unavailable.
Owning equipment can also provide some tax benefits, as businesses can often claim deductions on depreciation and interest. This can make buying a more financially viable option for some companies.
Disadvantages of Buying PAE
However, buying powered access equipment involves a high upfront cost that is often unfeasible, especially for smaller businesses or those with limited budgets. Beyond the initial purchase, owning equipment comes with ongoing responsibilities. Maintenance costs and repairs are entirely your responsibility, and these expenses can quickly add up if the machinery breaks down or requires regular servicing.
Storage is another thing to think about. Powered access equipment is large and needs a lot of storage space when not in use. If you don’t have the necessary storage facilities, you might need to invest in them, adding to your costs.
Should I Rent or Buy Powered Access Equipment?
The decision to buy or rent powered access equipment ultimately depends on your specific situation and needs.
Consider buying if you have ongoing, long-term projects that involve frequently using the same model of equipment. If your budget allows for the upfront costs and you have a plan in place for maintenance and storage, buying might be the right choice for you.
On the other hand, consider renting if you only need the equipment for short-term or occasional projects. Renting is ideal if you want to avoid the hassle and costs of maintenance and repairs. The lower initial cost and greater flexibility make renting a practical, cost-effective option for many businesses, especially those with fluctuating equipment needs.
Hire Your PAE Equipment at 2 Rent
At 2 Rent, we understand that every project is unique. That’s why we offer a wide range of powered access equipment for rent, providing you with the tools you need without the long-term commitment and costs of ownership. Our range of access equipment ready for hire includes:
No matter what type of equipment you need, whether PAE, welfare vehicles, or trenching machinery, our affordable and reliable rental options will help you complete your projects efficiently and cost-effectively.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your access equipment needs.
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