Understanding how to rent heavy equipment is highly beneficial. Renting gives you the opportunity to use the industry’s latest models, try equipment before buying and expand your company’s capabilities. Choosing the right aerial lift, planning your project schedule and learning how to use equipment safely can set you up for an efficient, productive rental period.
Types of Aerial Equipment Available for Rent
A wide variety of aerial equipment is available to meet your elevated work needs.
Plataformas elevadoras
A boom lift offers vertical and horizontal reach. An articulating boom lift features multiple jointed sections that can easily maneuver around obstacles. Articulating boom lifts are perfect for working in hard-to-reach areas, and they can reach from 30 to 135 feet. A telescopic boom features a straight arm for a greater vertical reach ranging between 40 and 150 feet.
Elevadores de tijera
Scissor lifts are aerial work platforms featuring crisscrossed support beams. A scissor lift is an excellent option if you need a larger work platform for multiple workers.
You can choose between various types of scissor lifts, including rough terrain, electric and one-man lift driveable options. Different electric models can reach from 19 to 32 feet and handle between 500 and 800 pounds. Some rough terrain models can reach up to 40 feet and lift up to 15,200 pounds.
Towable Man Lifts
Towable man lifts are also known as cherry pickers or towable boom lifts. Similar to a standard boom lift, a towable man lift features an open bucket or flat platform at the end of a hydraulic arm. However, a towable man lift is easier to transport because you can tow it behind a vehicle rather than loading it onto a truck’s trailer or bed.
Consider renting a boom lift if you need to frequently move between different jobsites. You can find models with working heights between 35 and 50 feet.
Choosing the Right Aerial Equipment
Consider the following factors when choosing an aerial lift for each project:
- Height: It’s important to understand the difference between platform height and working height when renting an aerial lift. Platform height refers to the vertical distance between the ground and the bottom of the lift’s platform. Working height is the height at which a worker will perform tasks, so it can vary depending on the worker’s physical height and how high they can comfortably reach.
- Load capacity: Consider the combined weight of workers, tools and materials your rented aerial lift will need to hold. Choose equipment with a weight capacity higher than this combined weight to ensure safe use.
- Terrain: Visit your jobsite and pay close attention to the terrain. If you plan to operate equipment on any type of rough or uneven ground, it’s important to use a rough-terrain lift or a lift with an oscillating axle and four-wheel drive.
- Power source: An aerial lift’s power source is another important consideration. For example, electric models are ideal for indoor use because of their quiet operation and low emissions, while propane and diesel models are essential for tasks requiring high power or speed.
- Jobsite layout: Consider your jobsite layout and how many obstacles you need to work around. An articulating boom lift may be the best option if you need to access confined spaces, maneuver around trees or frequently change positions.
Aerial Lift Rental Tips
The following tips can help you make the most of your rental and protect your team:
Plan Project Schedules and Rental Duration
Before renting equipment, determine how long you will need it. Having a clear project schedule can help you optimize equipment, boost efficiency and save money. Choose a rental company with flexible rental periods so you can use the equipment for as long or as little as you need.
Prioritize Safety and Training
Safety is vital when using any type of heavy machinery. Ensure your operators are trained to use a piece of equipment before it arrives on your jobsite. They should understand how to operate it properly and practice safety procedures.
Work with a rental company that offers training if your employees are unfamiliar with a certain type of aerial equipment. Comprehensive, OSHA-approved training helps equipment operators do the following:
- Prevent accidents and injuries
- Maximize uptime and boost productivity
- Speed up cycle times and reduce fuel consumption
Aerial Equipment Rental Requirements
These are some of the top guidelines for using aerial equipment:
- Allow only trained personnel to operate and work from aerial equipment.
- Use fall protection equipment when working from an elevated platform.
- Always maintain a firm footing on aerial platforms.
- Ensure workers, equipment, tools and materials are within equipment weight limits.
- Complete preoperation inspections to ensure controls and critical components are in safe condition.
- Check each workspace and surrounding area before operating and using a lift.
- Remove debris and obstacles from work areas when necessary.
- Post work zone warnings with signs and cones in areas with vehicle or foot traffic.
- Avoid operating aerial equipment in hazardous conditions such as poor weather, high winds and close proximity to power lines.
- Ensure aerial equipment is secure and on stable ground before using its elevated platform.
Advantages of Renting From Thompson Machinery
Thompson Machinery offers high-quality aerial equipment for a wide range of industries. You can enjoy the following benefits when you rent from us:
- Industry-leading equipment: We carry a fantastic selection of Cat® aerial equipment, providing you with high-performance machines you can depend on.
- Flexible rental periods: Our short- and long-term rental periods fit your budget and project schedules. This flexibility enables you to optimize your rentals so you can get the most usage and generate the best profits from the equipment.
- Excellent customer service: We are dedicated to helping you find the perfect solution for each job. Our experts walk you through the rental process, ensuring you have the right machine and an effortless experience.
- Competitive pricing: At Thompson Machinery, we bring you the highest-quality equipment at fair prices.
- Convenient locations: You can find us at various locations throughout Tennessee and Mississippi.
- Operator training: We offer training to prepare your workers for safe aerial lift operations.
Browse Aerial Equipment from Thompson Machinery
Thompson Machinery carries a wide selection of boom lifts, scissor lifts and towable man lifts to meet your project needs. We can help you choose the perfect aerial lift for your project specifications and jobsite, ensuring you have the best solution to boost productivity.
Our flexible terms make it easy to fit high-quality rentals into your budget, and our Cat Equipment Training Programs can prepare your employees for safe operation. Browse our aerial equipment or contact us for a free quote to find your next rental.
