Aerial lifts allow users to reach high points so that they can safely and effectively perform their work. If you require an aerial lift, you may need to choose between buying and renting one. Many companies will base this decision on their expected usage over time. Businesses that will only use a lift once or twice a year may not benefit from purchasing and maintaining their own lift. However, those that rent the same equipment often might want to consider purchasing a lift.
If you need help determining which option is best for you, it can be helpful to understand how different types of aerial lifts are used and the advantages and considerations of renting vs. buying.
Types of Aerial Lifts
Whether you’re buying or renting an aerial lift, you first need to know what type you need. The main types of aerial lifts include:
Boom Lifts
Boom lifts are ideal for hard-to-reach areas, as they have the ability to move around obstacles. The three main types of boom lifts are straight boom lifts, articulating boom lifts and towable boom lifts. Different types of boom lifts are suited to different industry uses. Here are a few of the most popular boom lift options:
- Straight boom lifts: These boom lifts can’t maneuver themselves as easily as other types. They use telescopic arms without hinges, so they can only move in specific directions. They’re ideal for single-person use.
- Articulating boom lifts: Articulating boom lifts have rotating arms that make them flexible enough to navigate around obstacles.
- Towable boom lifts: If you often need to move boom lifts between locations and want to transport them on trailers, towable boom lifts are the perfect solution since they are very portable. However, they also have a shorter reach than other options.
Scissor Lifts
Unlike boom lifts, which move horizontally and vertically, scissor lifts primarily move vertically. They perform a similar function to ladders, but they’re more reliable and can carry heavier weights. They’re ideal for indoor and outdoor use, especially since you can lift both personnel and equipment.
Here are the two most popular scissor lifts:
- Electric scissor lifts: Electric scissor lifts are well-suited to smaller jobs or jobs that take place inside since their tires work best on smooth surfaces. They can also enter small spaces and execute tight turns, making them a popular option for warehouses and other areas with narrow aisles or sharp corners.
- Rough terrain scissor lifts: As their name suggests, rough terrain scissor lifts are designed to travel over rough terrain. They function similarly to electric scissor lifts but may have additional features like four-wheel options and outriggers.
Personnel Lifts
Personnel lifts are smaller aerial lifts. They are ideal for indoor projects and projects involving one person since they have weight restrictions. Because of their compactness, personnel lifts weigh much less than other options and are also easier to store. Their smaller size means they’re perfect when you’re low on space.
These lifts are versatile and feature many options, including different power sources and terrain styles.
Choosing the Right Aerial Lift
It is important to note the exact nature of your work and your expected usage, as it will immediately rule out many types of lifts, which makes it easier to find the lift best suited for the job at hand. The process of choosing a lift may seem complicated, but with the help of this guide, you can be confident in your choices.
Here are some general questions to consider when determining which aerial lift is right for your project:
- Is your jobsite indoors or outdoors?
- Will you be operating in a tight space or a large, open area?
- Will there be any rough terrain?
- What size of machine will you require?
- How many workers will you need to accommodate at a time?
- What kind of platform heights and outreach distances are you looking at?
- Will you need outriggers for added stability?
Differences Between Renting vs. Buying Lifts
Before learning about the benefits and considerations of renting vs. buying an aerial lift, it might help you to understand six of the critical factors that could impact your decision.
1. Usage
Buying an aerial lift is a significant investment. If you’re completing a once-off project that requires a lift, renting is your best option, so you only have to pay for the aerial lift for the project’s timeline. If you use an aerial lift year-round, buying might be a suitable investment, as you’ll own the equipment you use frequently, ensuring you always have access to it.
2. Maintenance
Ensuring your lift functions safely is critical for worker safety, and maintenance plays a big role in safe operation. When renting an aerial lift, the rental company is usually responsible for maintenance and repairs. When buying, the burden of maintenance is up to you and your team. Think about whether the effort of maintaining heavy equipment is worthwhile and cost-effective for your operations.
3. Cost
Aerial lifts are significant investments. The cost to buy a new lift will depend on the specific style of lift, engine type, height capabilities, etc. There are also additional costs involved with owning an aerial lift, like maintenance, insurance and transport.
Industry Average New Lift Prices
Average Cost To Buy A New Scissor Lift
- $15,000-$125,000
Average Cost To Buy A New Boom Lift*
- $25,000-$300,000
Average Cost To Buy A New Man Lift*
- $5,000-$50,000
(*prices based on typical industry averages and not reflective of pricing at MacAllister Rentals)
In comparison, renting is a more affordable option, particularly for businesses that only sporadically require aerial lifts. Renting an aerial lift will also offer you fewer upfront costs. The amount it costs to rent an aerial lift will depend on the specific lift style, size and rental period.
Industry Average Lift Rental Costs
Average Cost To Rent A Scissor Lift*
- Daily: $100-$800
- Weekly: $200-$1,500
- Monthly: $500-$4,000
Average Cost To Rent A Boom Lift*
- Daily: $300-$2,000
- Weekly: $800-$6,000
- Monthly: $2,000-$12,000
Average Cost To Rent A Man Lift*
- Daily: $100-$300
- Weekly: $300-$700
- Monthly: $400-$1,500
(*prices based on typical industry averages and not reflective of pricing at MacAllister Rentals)
Try comparing the cost of renting vs. buying an aerial lift, and then determine whether it’s a beneficial investment. Usually, the cost to rent a lift is significantly less than the cost to buy a lift, but you may use the aerial lift enough to make the investment worthwhile.
4. Equipment Variety
One of the reasons businesses may choose to rent aerial lifts is that doing so provides them with more options. Renting allows you access to the exact style and size of lift you need for a specific job. If you find yourself needing different types of aerial lifts, renting is a good idea, as you can access various lift types as your project requirements change. Additionally, renting often gives you access to the newest lift models and the advanced technological and safety features that come with them without the added expense.
5. Insurance
Most rental companies have insurance for their equipment. If you own the aerial lift yourself, you will likely want to insure it so your team has financial protection in case the equipment is damaged or involved in an accident. The price for equipment insurance can vary depending on various factors.
6. Flexibility
If you urgently need a lift and decide to rent, you may be limited to a specific selection of rental lifts, as others may be unavailable. Owning your own lift gives you the freedom and flexibility to use the exact type of lift you need right when you need it.
Renting vs. Buying Lifts: Benefits and Considerations
While some businesses may rely heavily on having access to an aerial lift at all times, others only require this specialized equipment for shorter periods. Below is a breakdown of some of the pros and considerations of renting and buying to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of Renting a Lift
Here are some of the most notable benefits of renting a lift include:
- Fewer associated costs: When you rent an aerial lift, you don’t need to pay for additional expenses like maintenance, insurance and storage costs. The rental company may factor some fees into the final lift rental cost, but overall, lift rental prices are more affordable.
- Less responsibility: The rental company will take care of maintenance and repairs during the rental period, often supplying you with a replacement option if necessary. You can focus more on completing your project and less on issues that create downtime. Additionally, you don’t have to transport the rental yourself — the rental company will be able to deliver the equipment to your site, so you can avoid the complexities and costs of scheduling transportation on your own.
- No long-term commitment: Knowing what type of lift is best suited to your business can be challenging. Fortunately, renting allows you to test different models and see what works for you. Even if you plan on eventually buying your own lift, renting different options helps you determine which one to buy.
- Enjoy newer tech: While not all rented aerial lifts come with the latest upgrades, equipment rental companies tend to replace and upgrade them at a quicker rate, allowing you to enjoy the latest benefits without having to pay for a new lift.
- Increased safety: Safety is of the utmost importance to most aerial lift rental companies. As such, they generally practice diligent maintenance and routine safety checks to ensure the equipment functions properly.
- Accessibility: You may be interested in purchasing an aerial lift but don’t yet have the budget to do so. Rental options allow businesses to access the equipment they need even if they have tight budget constraints.
Cons of Renting a Lift
Some of the cons of renting aerial lifts are:
- Reliability on others: When renting, you rely on a rental company to provide the lift. If they don’t have the equipment you need available, you may have to look into alternative options.
- Potentially long wait periods: The company may also have the lift you need, but it is currently being rented out to someone. You may need to wait to get the specific aerial lift you want, especially if you’re trying to access a lift on short notice.
Pros of Buying a Lift
There are some benefits of buying a lift:
- Complete flexibility: You will enjoy the freedom, flexibility and availability of using your equipment whenever you need.
- Personalization: You can select the exact machinery you want, complete with upgraded features and new technology if preferred.
Cons of Buying a Lift
Aside from the ongoing costs involved with owning an aerial lift, you must consider the cost of purchasing the lift itself. Even though you require a lift to complete your project, your business may not have the available funds to invest in owning a piece of equipment. Cost is arguably the most significant reason businesses choose to rent equipment.
Other downsides of buying aerial lifts include:
- Finding space to store it: Since aerial lifts take significant space, you must have sufficient, accessible storage space if you plan on buying one.
- Performing maintenance: Maintenance is a necessary part of machinery ownership. If your lift requires repairs, you’ll need to wait until they’re complete before you use it. This pause in use can lead to costly downtime.
If buying an aerial lift is a nonnegotiable for you, you can look into options beyond buying a new machine. Rental companies like MacAllister Rentals also sell past rental lifts as used equipment. Pre-owned equipment is a great option if you would like to purchase a lift but cannot justify the price of a brand-new lift. For your convenience, we also keep the latest and most requested models in stock at all our facilities.
Renting Aerials Lifts From MacAllister Rentals
At MacAllister Rentals, we have the expertise and resources to offer you top-notch service. Our rental solutions allow you to get the equipment you need without the commitment or financial investment of having to buy it outright.
Whether you’re looking for a once-off aerial lift rental for a single project, or you need lifts for months at a time, we have you covered. Browse our aerial lift rentals to see what options we can offer you, and trust us to help you with your aerial lift rental needs.
We also have other equipment rental options, allowing you to get all your equipment from one reliable source. Contact us to get a quote, or call us at (877) 700-1945.
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