Renting Vs Buying Aerial Lifts | MacAllister Rentals

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.

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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.

Scissor lift operators and site managers at corporations large and small take on jobs that can be handled more efficiently and safely with a mechanical lift that is properly matched to the task at hand. Operators and site managers use them to increase productivity, improve safety and save money, but they will only succeed when they have the right equipment for the right project.

Most scissor lifts have a diverse range of uses, but it can be detrimental if the lift does not have the right size, capacity, height or other specifications needed for the job.

Jump to Section:

• Scissor Lifts 101
• Lift Needs and Site Assessment
• Industry and Business Applications
• Scissor Lift Specs
• Scissor Lift Accessories and Attachments
• Scissor Lift Safety
• Purchase and Rental Options
• Partner with Rental Professionals

Because aerial lifts – such as scissor or boom lifts – are often the best way to reach elevated work areas, a general knowledge of each benefits operators and site managers. Ownership or rental of a new or used scissor lift is an important step for any contractor. MacAllister Rentals can help with the entire process from initial consultation through product selection and maintenance.

For more Tracked Crawler Scissor Liftinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Scissor Lifts 101

A scissor lift is a machine made to move personnel and equipment in a vertical direction. These lifts can handle any application that would normally require a ladder, tower or scaffolding. Scissor lifts enable operators to complete the same jobs faster and more securely without the setup time of other equipment, such as scaffolding or a tower, and without the dangerous instability of a ladder.

Although the chance of a fall can never be completely eliminated when you work at any height, scissor lifts provide a safety harness or cable as well as a sturdy platform surrounded by a railing. The scissor lift’s work platform provides a solid foundation and unsurpassed safety for work of all types that happens at low to medium elevations.

Sometimes you will hear of a scissor lift referred to by one of these names for its technical classification:

• Mobile, elevated work platform (MEWP)
• Aerial work platform (AWP)
• Elevated work platform (EWP)

The lift is usually made of steel and includes a platform and railing supported by a beam — or bar-style struts. The way the struts hinge together makes the assembly look like several sets of connected scissor blades, and as they operate, they perform an open-close motion similar to scissors. The X pattern actually has a technical name called a pantograph, and hydraulic mechanisms power the scissor action that enables the lift.

Scissor lifts typically extend from 10-60 feet vertically depending on the model, and the working heights tend to range between 20 and 40 feet, though there are models that move higher. Certain scissor lifts may even be moved forward and backwards with the lift partially extended, but this should only be undertaken with great caution. Always review your lift’s user manual to check safety precautions for moving lifts while extended.

Other types of aerial lifts, such as an articulated or telescoping boom, reach higher heights than standard scissor lifts, but the scissor lift is able to carry more weight and offers a functional work platform. Scissor lifts also have an advantage over other options with their relatively small storage size when folded, which ranges from about five to nine feet in height and feature widths from 2’ 6” to 5’ 9”.

Some lifts sit on four wheels or legs and other models have outriggers that go into or onto the surrounding ground to add stability. Some scissor lifts run on electricity and/or a battery, while others take gas, diesel or other kinds of fuel.

Some machines are made to operate indoors, like those used for building maintenance or warehousing, while rough-terrain scissor lifts (RTS) can stand up to outdoor conditions and challenging paths. Some have non-marking tires while others do not. With many options within the same class of MEWP, the first step toward acquiring or renting a scissor lift is to consider what kind of work it will do and in what environments.

Many scissor lift models produce no emissions and operate at a low noise level.

Lift Needs and Site Assessment

Matching the height, dimensions and other specifications of a scissor lift to the job and environment is not only a matter of logistics, but also efficiency and most importantly, safety. The first step in getting a scissor lift in to do the job is to assess the site and goals, which will involve asking the following questions:

1. Environment – Will the lift operate indoors or outdoors?
2. Emissions – What is the tolerance for emissions in the work area?
3. Terrain – What is the terrain like where it will operate?
4. Work Heights – What are the minimum and maximum work heights it will need to reach?
5. Temperature – Will its environment be temperature controlled/is weather a factor?
6. Use Frequency – How often will it run, for example continuously or occasionally?
7. Load Weight – How heavy of a load will it need to lift?
8. Clearance – What is the clearance in the aisles or other workspaces where the scissor lift will operate?
9. Travel Distance – How far or how much will the unit need to travel in a day?
10. Essential Function – Is the main objective to reach, carry a load or equal amounts of both?

It is a good idea to enlist professional help as you figure out which machine will fulfill your needs the best.

Let’s take a closer look at some of these considerations.

Any dimension restrictions such as narrow aisles, or load requirements such as extra-heavy weight, need to be considered.

You might need an ultra-quiet lift that generates no emissions and has non-marking tires, or it may need to be a lift that has a small, manageable step up to the platform and extends to a relatively low working height.

Along with the high ceilings of many structures come tall walls, and they both hold lights, artwork and other objects that must be accessed for maintenance and cleaning. These wide-ranging indoor needs are served by electric scissor lifts, while gas and diesel-powered models can handle outdoor jobs.

For example, if a construction company owner looks at purchasing a scissor lift, they need to consider the equipment’s task, including necessary mobility and minimum and maximum heights that need to be reached. If your construction company builds average residential homes, you may never work much higher than at the standard height for one residential floor, a little more than 10 feet. Commercial floors are a little taller, about 11.4 feet, and both types would have allowances for rafter and roof heights.

Your needs assessment should include present and future requirements for the machinery. Anytime someone considers the purchase or rental of a piece of major machinery, they are making an investment especially when it enables the owner to break into new kinds of work.

For example, if you are a brick mason who only bids on jobs for one-story buildings because your folding scaffolding limits the heights your crew can work at, a scissor lift could significantly increase the number of jobs your business could take on.

Industry and Business Applications

A number of jobs require scissor lifts. If you see your job description or place of work below, a scissor lift could significantly improve the efficiency and safety of your work.

1. 1. Building maintenance: Some aspects of building maintenance require working high in the air, such as changing lights, hanging banners, laying bricks, pouring concrete, changing signs, accessing utilities and many other tasks. Scissor lifts are a popular choice inside buildings since they help workers accomplish tasks safely. Plus, they are mobile and can be independently moved from one area of a building to another. These applications are typically done by:
      • Churches
      • Libraries
      • Schools
      • Hospitals
   2. Construction: Scissor lifts provide a mobile, versatile solution for dynamic construction projects that may have frequently changing environments. This makes scissor lifts beneficial for:
      • Renovation Contracting
      • General contracting

1. 3. Delivery: Busy hubs of shipping activity generally include the tasks that scissor lifts do well with, such as reaching to heights and carrying heavy loads that cannot be lifted by hand.
   4. Overhead signs: From individual establishments to property managers with multiple sites, the world is full of signs that change often. Rental or ownership of a scissor lift can alleviate many worries and headaches associated with making those changes. Some businesses that often change signage include:
      • Mechanic shops
      • Storage Facilities
      • Utilities
      • Parking lot maintenance
   5. Production: An aerial platform can improve operating efficiencies by quickly and safely reaching high heights and lifting heavy loads. This makes scissor lifts helpful for:
      • Manufacturing
      • Chemical processing
      • Food processing
      • Brick-laying
   6. Rail: Many jobs around the railyard such as loading and fitting into narrow spaces to reach up high require the use of scissor lifts every day.
   7. Retail: From the big-name stores to smaller operations, many retailers find themselves relying on scissor lifts. Store and warehouse shelves are tall, and product is stacked up to save space. Scissor lifts can respond to the changing needs and products.
   8. Transportation: Truck and rail facilities around the country and the world have goods to reach, store and retrieve, often on different levels of a warehouse building. Pallets, roll cages, parts and people can be safely transported to another floor.
   9. Warehousing: When storage is the name of the game, every vertical and horizontal inch of space must be used efficiently. Investing in a scissor lift for warehouses can open new areas for use or expedite the retrieval process. Similar uses exist in:
      • Property management
      • Landscaping
      • Transportation management

Huge corporate operations as well as small businesses and individual company owners find that scissor lifts help accomplish their elevated tasks.

Scissor Lift Specs

Within each class of scissor and aerial lifts are several brands of machines. MacAllister Rentals carries a wide selection featuring JLG, Genie and others. Once the site and needs assessment reveals factors such as requirements, dimensions, weight and more, they can be matched to the right machine.

For example, the Hy-Brid model would be ideal for operation within a hospital, clinic, office or library setting because of a number of its features:

• Limited weight of 1,275 pounds that can safely go on limited-capacity mezzanine levels, computer floors and passenger elevators
• Simple, maintenance-free, fully enclosed hydraulics
• Maximum speed of two miles per hour lowered
• Compact 25-inch by 60-inch platform
• Slim, overall width of 30 inches
• 20-inch step height for better access
• 16-foot working height
• Non-marking tires to avoid scuffs and floor or carpet damage
• Two-person capacity
• Quiet, electric power

As another example, the bigger JLG LE and LE would better serve a manufacturing plant, warehouse, parking lot or other indoor environment where the machine has plenty of room to operate and is probably expected to bear a heavy load:

• Weight of 10,560 pounds provides for rock-solid stability
• Lift capacity of 800- pounds
• Operational diagnostics on board with an analyzer
• Maximum speed of 3 miles per hour lowered
• Large 65-inch by 115-inch platform
• Oscillating axle for efficient maneuverability
• 33-40-foot extension height
• Lift-lower time of less than one minute
• Foldable hand rails
• Electric power for no emission and quiet operation

In between these two models are at least a dozen other electric-powered indoor scissor lifts to serve a variety of needs. When the projects take place outdoors, there is another family of scissor lifts to take care of business. These bigger models are usually called rough-terrain models, run on gas or diesel fuel and have hefty tires made to roll over dirt and rocks.

Many of the bigger outdoor models have four-wheel drive so they can get into those hard-to-reach places. The heavier-duty platforms carry weights in a general range between 1,000 and 2,250 pounds, which start about where the electric models leave off at their maximum. Gas and diesel-powered scissor lifts generally reach higher than their electric counterparts, with working heights between 38 and 50 feet.

Gas and diesel powered lifts have more generous platforms with room for several people plus equipment. The major differences among models tend to be how high they reach, how big a platform they have, how much weight the platform will carry and their drive capacity, such as four-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Rough terrain models can be outfitted with stabilizing struts too, for when they are stationary. These bigger, gas or diesel-powered models tend serve in construction, utilities, landscaping and other industries where work takes place outside.

Scissor Lift Accessories and Attachments

Many models of scissor lifts have optional features available that make them even more versatile and allow users to customize the lift:

• Amber flashing light
• Quick charge capability
• All-wheel drive
• Lights on the work platform
• Leveling jacks
• Saloon-style swing gate on the platform
• Spring-loaded gate on the platform
• Heavy-duty hinges for battery compartments
• An airline to the platform
• Swing-out surfaces for more room on the platform
• Maintenance-free batteries
• Horn
• Biodegradable hydraulic fluid
• Platform padding
• Welder/electrician/plumber package

Scissor Lift Safety

Scissor lifts, as with any aerial lift, require orientation and training to use safely. Operators will need to know how high the lift goes and exactly how that relates to objects such as the ceiling in a building and the power lines outside. Anyone running the scissor lift will need to be familiar with the controls and other normal operations, as well as what to do if something goes wrong.

Other dangers when using scissor lifts can include:

• High winds
• Power lines
• Uneven ground
• Lack of safety rails (on older or damaged models)
• Overload

These steps aren’t unreasonable considering they protect people from accidents and companies from liability. Safety on machines that lift people and equipment is so important that strict regulations apply, and operators must be properly trained. Once operators complete the training, they receive a three-year certificate. Some cities have ordinances or policies requiring anyone operating an aerial work platform to have the proper licensing.

Part of your safety plan should include regular inspection to make sure all the hinges are properly extended and that all components are working correctly. For a number of reasons, bad weather — such as rain, hail, snow, sleet and lightning — is an enemy to safe scissor-lift operations.

Purchase and Rental Options

The price of a new scissor lift ranges from around $12,000 to $70,000 depending on the model, features and capacity sought. Used scissor lifts can be a more economical path to ownership since they have great potential to get the job done at a lower price than new. Rental of a scissor lift can also be a great, flexible money-saving option to use as needed.

Why rent a scissor lift? Flexible rental contracts are available – daily, weekly, monthly, or longer if needed. Scissor lift rental has none of the costs associated with ownership such as sales taxes, and maintenance.

Partner with Rental Professionals

MacAllister Rentals provides for any kind of scissor, or other aerial lift – whether you are looking to buy or rent a machine. Our rental division opened in as part of the MacAllister Machinery family. The company is in its third generation of family ownership.

Along with experience and variety of industries served, MacAllister Rentals has locations throughout Indiana and Michigan to make it convenient, fast and easy to access our huge inventory of machines for rent and for sale.

The company is the world’s best Electric Vertical Mast Lift supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.