If the lift is going to stay on the project for months, daily hire is the wrong product. Long-term hire gives a considerably lower price per day, but the terms are different — and that is where the money is.
The break-even point is usually around two to three weeks. If you are sure you will need the machine for longer than that, ask for a monthly rate — do not book week by week and hope for the best.
The discount is real: the monthly rate often equals far fewer days' hire than there are days in the month. Exactly how much varies between hire companies, and it is entirely possible to negotiate when the hire period is long.
Servicing and maintenance. Who carries out periodic inspections while the machine is with you, and who pays? On long hires, the certified inspection falls due during the hire period.
Downtime in the event of breakdown. Do you get a replacement machine, and how quickly? This is the most important point in the whole agreement when your progress depends on the lift.
Insurance and liability. Who covers damage, theft and vandalism? Many hire companies require the hirer to insure the machine on long-term hire — check whether your own insurer covers hired work equipment.
Termination. Can you return it early if the project finishes ahead of schedule, or does the agreement run to the end of the period regardless?
If the machine will be with you for more than a year, you should run the numbers on leasing or buying second-hand. Roughly speaking, a year of long-term hire equals a substantial share of the value of a used machine.
But then you also take on responsibility for servicing, inspections, insurance, winter storage and depreciation. Many choose long-term hire precisely to avoid that — factor in those costs, not just the purchase price.
Most hire companies offer a monthly rate from one month, and some have separate rates from three months. Ask about the price tiers — they are rarely published.
Often, but not always, and it is rarely specified in the quote. Get it in writing who carries out and pays for periodic inspections while the machine is with you.
That depends on the agreement and on the hire company's fleet. Agree the response time before you sign — that is the point that costs most when it actually happens.
It varies with the agreement. Some allow it with notice, others tie you in for the full period. Raise it before signing, especially if the project has an uncertain end date.
We list 4 rental companies offering long-term lift hire across 3 counties. Choose your county and send a request.
The list is based on what the rental companies state on their own websites, so it is not complete — many have equipment they have not listed.