Will You Save More by Renting or Buying a MEWP?

A mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) enables facilities managers to tackle aboveground work, ranging from tree management to window washing. One of the main questions on their minds is whether it’s more cost-effective to buy or rent these machines. In any case, the costs span beyond the rental fees or purchase price. Facilities managers may need to hire a MEWP operator or invest in MEWP training for numerous employees using the equipment.

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However, evaluating various cost and situation-related factors will help decision-makers reach confident conclusions that allow staying within a budget and getting jobs done safely.

Frequency of Use

The first point to consider is how often the facilities manager will need to use a MEWP in a year or another easily measurable period. Many professionals use this equipment to fill short-term needs. MEWPs make it easier to hang holiday decorations or set up outdoor stages for fundraisers. They’re also used to trim tall trees, maintain street lights or inspect roofs.

Buying makes the most sense if a professional can justify using the equipment during most months of the year. The same is true if it’s needed for a construction project anticipated to last years due to its intricacy.

Reaching medium- to long-term rental agreements is not always possible, and the feasibility of this option depends on how in-demand MEWPs are in an area. Plus, the costs could quickly pile up if a facilities manager must sign multiple rental contracts or renew the initial one.

Type of MEWP Required

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private nonprofit organization that sets design and usage standards for numerous products, including MEWPs. In , ANSI made several important changes. The first relates to terminology. MEWPs were formerly called aerial lift platforms. Additionally, ANSI categorized each aerial lift by type.

Things are different now because people can classify MEWPs by group or type. The main group determination is the platform’s location from the tipping line — or the boundaries created by the equipment’s outriggers or wheels.

Groups

Group A: MEWPs with vertical-moving platforms that always stay within the equipment’s tipping line

Group B: All other MEWPs not covered by Group A

Type-Based Categorization

Type-based classifications concern a MEWP’s horizontal movement.

Type 1: People cannot move the equipment until they stow the platform

Type 2: Movement comes from the chassis and can occur with a raised platform

Type 3: Movement originates in the work platform and can happen with the platform elevated

Understanding what different MEWPs can do helps people select the most appropriate types for their facilities management needs.

Understanding MEWP Listings

Individuals will see groups and types listed as they review MEWPs for sale or rent. For example, the equipment could fulfill the characteristics of Group A and Type 2 or Group B and Type 1. Vendors typically list the type, followed by the group. For example, an electric scissor lift is a 3A MEWP. However, people interested in a boom lift with outriggers need equipment categorized as 1B.

People should begin focusing on availability after familiarizing themselves with groups and types. Does a local rental provider have numerous MEWPs available throughout the year? What are the options for purchasing one out of the area and transporting it to the desired location? Relatedly, people must undergo specific transport-related MEWP training before moving one.

Someone may initially think they’ll save more money by renting. However, that’s not necessarily the case if companies in their area don’t regularly have the MEWPs a customer needs. Then, the renter may waste too much time obtaining the equipment.

Budget and Available Capital

MEWPs come with significant upfront costs that potential purchasers must know and weigh. A good budgetary starting point is to calculate the cost per operational hour. Then, people should figure out the average time needed to complete a task with the equipment.

Adding supplementary costs — such as hiring a MEWP operator or training equipment users — is also necessary to estimate the projected costs accurately.

From there, people have several options for obtaining their MEWPs. Purchasing them doesn’t necessarily mean they need all the money right away. An indoor scissor lift typically costs at least $24,000, and potential purchasers may not immediately have that amount. Many vendors allow payment plans to spread the equipment costs over time.

Similarly, lease-to-buy arrangements enable people to own their MEWPs at the end of the term. Individuals desiring shorter-term agreements will often find vendors willing to rent the equipment by the hour, day, week or month.

Numerous other variables also affect costs, and many are vendor-dependent. For example, some allow rental customers to include maintenance needs in the sale. The agreement may also specify that if the MEWP breaks down, the rental company will bring a same-day replacement to a facility manager’s desired location.

People can add various features to purchases and rentals, from backup cameras to collision-prevention alarms. Those add-ons increase overall costs. However, facilities managers strongly considering renting can take advantage of the newest features at a comparatively lower price than a purchase.

Power Source

Diesel is a common power source for MEWPs, but fuel adds additional costs. Some facilities managers are opting for electric options. These require no additional MEWP operator training, and they’re eco-friendly. Some models are hybrid and run on an electric battery or fuel.

One recently developed electric model has a 1,000-mile range and additional capacity from hydrogen compatibility. The power source matters less for short-term rentals. However, facilities managers who plan to purchase the equipment or use a rental for months should focus on fuel costs to get the desired money-saving potential.

Maintenance, Inspections and the Need for MEWP Training

Renting typically allows people to save money on MEWP maintenance costs. Most rental companies offer packages with those expenses included. Relatedly, the parties providing this equipment for hire ensure it meets minimum standards before making it available to the next customer.

However, people can expand MEWPs’ service lives by taking basic steps to keep dirt and other foreign objects from entering critical areas. Some models have covers to make that easier. Additionally, keeping a hydraulic system’s fluids clean is vital.

ANSI provides suggested frequencies for inspections based on certain conditions. For example, a MEWP that has been out of service for over three months must be checked before the next use. Also, there can be no more than 13 months between the equipment’s annual inspections.

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Technicians need MEWP training to inspect specific makes and models. Such education only covers particular types or options with similar designs. Another stipulation is that companies manufacturing MEWPs provide details for what to check in each inspection. That makes things less straightforward for facilities managers who own or rent several types.

Keeping a MEWP Operator Safe

Facilities managers deciding whether renting or buying will save them the most money overall must avoid cutting costs in ways that sacrifice safety. A MEWP operator faces risks related to working at heights, getting caught between moving parts or colliding with objects while using the equipment.

Although a prospective renter does not need to prove they have a qualified MEWP operator before obtaining the equipment, using it without one violates labor regulations in the United States and elsewhere.

MEWP training for a new operator covers things such as:

• Recognizing and minimizing hazards
• Using fall-prevention equipment
• Checking all vehicle and lift components
• Inspecting the work zone
• Maintaining stability while using MEWPs

Facilities managers calculating costs must include all safety-related needs. Those could extend to the products that keep a MEWP operator safe during use or courses to teach people best practices for safe operation.

Another critical point is that people who receive MEWP training get time-limited certifications. In the United States, each one remains valid for three years. However, the time frame varies in other countries.

The main cost-related factor for a facilities manager to consider is whether hiring someone who has already received the necessary MEWP training and certification makes sense financially. Otherwise, they can focus on training people who already work for them.

More Than the Upfront Costs

People interested in renting or buying MEWPs must remember that the initial costs to obtain the equipment are only part of the expenses. Failing to account for necessities such as maintenance and training can cause people to quickly go over budget.

However, professionals in facilities management roles have the best chances of making informed decisions by weighing these factors. Thinking about short- and long-term plans will also help them decide on their next steps.

A company’s financial decision-maker may be more likely to agree to purchase MEWPs if the justification for their ongoing use is evident. However, if rental equipment is widely available at affordable prices, people may choose to rent first to determine if they’ll use the equipment as much as expected.

Understanding whether it’s best to rent or buy requires someone to know aspects specific to their workplaces. Alternatively, facilities managers overseeing many sites while fulfilling their roles must calculate the anticipated use at all those locations. Such evaluations take a while to do thoroughly, but the results will help them feel more confident about their choices.

By Sylvia Rosen

Cut Costs Using Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts are designed to help workers reach inaccessible areas and work spaces, and are used for many types of construction and maintenance projects. Whether you're running a manufacturing plant or an industrial warehouse, a scissor lift can make the process of transporting and lifting heavy materials easy and efficient.

Scissor lifts are also known as "man lifts," "platform lifts," or "lift tables. Man lifts are a specialized type of aerial lift designed to transport people only, not large loads. These are often more compact and lighter than conventional scissor lifts. They are powered by electricity and hydraulic systems for smooth operation up and down. They are named for the shape of the supportive braces that propel the platform upward.

Features

Scissor lifts offer several benefits for work above the ground, offering a sturdy and supportive structure when it is necessary to reach and move between different elevations.

Some of the key benefits of scissor lifts include:

• Non-tread tires for smooth operation
• Easy joystick handling
• Extended deck systems for greater reach
• Hoisting and lifting multiple people
• Accommodating heavier loads
• Easy storage with fold-up structure
• Multiple height options; can reach heights of up to 100 feet
• Adjustable platforms for easy corrections while raised

While a new scissor lift may be the preference, consider that used scissor lifts offer all these benefits at a reduced cost. If you're only going to use the lift occasionally, a used lift is a great way to save money. On the other hand, if you plan to use the lift every day as a central part of your operations, it may better to spend a little extra on a new scissor lift to get the stronger warranty protection.

Optional equipment

Scissor lifts provide lots of support and are an excellent extension to mid-range lift activities. Work above the ground creates various demands and needs to accommodate. Manufacturers have released a myriad of scissor lift accessories for contractors to choose from to address those requirements. These additional components, when properly installed according to safety standards, make certain activities much easier and can convert a standard lift into a customized piece of invaluable equipment.

Extensions: Extensions attach to the scissor lift deck and make it larger than the original size. They often extend the platform sideways to provide more room to move, which is especially handy when workers need to reach past a wall or similar obstacle. Extensions come in many sizes and can add at least several feet onto the deck size for companies that need it.

Racks and Carriers: Racks, carriers, and similar components attach to the sides of the scissor lift and make it easier to carry building components up to the spaces where they are needed. Workers can store heavy parts like metal pipes, large panels, or unwieldy tools. The goal is both greater safety and the maximization of all available lift space. Secure bracket mounting is key to proper rack or carrier accessories.

Positioners: Positioners are related to racks but perform more singular tasks. Workers use them to hold especially large beams or pipes in place during installations. They act as levers and vises, carefully putting materials in place that workers would not be able to lift otherwise. Positioners are useful for mid-range duct work installation and similar projects.

Workstations: Workstations are some of the most varied scissor lift accessories. Basically they are workbenches installed on the deck, but the benches come in many different packages depending on the work. Maintenance packages offer plenty of tools and spare parts for factory repair, often including welders. Electrical work has a separate package with the tools, tests, and materials needed for electrical projects and wiring. A similar package is available for plumbers, too. Plenty of general workstations with outlets, compartments, and tool holders also exist for broader construction purposes.

Power Modules: Power modules help add new electrical abilities to the lift. These scissor lift accessories can help generate power for tools on the deck without the need for dangling wires, or convert between DC and AC power for both tools and lift energy requirements.

Nighttime Packages: Nighttime packages include an array of spotlights and bank lights so workers can see what they are doing in the dark, an ideal situation inside darker factories and tunnels, or during late-night construction projects. This is one of the simplest accessory packages available, but offers some of the most value for workers who need extra visibility.

How to select a used scissor lift

Investing in used scissor lifts cuts costs on an otherwise high-priced piece of equipment. However, you will still need to use the equipment for years to come so best value is more important than lowest price. There are several features to consider during your selection process.

With a variety of customizations available, including work heights, weight capacity, gradeability, and rough terrain capability, some lifts are far better suited to specific tasks than others. As a business owner, nobody knows your industry better than you. The scissor lift dealer you contact should be able to assist you. You will need to be able to provide information or discuss options on:

• Height. Most scissor lifts can reach heights of 20 to 50 feet, not as high as some telescoping man lifts or boom lifts, with lifting capacities between 500 to 2,500 lbs.
• Weight. The measurable strength of a scissor lift is the size of the platform and weight it can support. And you may not find the same lift-heights you would in other types of aerial lifts. Is weight more important than height? Or vice versa?
• Fuel . A scissor lift can be powered by gas or electricity. Diesel or gas-powered scissor lifts - often called rough terrain scissor lifts - are great for outdoor use, but can't be used indoors. Electric scissor lifts are quiet and emission free, making them a better choice for use in warehouses or other indoor locations.

When selecting a used scissor lift outside of a new equipment dealership or at a new used dealership, consider all of the above, and when you make a selection ask for the maintenance records that include lubrication, hydraulic fitting, parts replacement, and similar upkeep. A quality dealer or personal seller will have them on hand to prove the reliability of the equipment and justify their asking price. If he or she cannot produce them, it is a good sign to keep searching and make another selection. Due to a somewhat limited range of motion and the environments they're typically operated in, scissor lifts are known for their ability to retain their value extremely well. Though they require regular maintenance that includes lubrication, hydraulic fitting, parts replacement, and similar upkeep, they remain a strong investment far into the future.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of aviation lifts. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.