Scissor Lift Rental Costs
Scissor lifts are an essential piece of equipment for construction sites, warehouses, and other industrial settings where work needs to be done at height.
However, purchasing a scissor lift can be a major investment, especially if you only need it for occasional or temporary use.
That's where scissor lift rentals come in - they provide a cost-effective alternative to ownership.
Factors That Affect Scissor Lift Rental Pricing
There are a few key factors that determine the rental cost of a scissor lift:
- Size/capacity - Larger scissor lifts that can reach higher heights and carry more weight will generally cost more to rent than smaller models.
- brand/model - Top brands like JLG, Genie, and Skyjack typically command higher rental rates than lesser-known manufacturers.
- Age/condition - Newer scissor lifts are more expensive to rent than older used units with more hours on them.
- Rental period - Daily, weekly, and monthly rental rates tend to be cheaper than shorter-term hourly rentals.
- Delivery/pickup - Rental companies often charge additional fees for delivering and retrieving the scissor lift from your job site.
- Accessories - Boom-mounted platforms, railings, and other add-ons increase the rental cost.
- Geographic location - Rental prices vary depending on supply and demand in different regions.
Daily Scissor Lift Rental Costs
Here's a breakdown of typical daily rental rates you can expect to pay for different scissor lift models:
- 19-26 foot scissor lifts: $150-300 per day
- 27-40 foot scissor lifts: $250-500 per day
- 41-60 foot scissor lifts: $400-800 per day
- Over 60 foot scissor lifts: $800-1,500 per day
These rates assume local delivery/pickup and exclude any additional charges or taxes. Keep in mind that daily rates drop significantly for longer rental periods like weekly or monthly.
Calculating Long-Term Scissor Lift Rental Costs
To accurately calculate the full costs of a scissor lift rental project, you need to factor in more than just the daily rate. Here's a breakdown of everything that goes into the total rental costs:
Scissor Lift Rental Rate
The standard daily, weekly, or monthly rate for the specific model size you need. Weekly rates are typically 1.5-2x the daily rate, and monthly 3-4x the daily rate.
Delivery and Pickup Fees
Most rental companies charge $100-300 per delivery and pickup. For long-term rentals, you may be able to negotiate free or reduced delivery/pickup fees.
Additional Accessories
Any add-ons like railings, platforms, or special tools rented along with the lift increase the total costs.
Rental Term Minimums
Many rental companies require a 3-5 day minimum rental period even for daily rentals. This prevents multiple deliveries for very short projects.
Rental Period Overlap Fees
If you return a lift late, you may incur overlap fees equal to an additional daily rental rate.
Taxes and Fees
Most rental contracts include local/state sales tax plus additional administrative or fuel surcharge fees.
Damage Waiver
Optional but recommended is a damage waiver to protect against repair/replacement costs if the lift is damaged on your jobsite.
By factoring in all these potential additional costs upfront, you can develop an accurate budget and avoid surprises down the line.
Weekly Vs. Monthly Scissor Lift Rental
For projects extending over multiple weeks or months, it becomes a question of whether to rent weekly or go for a monthly rate. Here are some factors to consider:
Cost Savings
Monthly rates are significantly cheaper per day than weekly rentals. For long-term projects, the savings can be substantial.
Budgeting Flexibility
With weekly rentals, you have more flexibility to return the lift early if job completion gets delayed. Monthly rates require the full term commitment.
Equipment Availability
During busy seasons, monthly renters get priority over weekly customers if a replacement lift is needed. Weekly rentals have a higher chance of equipment shortages.
Damage Liability
If damaged during the rental term, monthly renters are typically responsible for any repair/replacement costs versus just owing extra daily fees for weekly customers.
In general, monthly is preferable for projects expected to last 4+ weeks without uncertainty over timing. For shorter jobs, weekly flexibility may be worth the higher per-day costs.
Peak Season Rental Price Spikes
Be aware that rental prices fluctuate noticeably between peak and off-peak construction seasons. Rates are almost always higher in summer months when demand surges.
During spring and summer, weekly scissor lift rentals in some areas have been reported increasing by 25-50%. Monthly rentals may cost 10-20% more year-round compared to winter low season pricing.
To ensure budget compliance, always get binding rental quotes during winter/fall off-season when possible for spring/summer projects needing lifts.
Budgeting For Emergency Rental Extensions
No matter how well planned, construction projects don't always stay on schedule. If your job runs over the allotted rental term, be prepared for extension fees:
- Daily-Use Extensions: Expect fees equal to current daily rate until equipment return.
- Weekly Extensions: Usually charged a weekly rate even if extending just a few days.
- Monthly Extensions: Often prorated weekly fees rather than full monthly rate.
Build a 10-20% contingency into your lift rental budget to cover these unplanned extra time charges without blowing past estimates.
Alternative Scissor Lift Rental Options
If standard lift rentals don't fit your budget or needs, consider some lower-cost alternatives:
Liftpool Share Programs
Cooperative owned lifts available between multiple contractor members on an hourly "liftpool" basis.
Used Scissor Lift Purchase
For long projects, a lightly used unit rental-to-own or outright purchase may be more affordable than ongoing rentals.
Manlift Rentals
Lower-capacity articulating boom lifts offer cheaper daily rental rates versus true scissor lifts for some light duty jobs.
Lift Rental Swaps/Trades
Negotiate equipment exchanges between your company and other contractor clients needing lifting equipment.
Conclusion
By understanding all the hidden costs included in scissor lift rentals and planning ahead, you can make sure this essential equipment fits cleanly within your construction budget.
With accurate estimates and contingencies, lift rentals remain a cost-effective approach versus ownership for many short-term projects.
