Following on from our Back To Basics series where we explored the variety of materials handling and specialist equipment that you may need for your business, we’re now embarking on our mission to provide advice from the experts on what you need to consider once you’ve decided what machine you need. We’ll explore Truck Care and maintenance, fleet management, training, specialist services like AMS, and more with advice from the experts at Briggs. First, we’re providing advice on what you need to know before you hire a forklift or other material handling equipment.
In this blog we’ll answer:
- Why hire materials handling equipment?
- Can I hire an attachment for my MHE?
- What is the difference between short term hire and contract hire?
- How much does it cost to hire equipment?
- What do I need to hire a forklift?
- How quickly can I get equipment delivered?
- Why hire from Briggs Equipment?
Don’t forget, if you are unsure what equipment you need, you can visit our Back To Basics series. There you can learn more about materials handling equipment, industrial floor cleaning machines, powered access equipment and specialist warehouse equipment.
Why Hire Materials Handling Equipment?
There are many benefits to hiring materials handling equipment.
- Cope with seasonal demand
- Get what you need for short term projects and avoid a long term commitment
- Avoid long lead times
- Make your budget go further
Hiring materials handling equipment (MHE) is an ideal solution for businesses facing seasonal demand increases or short-term projects that require specialised machinery. It allows you to avoid long lead times and access the equipment you need promptly, keeping your operations running smoothly. With hire periods ranging from just seven days to 12 months, you can choose the rental length that best fits your business requirements.
Hiring equipment can also mean that you can make your budget go further. Instead of a costly outlay to purchase equipment outright, a hire agreement can allow you to spread the costs across the rental period. This means you can save your current budget to invest in other areas of your business.
What Materials Handling Equipment Can I Hire?
There are many different types of materials handling equipment (MHE) available to hire, and the right choice really depends on the specific needs of your operation. Whether you’re handling heavy pallets in a warehouse, accessing elevated areas on a construction site, or navigating tight indoor spaces with awkward loads, there’s equipment designed to meet each of these challenges.
To name a few, our extensive range at Briggs Equipment includes:
- Forklift trucks
- Reach trucks
- Pallet trucks
- Telehandlers
- Container handlers
- Powered access platforms
- Industrial floor cleaning machines
For more specialist applications, such as moving long, bulky loads or operating in unusually tight spaces, side loaders or multidirectional trucks (such as the Combilift range) may be more suitable. These machines are particularly useful in timber yards, steel distribution, or any setting where conventional forklifts may struggle to manoeuvre.
If you’re unsure what type of equipment you need, it’s worth speaking to an experienced MHE provider like us who can guide you based on the specifics of your environment, industry, and timeframe.
Can I Hire An Attachment For My MHE?
Absolutely, yes you can. To maximise the versatility of your materials handling equipment, you can hire a wide range of specialist attachments, including fork extensions, clamps, rotators, and carpet booms. All of these options are available from us at Briggs Equipment. You can hire a forklift with the required attachment already fitted for immediate use, or simply hire the attachment alone if you already have compatible machinery on site. This approach allows you to enhance efficiency and safety without committing to permanent investment.
Short Term Hire (STH) vs Contract Hire
Short Term Hire
STH is a flexible, quick turnaround rental option ideal for urgent or short-duration needs.
Contract Hire
Contract Hire is a popular long-term rental solution that offers fixed rates over an agreed period, providing budget certainty and consistent equipment availability.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Forklift Or Other Specialist Equipment?
Several factors influence the cost of one of our machines, including:
- Type and size of the machine
- Length of the hire period
- Delivery location
Contact us for a tailored quote based on your specific needs.
What Do I Need To Hire A Forklift?
Operating a forklift safely requires proper training in manoeuvring, load handling, and safety checks. We provide AITT and IPAF accredited training courses at all levels, ensuring you and your team are fully prepared. You can discover more about forklift truck training in our essential introduction to forklift truck training.
Additionally, having hired-in plant (HIP) insurance is essential when hiring a forklift to protect against any damage or theft of equipment you have hired. We always deliver our equipment with a fully compliant, machine-specific rating plate as this is a legal requirement.
Additional Considerations When Hiring MHE and Powered Access Equipment
Knowing the maximum weight and dimensions of the loads you’ll be handling helps us recommend the ideal equipment. It’s also important to consider site-specific factors such as ground conditions and height restrictions.
From Briggs Equipment, our hire week is based on a standard 40-hour working week. Breakdown support and LOLER inspections are included as standard, as is a battery charger for electric machines.
How Quickly Can I Get Equipment Delivered?
We’re proud to offer next-day delivery on our equipment, helping you tackle last-minute projects without delay.
Why Hire From Briggs Equipment?
With over 5,000 machines across eight local depots throughout the UK, Briggs Equipment offers unrivalled choice and convenience. We also have over 600 Field Engineers operating across the country, meaning our support network can ensure that your downtime is minimised. Whether you need equipment for a week or several months, we have the right solution to keep your business moving efficiently, no matter where you are in the country.
Need help selecting the right equipment? Explore the wide range of hire options available from Briggs Equipment by visiting our product selector tool to find a solution that matches your needs.
Want to know more? Contact our team today.
Tel: 0800 26 26 81
Email: info@briggsequipment.co.uk