Renting? Avoid the ups and downs Peter Harvey MBE, Chief Executive, Fork Lift Truck Association

When looking for finance for new lift trucks, there are several dos and don’ts which may save you time, money and hassle further down the line.

Start with finding a reputable supplier. Ideally, the company will belong to a recognised trade body with a nationally-agreed Code of Practice. This means you’ll have an arbitrator in case of a dispute. You should also ensure you are using the most appropriate form of finance and – more importantly in the case of long term rental – what penalties you might face at end of term.

The FLTA has produced a Good Hire Guide that explains the main differences between types and lengths of hire contract and much more. It highlights what you should look out for, including:

• Service levels

• Breakdown response

• Truck replacement services

• Repairs covered/not covered by the hire charge.

Typically, trucks are hired for five years or more and predictable deterioration will naturally occur. Understanding “fair and tear” is crucial to avoiding large, unexpected end-of-contract repair bills and potentially acrimonious disputes.

It’s also important to note that if you are renting a piece of equipment you must consult your supplier when any repairs, modifications or changes are to be made to the truck (including the fitting of new tyres).

Unauthorised changes could well contravene the terms of the contract, invalidate the warranty and compromise the safety of the equipment.

Do:

• Ensure you have a written hire agreement

• Read and understand hire agreement.

• Check trucks on delivery, recording damage or deficiencies.

• Confirm that you and your hiring company hold identical copies of the handover certificate (and current Report of Thorough Examination)

• Ensure all operators know how to operate and care for trucks.

• Establish and maintain recorded pre-shift check system.

• Deal with faults and damage as and when they occur.

• Ensure truck servicing meets manufacturer requirements by giving hiring company access to complete work when necessary.

• Make operators and supervisors aware of damage costs

Don’t:

• Hire on verbal agreements.

• Allow untrained personnel to operate.

• Authorise truck use on unsuitable ground or in unsuitable areas.

• Permit overloading.

• Ignore inappropriate use.

• Neglect unwanted drips (symptoms of something more serious developing.)

• Fit anything to the truck without consulting supplier.

• Overlook minor scratches (the tell-tale signs of careless operators.)

For your copy of the “The Good Hire Guide”, please visit www.fork-truck.org.uk and sign up for Safer Site Pro the FLTA’s online, step-by-step safety programme, which is available free of charge to members of the Association’s Safe User Group.

FLTA

www.fork-truck.org.uk