FLTA Guide to Fair Wear & Tear on Forklift Rental Agreements

Companies rent forklifts all over the world on a daily basis in order to keep their procedures running smoothly and ensuring their customers and partners get what they need as and when they need it. However, there are often disagreements as to what constitutes ‘fair’ wear and tear to a forklift, and this can result in unexpected charges for the renters as the rental company has a different idea of what ‘fair’ wear and tear is.

Repair costs

One of the reasons for these disagreements is the amount it can cost to repair damage to forklift trucks. Repairs to forklift trucks can often cost more than expected, owing to the technical nature of the machines themselves and the time and effort it can take to repair any damage. When the truck’s exterior shell is damaged, it means that the complicated hydraulics and electronics that are housed within it are placed at risk, so repairs can be tricky. In some cases, certain parts of the truck cannot be repaired at all, so they must be replaced, which of course adds to the expense required. Even a replacement seat can cost hundreds of pounds, so it is easy to see where these hefty fees come from.

How to avoid excessive damage and fees

Make sure you have a signed contract that you fully understand to protect you from any unnecessary charges
Inspect your truck or trucks on delivery for any existing damage
Make sure all operators are fully trained in the use and care of forklift trucks
Explain the costs of any damage to your operators
Check the trucks regularly before they are used each day

Verbal agreements are an absolute no-no – there is no record of said agreement and this means that you can be charged for anything without any means of proof. By signing a contract and fully inspecting the truck when you receive it, you can record any examples of pre-existing damage and avoid being held responsible for it when you return the vehicle. If you ensure your personnel are fully trained in the use of the truck, you can minimise the risk of damage – untrained operators are much more likely to damage the trucks by using them improperly.

As long as the utmost care is taken when using the forklift truck, and you have signed a contract that is fully understood by both parties, the risk of having to pay over the odds for repairs is minimal.

At Euro 1 Training, we specialise in providing comprehensive forklift training for people of all experience levels. Using our perfectly maintained forklifts and expert staff, we can offer courses that meet the needs of businesses and individuals alike. For more information, get in touch with us today.