What size lift should you rent: a large lift, or a small lift? This is an important question to ask yourself any time a large or upper-story project is coming into view. If you are making plans to work on something above shoulder-level, then a lift is an important consideration. Lifts, used correctly, can safely and stably lift people to upper reaches that would be more dangerous with scaffolding or ladders. The right lift for the job can speed up your work by hours, even days, by reducing the hassle of taking a person and their supplies to the right level.

But when you’re not sure what size of lift to get, should you err on the side of larger or smaller? Here at Vandalia rental, we recommend trending toward a smaller lift if your decision is on the cusp. This isn’t an out-of-thin-air deduction. Here’s why to go small when it comes to rented lifts:

Easier to Fit a Small Lift in a Workspace

If you’re not 100% sure on your measurements and maneuverability, a small lift is always a safer choice. A smaller lift is more likely to fit into your workspace and be able to move around even in a crowded worksite or warehouse. The right small lift can even be towed or directed by vehicles accustomed to the area. A small lift can fit and be effective in smaller workspaces, where a larger lift might be accidentally unable to contribute at all if measurements are not precise.

Lighter and Easier to Transport

The next benefit of trending toward a smaller lift is that it will be easier to transport. The larger the lift, the larger the truck you need to get it to your worksite. Very small lifts can be transported in the back of a pickup while very large lifts need specialty flatbeds and delivery. You could save yourself some serious trouble and transport costs by choosing a lift that is one size smaller.

Lower Cost Rental

When planning for future projects, cost is always a factor to consider. The fact of the matter is that smaller lifts, like most smaller equipment, will cost less than the larger alternatives. A smaller lift requires less storage space, less maintenance, and less investment to have available for customers. So the cost to rent a smaller lift is also less. In addition to being more versatile on the worksite, a smaller lift rental means less overhead for your total project costs.

Lift Job Versatility

Finally, a smaller lift can do many more jobs than a larger lift. Big lifts are perfect for very specific large-scale projects, and you need to know exactly what that lift will be doing for you and where. With a smaller lift, you get greater maneuverability and therefore a wider variety of things you can do. A small lift rented for a day might see a dozen unplanned uses in addition to the task it was necessary for. A larger lift is ideal for one task or a sequence of near-identical tasks that require a large team or a lot of raised equipment.

With  a smaller lift, you get much greater job versatility.

Which lift is the right choice for your project? If you’re not sure, we can help. And when in doubt, trend toward choosing a smaller and more versatile lift over a larger and more job- and site-specific lift. Contact us to consult on the right lift for your project and the schedule for the days you’ll need the lift on-site. We can also help you with the other tools and equipment that your project may need. We look forward to hearing from you!