When your project or business has a long-term need for an access platform, contract hire can be a cost-effective and convenient solution. It means you can make everyday use of the platform you need while avoiding the large capital outlay that comes with purchasing a MEWP.
But what is contract hire and how does it work?
What is Access Platform Contract Hire?
Contract hire is a type of long-term leasing contract, providing the continual use of an access platform, such as a cherry picker or scissor lift, for an agreed period. This type of contract is designed for businesses that have a longstanding need for an access platform rather than for a limited project or occasional use, providing a useful alternative to purchasing a piece of equipment outright.
The length of the contract will be agreed with the provider, usually with a minimum of 12 months – at Horizon Platforms we offer contracts from 12 months up to 5 years.
One of the key benefits of contract hire with Horizon Platforms is the included cover for the maintenance of the powered access platform. Which means the cost of keeping it in safe working order and legally compliant is provided as part of the agreement.
At the end of the contract, there are several options available, such as upgrading to a newer access platform and renewing the contract, purchasing the platform, or simply returning the equipment if you no longer need it.
What Are the Benefits of Contract Hire?
Contract hire of powered access platforms offers many benefits and can be a cost-effective option for solving long-term access platform needs.
Reduced capital outlay
One of the main advantages of contract hire over purchasing a MEWP outright is the greatly reduced capital outlay. Instead of needing to secure a large amount of cash up front to purchase the equipment, you have a fixed monthly cost over the life of the contract, which can be a much more attractive option for businesses when it comes to budgeting and cash flow.
Maintenance costs included
The fixed monthly cost of a contract hire agreement also has the advantage of having all service, maintenance and biannual LOLER testing included. So, if your platform develops a fault or requires replacement parts due to wear and tear, you won’t have to find extra cash to get it repaired as you would if you owned it outright. We provide total cover for the duration of the contract giving you complete confidence that your platform is always compliant and in great working order.
Regular inspections
It is a legal requirement for anyone that operates a powered access platform to ensure it is kept in safe working order, which includes having it professionally inspected at least every six months. LOLER Inspections are carried out on all Horizon Contract Hire machines by our own team of highly skilled mobile Service Engineers. We contact you four weeks before your LOLER inspection is due to agree a convenient time for us to visit your site to complete the inspection, you will then receive your updated certificate for your records.
A brand new platform
The cost of a brand new cherry picker or a shiny new scissor lift may not be in the budget for many businesses, so going down the route of contract hire can open up access to the latest and best equipment without the big price tag to match. This also means you can get a brand new model each time you renew an agreement, so you can always enjoy the latest and best powered access equipment for a fraction of the cost of purchasing.
Flexible hire periods
Knowing you have a long-term need for a powered access platform is one thing, but being able to commit to purchasing equipment can be less certain. Contract hire can provide that bit of flexibility, giving you years of MEWP use with the reassurance that you have the option to return the equipment at the end of the agreement – or purchase it if you’re ready.
Short-Term Hire Vs Contract Hire
There are several options when it comes to hiring a platform, with contract hire representing a long-term solution that covers MEWP use for a year or more.
Regular platform hire can be for a matter of days or weeks, useful for unexpected needs or shorter projects. Contract hire can provide continued use for daily needs without having to organise rehire of equipment every time you need it.
The key is considering how often you think you will need to make use of a powered access platform, and if the need is for a specific project or for ongoing everyday use.
Purchasing an Access Platform Vs Contract Hire
If you know you need regular access to a powered platform, you might be weighing up the option of purchasing the equipment outright. This can be a great option when you’re confident you need permanent use of a powered access platform, but remember it will be your responsibility to ensure that you keep your platform in safe working order and legally compliant with biannual LOLER inspections. This is why 95% of our customers who chose to buy a platform also take out an Annual Service Maintenance contract through us. This gives our customers complete peace of mind that Horizon will be on hand to care for and maintain your asset and ensure that the legal testing requirements are taken care of.
If you’re looking to purchase, the good news is that we offer MEWPs for sale at Horizon Platforms, from brand new models from all of the world’s leading brands to our high-quality used MEWPs which are always sold in superb condition, newly serviced and with extended warranties available.
We also have the advantage of our full repaint service where we can respray your platform to look like new in original manufacturers colours or even repaint in your own corporate branding.
If you have a platform that you would like to update to something newer and more versatile, we would be delighted to offer you a fair trade-in price and allow you to part exchange against either a new or quality used platform.
If you’re not ready to commit to purchasing, contract hire gives you that long-term access to the platform with the option to purchase or return at the end of the agreement.
Contract Hire with Horizon Platforms
Whether you’re confident that contract hire is the right route or you’re not sure where to start, the team at Horizon Platforms are on hand to guide you to the best solution for your business. Get in touch with us today or find out more about contract hire and arrange a free site survey.