Every business eventually asks the same question. Should we keep renting our machines, lease one, or buy outright? The answer depends on how often the machine is used, what your operation looks like, and how you want to manage costs.
This guide will help businesses in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts make the right choice for forklifts, telehandlers, and other material handling equipment.
Renting a Forklift
Renting is a smart choice for seasonal or short term work. Businesses like farms, agriculture operations, contractors, and landscaping crews often benefit from renting because there are no maintenance costs, no long term commitments, and no risk if work slows down.
Renting works best if you only need a forklift or other equipment part of the year, want flexibility without tying up capital, or want to avoid unexpected repair expenses.
Contracts from a third-party rental provider Like W.D. Matthews usually outline operational expectations, liabilities, and an established rental agreement before equipment is released.
Once everything is in place, renting is simple. You get the machine, complete the job, and return it when the work is done.
Forklift Rentals in New England (ME, NH & MA)| WD Matthews
Buying a Forklift
If your machines run regularly during the week, buying is often cheaper over time. Companies that use forklifts 20 hours or more per week should consider ownership. Buying spreads the cost over time, gives you an asset with trade-in value, and makes operating costs predictable.
If you always rent, you never own, and rental fees can add up to the cost of a machine or more. Buying is smart for businesses that need daily equipment, want long-term cost control, and are ready to invest in their operation.
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Leasing a Forklift
Leasing is a practical option for businesses that use a forklift regularly but want flexibility. Leasing allows you to use a machine without full ownership, optional maintenance programs, and gives you access to new machines every three years.
Leasing works well for operations that run forklifts consistently but do not want to commit large capital upfront. It is a balance between renting and buying that keeps your business flexible and efficient.
How to Decide
Here are some simple guidelines for businesses in New England:
If you rent more than 50 percent of the time, it is time to consider ownership. If you use a forklift 100 hours or more per month, buying is usually the best financial decision. If you want predictable costs and newer machines every few years, leasing is worth exploring.
It is always wise to review your rental fees and compare them to ownership or leasing costs. Looking at your business bottom line can reveal when it is time to change your approach.
New or Used Forklifts from W.D. Matthews
At W.D. Matthews Machinery, we provide new and used forklifts, telehandlers, and material handling equipment for purchase, lease, or rental across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Our team works with businesses to understand their operation, usage, and budget to help determine the option that makes the most sense for their bottom line.
Whether it is renting for a short-term project, leasing for predictable payments, or owning equipment that builds long term value, W.D. Matthews helps customers weigh the options and make informed decisions. It is not just about the machine. It is about finding the right solution for how your business operates today and where it is headed next.
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