The demand for telehandler hire is increasing in the UK construction industry due to their flexibility in handling, lifting, transporting, and situating materials on work sites. They combine the function of a forklift and a crane into a straightforward platform for ease of use.
In this blog entry, we will discuss methods for maximising the output and returns on your AFI telehandler rental.
1. Selecting the Optimal Telehandler for Your Needs
Optimising telehandler efficiency and productivity means choosing the appropriate machine for each worksite's needs. You need to assess several variables, such as calculating the mass and dimensions of your construction materials, along with the distance they would need to be raised in your project. While lighter loads and lower heights are manageable with smaller telehandlers, heavier loads will require a more robust telehandler to ensure the safety of your workforce.
Before renting a telehandler, it is crucial to convey your specific requirements to the rental company. This will guarantee that you obtain the appropriate telehandler rental for your needs.
2. Maintaining Optimum Performance
It's critical that you keep your telehandler well-maintained. Consistent and proper preventative maintenance of your telehandler rental will keep it functioning at top performance. Prior to using it, examine the telehandler for possible wear-and-tear, check fluid amounts and tyre pressure and test the telehandler's controls. If you find damage or inconsistencies in your telehandler rental, it's crucial to bring them to our attention immediately.
3. Ensure Operator Competency
A well-trained and competent operator is necessary for getting the most out of your telehandler rental. They ensure smooth operation, reduce site accidents, and keep the work flowing smoothly. Therefore, it’s imperative to select a trained and licensed operator who has undergone specialised training.
4. Prepare for Your Task
Precise planning is vital prior to utilising a telehandler in any project. Calculating the mass and dimensions of the load you will be transporting, the lifting height, and any potential obstructions or complications that may arise on site will give you clearer picture of how you should proceed. By thoroughly preparing for the job, you can maximise your telehandler hire's performance.
5. Limiting risks
Considering the size of these machines, it is essential to prioritise safety standards at all times when working with or near a telehandler. Part of that is following the guidelines outlined by Health and Safety England, but also by equipping yourself and your team with suitable PPE such as hard hats and safety glasses. Secure loads properly using the correct attachments and adhere to the machine's load-lifting limits. Additionally, limit the number of people near the machine (you may find that a designated signaller is useful) and never exceed the maximum height limit of the telehandler. Many modern telehandlers will alert you if you approach this point, but it is important to be aware of the tipping point of your machine before lifting large or heavy objects.
6. Monitor Fuel Consumption
Another fundamental variable to carefully consider when utilising a telehandler is fuel consumption. How much fuel your telehandler consumes in a day is contingent on several factors:
• The weight of the load you wish to carry
• The distance you need to carry the load
• A combination of the two.
Heavier loads that travel further require more fuel to move. Likewise, your telehandler can be impacted by unnecessary idling time. Being efficient with your drop-off locations before using your telehandler can help reduce your petrol bill. Still, if your machine is suffering exceptionally high fuel consumption regardless of your management, you might have a fuel leak. In this case, please contact us immediately, and we will send out one of our on-call engineers.
7. Choosing the Best Attachments
At AFI-Rentals, you can rent the appropriate attachment for your telehandler, (such as forks, buckets, and lifting beams) which give you the most flexibility and safety on the job. For example, if you have a large lifting requirement, a lifting jib allows the telehandler to expand its weight-bearing capacity.
8. Off hiring your telehandler.
While the machine is in your possession, you are liable for any damage that might happen to it, so booking in your off-hire date promptly can help reduce the likelihood of additional charges. You can quickly off-hire using the QR code near the machine’s ground controls, by logging in to your account, or by simply calling us.
Equally, if the machine is not ready for pickup, has insufficient fuel to load onto our delivery vehicles, or is inaccessible, you may be charged the standard daily or hourly rate until these issues are resolved.
However, if you wish to extend your hire, you can do so easily in your online portal or by calling our sales support team on 03303 115 105.
9. Summary
In summary, to get the best out of your telehandler rental, you need a well-trained operator, a safe and aware worksite, proper planning to ensure everything runs smoothly, and a timely off-hire to prevent unwanted charges.
AFI-Rentals have twenty depots spread across the United Kingdom and six in the Middle East. Our growing fleet has over 6,000 MEWPs, telehandlers, and other specialist access platforms for a range of industry jobs.
