Guide to Choosing Between Purchasing or Hiring a MEWP for Arborists
When it comes to selecting a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP), arborists need to carefully assess their specific needs. The choice between purchasing or hiring can significantly affect job efficiency and overall cost. Here’s a guide to help you make the right decision.
- What Work Needs to Be Done?
Consider the scope of the job. Are you regularly working at varying heights or navigating different terrains? If so, purchasing a versatile MEWP may be a better long-term investment. Hiring, however, offers flexibility by allowing you to select the exact MEWP tailored to each specific job.
- Terrain and Ground Conditions
The condition of the ground or work area is crucial in determining the type of MEWP you’ll need. If your job sites vary between rough terrains and finished surfaces, you might want to invest in an all-terrain MEWP. Hiring is ideal when dealing with unique or challenging
- Access and Delivery
When hiring, you only need to focus on selecting an MEWP that suits your immediate needs, but purchasing means considering long-term logistics. MEWPs that are easy to transport and deliver to multiple sites may be more beneficial for businesses with frequent, diverse jobs.
- Height, Reach, and Safe Working Load
A critical factor is determining the necessary working height and outreach, along with the weight of materials or workers being lifted. If your jobs consistently require similar heights and loads, purchasing a suitable MEWP ensures long-term reliability. Hiring allows for customization, especially for larger, one-off projects that demand specialized MEWPs.
- Safety and Hazards
Safety should always be a top priority. Consider potential hazards such as overhead power lines, subterranean obstacles, and nearby traffic. These will influence the type of MEWP needed. Hiring gives you the flexibility to choose equipment best suited to specific safety concerns. If your business frequently faces a wide range of hazards, you may benefit from owning a general-purpose MEWP.
- Space and Manoeuvrability
The space available at each work site can vary. If you need to operate in confined spaces or tight areas, a compact, manoeuvrable MEWP might be necessary. When hiring, you can select a machine with the exact dimensions and manoeuvrability needed for the job.
- Material Handling and Additional Features
If your jobs involve lifting materials in addition to people, you need to assess the weight, size, and shape of the materials. Consider whether your MEWP needs additional material-handling devices. If such jobs are occasional, hiring is more practical as you can rent specialized MEWPs when necessary. For businesses handling materials regularly, purchasing might be more efficient.
- Interface with Other Equipment and Traffic
The interface with other equipment, vehicles, and even pedestrian traffic on a worksite is crucial. Will the MEWP be expected to move while elevated? Are there nearby hazards such as rail traffic or aircraft? Both hiring and purchasing options should be chosen with these considerations in mind.
- Compliance and Safety Regulations (LOLER)
Ensuring your MEWP complies with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) is vital. Whether you hire or purchase, regular inspections and maintenance are mandatory to meet safety standards. If you purchase, investing in regular LOLER tests and keeping records will keep your equipment compliant over the long term.
Purchase vs. Hire: Key Takeaways
- Purchasing a general-purpose MEWP is ideal for arborists with regular, diverse jobs, allowing for flexibility and long-term cost savings.
- Hiring is perfect for specific, short-term projects, where you need to match equipment exactly to job requirements without a long-term investment.
CPL simplifies this process with a #NoNonsense trade-in approach, making it easier than ever to upgrade your equipment.
