Renting vs buying a scissor lift: an honest guide

No. Platfon Makine is a manufacturer: it builds and sells aerial work platforms and does not run a rental fleet. If you only need a machine for a short job, a local rental company is the right contact. If you plan to buy, or you are a rental company expanding your fleet, you can request a quote from Platfon directly.

Over a short period, renting is almost always cheaper. Over several years of steady use, buying usually costs less, because ownership costs are largely fixed while rental charges keep running for as long as you need the machine. The crossover point depends on utilization, financing, inspection and maintenance costs and resale value, so calculate it with your own figures rather than a rule of thumb.

First estimate the annual rental spend for the jobs you expect, including transport fees and insurance. Then estimate the annual cost of owning: purchase price minus expected resale value, spread over the years you will keep the machine, plus financing, insurance, inspections, servicing and storage. If owning costs less and you can manage the duties that come with it, buying pays off. Our price guide lists the cost items in detail.

That depends on the country. In the UK, LOLER requires a thorough examination of lifting equipment used to lift people at least every six months. In the US, the ANSI A92 standards call for frequent inspections and an annual inspection by a qualified person. Everywhere, operators should carry out a pre-use check before each shift, and the owner keeps the records.

As the employer, you are responsible for making sure operators are trained for the machine category and familiarized with the specific model before they use it. Many companies send operators to an accredited training provider, such as an IPAF-approved training center in the UK and Europe, then carry out model familiarization on site using the operator manual.

Yes. Rental and fleet companies can request quotes for single units or for a mix of models and heights, which helps plan one delivery and a common spare-parts stock. Businesses that want to sell Platfon machines in their own market can apply through the dealer and distributor form on the website.

Resale value depends on operating hours, condition, documented inspections and servicing, and the availability of parts and support for the model. A machine that has been inspected on schedule, stored under cover and repaired properly is easier to sell. Keep every inspection report and service invoice, because buyers of used access equipment will ask for them.