There are many reasons why you might want to rent a forklift for your factory. You might be trying to save capital by renting instead of buying, or you may need a forklift for a temporary project or boost in business within your manufacturing plant. Renting can be a smart choice, but you can lose out on a lot of money if you don't get your rental deposit back when returning it. Therefore, you'll want to follow these three tips to ensure that you do get that deposit back.

1. Document Existing Damage Before Leaving with the Rental

There's a chance that the forklift that you are renting has been rented by a lot of businesses and individuals before, so there could be scratches, scrapes and other wear and tear already there. You should not be charged for any damage that didn't occur while the forklift was in your possession, but if the rental company is not aware of the damage or has not documented it, you could be held responsible for it anyway. Therefore, you will want to take the time to do a thorough once-over before leaving the premises with the forklift. Look for paint damage, tears in the seats and other potential damage. Then, make sure that this damage is documented on your contract before you ever sign it. Otherwise, you could lose part of your deposit for damage that wasn't done within your factory.

2. Charge the Battery or Refill with Fuel Before Returning

Check your contract; you might be required to ensure that the battery is fully charged on an electric forklift or that a fuel-powered forklift is refilled with fuel before you return it. Taking the time to charge or refill the tank can save you a lot of money in regards to your deposit, since some rental companies charge refilling or recharging fees.

3. Make Sure It's Clean

Of course, the rental company probably does not expect the forklift to be spotless when it is returned. After all, it is only normal for a forklift to get dirty in a factory setting. However, it should be cleaned off before it is returned; otherwise, you might be charged a cleaning fee. Clean out the cab area of the forklift to ensure that it's free of garbage that employees might have left behind, and spray off the outside to get rid of any grime that might have been accumulated while the forklift was used in your manufacturing plant.

Renting a forklift can be a smart business decision for many factories. However, it can be a bit more expensive than you originally planned if you don't get your deposit back. Luckily, following these three tips can help you get that money back once you return the forklift. Contact a business, such as U.S. Lift & Warehouse Equipment Inc, for more information.