Rental costs & prices for work platforms

The selection of the right aerial work platform is primarily influenced by various technical features and application requirements. The most important factors include working height, cage load, and lateral reach of the platform.

But the rental costs of work platforms are also a decisive factor for many companies and tradespeople who need this special equipment for their projects.

But how does the price of a work platform rental work intricately? We'll explore the various aspects that influence the price of work platforms, from the type of platform to the rental period and additional services, and provide specific prices for different types of platforms. Our goal is to provide you with comprehensive insight so you can make an informed decision when renting a work platform .

Influencing factors

The type and equipment of the work platform influence the rental price

The market offers a wide range of different aerial work platforms for different working heights and almost every conceivable application. Telescopic boom lifts offer maximum height and reach, making them particularly suitable for work requiring high load-bearing capacity. They are equipped with hydraulic systems that allow for flexible lateral outreach. Articulated boom lifts, on the other hand, offer additional mobility thanks to their articulated booms. They are ideal for working in hard-to-reach areas and are sometimes available with all-wheel drive for off-road applications.

In contrast, scissor lifts , crawler lifts, or vertical lifts are more compact and suitable for smaller or hard-to-reach areas, making them a practical option for smaller projects and indoor or outdoor work. Larger scissor lifts also offer—depending on the model—a large work platform that can accommodate several people.

Truck-mounted work platforms or trailer-mounted work platforms require a class BE/C driving license and are particularly mobile and can be moved quickly from A to B in outdoor use, making them particularly suitable for rapidly changing locations.

Regardless of the rental price, the most important thing is to select the right type of aerial work platform based on the specific requirements of the project. The decision should be made taking into account all relevant factors such as working height, lateral reach, load capacity, and mobility. Even the cheapest aerial work platform is of little use in practice if it is not suitable for the intended use.

The rental period as the basis of each price list - daily, weekly and long-term rentals

In any price list for aerial work platform rentals, the rental period, i.e., the period for which you want to rent the work platform , has the greatest influence. For short-term jobs like tree trimming or minor repairs, daily rentals are ideal. They allow you to respond spontaneously and efficiently to unexpected needs without having to commit to a long-term contract.

Weekly rentals are ideal for medium-term projects - e.g. for civil engineering work, for glass and building cleaning or for installation work.

Long-term rental is particularly suitable for large-scale, long-term projects or when access platforms are required on a regular basis. Long-term rental allows for precise cost calculation and is often more cost-effective than short-term rental options. This option offers planning security and the opportunity to tailor the access platform precisely to project-specific requirements.

Long-term rentals start at three months or more for most rental companies. For projects that span longer periods, long-term rentals are a more cost-effective option. They offer lower daily rental rates, reducing the overall rental cost without requiring you to purchase or lease your own aerial work platform.

Destination location and transport: Regional price differences when renting a work platform

When renting work platforms or construction equipment online, regional price differences are reflected similarly to housing prices. In cities, where demand is generally higher, rental costs for work platforms tend to be higher than in rural areas.

Another crucial factor in the cost structure is transportation. Short-notice deliveries outside of the regular delivery schedule incur higher fees than deliveries planned in advance. Customers seeking flexibility and cost savings should therefore plan their rentals well in advance.

Although self-collection appears to be a cost-effective alternative, due to the required expertise and safety considerations, it is recommended that the transport and instruction be carried out by experienced specialists. This approach not only ensures proper handling of the lift but also contributes significantly to occupational safety, as instruction on how to operate the potentially "unfamiliar" machine is provided upon delivery.

Seasonal fluctuations and availability

Of course, it's rarely possible to predict exactly when a work platform will be needed for a project. Nevertheless, it's worth keeping an eye on seasonal fluctuations and availability, as these can have a significant impact on rental costs. Demand can spike sharply for some rental companies, particularly during the summer months and around holidays, often leading to a shortage of supply and thus higher rental prices.

In the construction industry, for example, aerial work platforms are particularly in demand during the warmer months, further amplifying this seasonal demand. In contrast, demand decreases during the winter months, especially during inclement weather, which can result in lower rental prices.

Early planning and booking can therefore be crucial to avoid availability issues during peak periods and secure attractive rates. In contrast, off-season often offers opportunities to benefit from lower rental rates.

By the way: With SYSTEM LIFT partners you can rent at the same fair conditions all year round.

Additional cost factors: insurance, maintenance and accessories

Almost all rental companies include the costs for insurance , repairs , and maintenance in their quotes. As a renter, you benefit from a work platform that's always ready for use and optimally maintained, coupled with the advantage of comprehensive machine breakdown insurance .

This practice ensures clear cost structures and prevents unexpected additional expenses by comprehensively insuring the high-quality rental equipment. This keeps the total rental costs clear and easy to plan.

Cost examples

What does it cost to rent a work platform or what are the costs per day

Now let's get to the core question: How much does it cost to rent a work platform? After all, this information is crucial for budgeting your project. To give you the clearest possible picture, we've compiled a table with realistic rental prices for various types of work platforms with medium working heights:

Please note that the above prices refer to medium- height work platforms. For a non-binding quote, please send us a rental request .

Consider transport costs and machinery breakdown insurance

In addition to the rental costs, any transport costs and machine breakdown insurance must also be taken into account. These additional costs depend on the rental price, the total weight of the work platform, and the distance to the site. Assuming an average value, i.e., a machine weight between 4 and 9 tons, transport for a distance of 125 km within Germany costs approximately €200.

Important: Prices vary depending on the provider and region, so an individual inquiry to a landlord should always be the first step in order to receive accurate offers tailored to the respective project.

Comparison and selection: Is the cheapest price always the best option?

However, when selecting a rental work platform, the lowest price shouldn't be the most important decision criterion. As is often the case, it's the overall package that counts. Professional work platform rental companies, for example, conduct a detailed site inspection before renting the right work platform. This ensures that the rental equipment is optimally tailored to the specific requirements of the construction site. If it only becomes apparent during the first use that the rented work platform cannot be used due to poor planning, the costs quickly add up.

In addition, the rental offer often also includes rentable construction site safety equipment and accessories such as special attachments, which can be crucial for safety on the construction site.

The up-to-dateness of the rental company's fleet also plays a crucial role: newer and somewhat more expensive devices are more technologically advanced, efficient, environmentally friendly and, above all, safer than older models, which may be cheaper but may not offer the same level of performance and safety.

Advanced security features such as digital access controls are particularly popular in trades where equipment from different construction companies comes together. These ensure that only authorized personnel can operate and move the work platforms. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents, misuse, and downtime.

In summary, the cheapest rental price isn't always the best option. Modern aerial work platforms enable effective work, and high safety standards contribute to a more efficient and safer work environment.

Conclusion: Optimizing rental costs for work platforms

The rental costs for aerial work platforms are generally comparable to the cost of renting a car. Just as with a rental car, where higher and more modern features not only provide greater comfort but also a better, safer driving experience, the same applies to aerial work platforms.

Investing in a higher-quality, more modern, and better-equipped rental platform can significantly increase work efficiency and safety. An advanced aerial work platform not only provides a better working experience, but also increases productivity on the construction site by facilitating access to difficult areas and minimizing downtime.

In addition, when selecting the right work platform, not only the direct rental costs but also aspects such as a personal contact person , the age of the rental equipment, the technical equipment and additional services should be taken into account.

Ultimately, it's all about finding a balance between cost and benefit to optimize overall rental costs. This often means that a slightly higher investment in renting a higher-quality aerial work platform can be more efficient and cost-effective in the long run than choosing the cheapest option.

Summary: Rental prices for work platforms