Rental costs & prices for work platforms

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

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

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

Influencing factors

The type and features of the work platform influence the rental price.

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

In contrast, scissor lifts , tracked 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 aerial work platforms or trailer-mounted work platforms require a driving licence of class BE/C and are particularly mobile and can be moved quickly from A to B in outdoor use, they are therefore particularly suitable for rapidly changing work locations.

Regardless of the rental price, the most important thing is to select the right type of aerial work platform according to 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. After all, the cheapest aerial work platform is of little use in practice if it is not suitable for the intended application.

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

In every price list for renting aerial work platforms, the rental period, i.e., the timeframe for which the platform is to be rented , has the greatest impact. Daily rentals are ideal for short-term jobs such as tree trimming or minor repairs. They allow you to react spontaneously and efficiently to unexpected needs without having to commit to a long-term contract.

Weekly rentals are ideal for medium-duration projects - e.g., for building construction, glass and building cleaning, or installation work.

Long-term rental is particularly suitable for large-scale, long-term projects or for regular needs regarding access platforms. Long-term rental allows for precise cost calculation and is often more economical than short-term rental options. This option offers planning security and the ability to tailor the access platform precisely to project-specific requirements.

Long-term rentals with most landlords start at three months or more. For projects spanning longer periods, long-term rental is therefore a more cost-effective option. It offers lower daily rental rates, thus reducing the overall rental costs without the need to purchase or lease a work platform.

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

Online rentals of aerial work platforms or construction equipment reflect regional price differences similar to those seen in housing prices. In cities, where demand is generally higher, rental costs for aerial work platforms tend to be higher than in rural areas.

Transportation also plays a crucial role in the cost structure. Deliveries made at short notice and outside the regular route schedule incur higher fees than those planned well in advance. Customers who value flexibility and cost savings should plan their rentals well in advance.

Although self-collection may seem like a cost-effective alternative, it is recommended, due to the necessary expertise and safety considerations, to have the transport and instruction carried out by experienced professionals. This approach not only guarantees the proper handling of the lifting platform but also significantly contributes to workplace 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 plan exactly when a work platform will be needed for a project. Nevertheless, it's worthwhile to keep an eye on seasonal fluctuations and availability, as these can significantly impact rental costs. Especially during the summer months and around holidays, demand can rise sharply for some rental companies, often leading to a shortage of equipment and therefore higher rental prices.

In the construction industry, for example, aerial work platforms are in particularly high demand during the warmer months, which further reinforces this seasonal demand. Conversely, demand drops in the winter months, especially during bad weather, which can be reflected in lower rental prices.

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

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

Additional cost factors: insurance, maintenance and accessories

With almost all rental companies, the costs for insurance , repairs , and maintenance are already included in the offer. As a renter, you therefore benefit from a work platform that is always ready for use and optimally maintained, combined with the advantage of comprehensive machinery 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 transparent and easily predictable.

Cost examples

How much does it cost to rent a work platform, or what are the costs per day?

Now let's get to the key question: What does it cost to rent a work platform? 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:

*All prices are net/excluding VAT.

Please note that the prices mentioned above refer to aerial work platforms with a medium working height . You can find the prices of all aerial work platforms in our equipment overview .

Take into account transport costs and machinery breakdown insurance

In addition to the pure rental costs, any transport costs and machinery breakdown insurance (10% at BIBERGER) must also be taken into account. These additional costs depend on the rental price, the total weight of the aerial work platform, and the distance to the work 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 with a landlord should always be the first step to obtain accurate offers tailored to the specific project.

Special work platforms usually only operate with an operator.

For particularly large or technically demanding aerial work platforms, simply renting the equipment is often insufficient. Truck-mounted platforms with a working height of around 90 meters , or similarly complex models, may generally only be operated by trained specialists.

Therefore, suppliers only rent such machines with an operator. This ensures safe operations, prevents operator errors, and protects the expensive equipment from costly damage. For you, this means: no training costs, less risk, and a project that is implemented professionally and reliably.

Here you can learn more about working platform operations with an operator.

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

When choosing a rental aerial work platform, the lowest price shouldn't be the primary deciding factor. As is so often the case, the overall package is what matters. Professional aerial work platform rental companies, for example, conduct a detailed site inspection before renting out the right platform. This ensures that the rental equipment is optimally suited to the specific requirements of the construction site. If it only turns out during the first use that the rented platform cannot be used due to poor planning, the costs can quickly add up.

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

The recency of the rental company's equipment also plays a crucial role: Newer and somewhat more expensive devices are technologically more advanced, more efficient, more environmentally friendly and, above all, safer than older models, which may be cheaper but may not offer the same performance and safety standards.

Advanced safety features such as digital access controls are particularly popular in construction projects where equipment from different companies is used. These features ensure that only authorized personnel can operate and move the work platforms, significantly reducing the risk of accidents, misuse, and downtime.

In summary, this means that the cheapest rental price is not always the best option. Modern aerial work platforms enable effective work, and high safety standards contribute to a more efficient and safer working environment.

Conclusion: Optimizing rental costs for aerial work platforms

The rental costs for aerial work platforms are generally comparable to those for a rental 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 improve work efficiency and safety. An advanced 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.

Furthermore, when selecting the right work platform, not only the immediate rental costs should be considered, but also aspects such as a personal contact person , the age of the rental equipment, the technical features and additional services.

If you want to optimize your rental costs , it's worth carefully weighing the costs and benefits .

It often makes sense to invest a little more in a high-quality work platform .

In the long run, this allows you to work more efficiently and often saves you more money in the end than if you only opt for the cheapest offer.