Aerial lift buying tips

Don't buy on price alone. As with many industrial purchases, trying to save a few hundred dollars up front can cost you in the long run. Instead, focus on choosing a quality dealer and getting a lift that meets all your needs.

Keep up the maintenance. Aerial lifts require some attention to detail: prompt hydraulic fluid and oil changes are a must, and annual inspections are required. Safety is too important to let these tasks slide.

Watch out for user modifications. Some rental companies and owners "customize" their lifts by cutting, welding, or otherwise changing the railings or bucket walls. While the work may look strong, it may not stand up to ongoing use.

Check the odometer or hour meter – but check more than that. Some dealers replace or reset hour meters or odometers when a machine is refurbished – if the machine looks much older than the gauge indicates, be sure to ask about the real age of the machine.

Measure before you shop. Knowing what limits you have on the size of your machine is important – measure doorways, aisles, overhead clearance, and any other restricted areas your lift will need to navigate.