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Here in central Michigan I would guess that less than 5% of the residential framers use a telescoping fork trucks. Those that do are usually outfits with 2-3 crews and will use one unit between all crews.
Cost is the issue – although I don’t know current purchase prices – monthly rental will run about $1200-1400 with a $75 charge to move it to another site.
Those that have made the leap to buy one have all felt that it was a good investment, but it is limited to outfits that will keep it in use constantly.
I have used them and would like to be able to purchase one, but it’s to pricey at this time.
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Here in central Michigan I would guess that less than 5% of the residential framers use a telescoping fork trucks. Those that do are usually outfits with 2-3 crews and will use one unit between all crews.
Cost is the issue - although I don't know current purchase prices - monthly rental will run about $1200-1400 with a $75 charge to move it to another site.
Those that have made the leap to buy one have all felt that it was a good investment, but it is limited to outfits that will keep it in use constantly.
I have used them and would like to be able to purchase one, but it's to pricey at this time.
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I'm curious how many of you who frame regularly use a rough terrain forklift or telescoping forklift?
The outfit I started with always had something on every site, whether it was straight mast machine or a Pettibone or Lull. It was pretty much de rigouer for all the homebuilders in the area (Nebraska) and still is. I can't imagine sheething a roof without one.
But it seems to me I rarely hear anyone talking about them on message boards such as this. And if I were to use magazines such as FH and JLC as my only source of information I don't think I'd know they even exist. I never see one in any of the pictures.
I'm curious if this is just a regional trend, or do most framers where you work have a machine on site throughout construction. I'm not talking about renting a crane just for a day to set trusses. I'm wondering how many of you use them for material handling and work platforms from foundation through exterior finish.
I'm considering going back into new home framing exclusively and I guess I consider a forklift a neccesity, not a luxury. But I'd be interested in hearing anyone else's take on it.
Dick Streff