Yard Ramps
Buy New Ramp vs Buy Used vs Rent a Yard Ramp
05
Dec
Dec
As your business evolves and warehouse operations expand, the need for effective material handling solutions becomes more critical than ever. Whether you’re aiming to streamline your workflow, enhance efficiency, or adapt to the ever-shifting demands of your industry, choosing the right yard ramp solution to support your loading and unloading operations is a pivotal step. But with multiple buying and renting options available, how do you know which one is best for your business?
In this blog, we’ll explore each option to uncover the advantages and potential drawbacks associated with renting, purchasing brand new, or acquiring a used yard ramp. Let’s delve into the factors that can shape your choice and help guide you toward the yard ramp solution that aligns with your business needs, budget constraints, and operational goals.
Should I Rent or Buy a Yard Ramp?
The choice between renting and buying a yard ramp (also known as a portable loading dock) is a crucial one because it can significantly impact your business’s operational efficiency and financial bottom line. This decision primarily revolves around the frequency in which you intend to use the yard ramp, among a few other aspects that we’ll delve into below.
When Renting a Yard Ramp is the Best Option
- Short-Term or Temporary NeedsThe primary reason companies choose to rent a yard ramp instead of buying one is because they have a short-term job coming up that requires one for efficient loading and unloading, typically of trailers. After all, why would you buy something that you are unsure you will use year-round? Renting a portable loading dock allows you to pay for the months you will use the ramp, and then return it when you’re done. This way, you will make the most of your investment and won’t have a piece of equipment depreciating in value when not in use.
- Budget Constraints
Another reason a company may choose to rent a yard ramp is to avoid a significant upfront investment. Renting on a short-term basis allows you to benefit from the efficiency a yard ramp offers at just a fraction of the cost of buying. Renting a yard ramp also avoids having to factor depreciation into your budget. Equipment, including yard ramps, depreciates over time. Renting allows you to use the equipment without worrying about its long-term value or the need to sell it at a depreciated price. It is important to remember, however, that transportation of a rental ramp to your location can cost more than a month or two of rent payments for the ramp itself.
- Trial Run
A third reason to rent a yard ramp is to use the renting period as a sort of trial run for how the yard ramp will function within your operations. While you may be anticipating a long-term need for a yard ramp in the future, renting one before buying can be a good test run to ensure that it’s the ideal loading and unloading solution for your business.
When You Should Buy a Yard Ramp Instead
- Consistent Operational Requirements
Contrary to renting, the principal reason to buy a yard ramp is for long-term consistent use. Buying a yard ramp ensures that you will always have the equipment on hand to facilitate your loading and unloading processes efficiently. If your company is frequently loading or unloading trailers or needing to drive a forklift through a dock door, buying a yard ramp is likely the ideal option.
- Cost Savings Over Time
While the upfront cost of buying a yard ramp may be higher, the total cost of ownership can be lower than the cumulative costs of renting over an extended period. This is especially true if you expect the yard ramp to be a critical and ongoing component of your operations.
- Customization Needs
Purchasing a yard ramp allows you to tailor it to your exact specifications. While yard ramp rentals can be available in various sizes, you may have a unique application that requires a very specific size and functionality. When purchasing a yard ramp from HandiRamp, one of our ramp experts will work with you to understand your exact needs so our team of engineers can fabricate a ramp system to fit your operations perfectly.
- Tax Advantages
Owning equipment may offer tax advantages, such as depreciation deductions. Section 179 of the IRS tax code, for example, allows businesses to take an immediate deduction for depreciable assets and equipment, which includes yard ramps. Consulting with a tax professional can help you understand all the potential tax benefits associated with purchasing a yard ramp for your business.
Buying New vs. Used Yard Ramps
So you’ve decided that buying a yard ramp is more in line with your business goals and operations. But is it better for you to buy a new or used yard ramp? Luckily HandiRamp offers both, as well as the expertise to help you decide which is best for your business.Buying a New Yard Ramp
Pros:
- Pristine Condition Purchasing a new yard ramp means it’ll arrive in pristine condition and be ready to serve your business. While used yard ramps are still durable and reliable, buying a new yard ramp ensures you receive the longest equipment life, ideal for long-term and consistent use.
- Customization Options
Buying a new yard ramp means that you can tailor it to your specific requirements, ensuring it seamlessly integrates with your operations. If you have a unique need or location, buying a new, custom yard ramp will provide the greatest ROI by being able to address your exact specifications. Our team of ramp experts works with you to address all of your needs.
- Ample Availability
If not purchasing a custom yard ramp, HandiRamp keeps ready-to-ship, brand-new yard ramps in a number of sizes in stock. This means that your new yard ramp can be at your location ASAP!
- Higher Resale Value
While not immediately relevant, buying a new yard ramp means it will likely have a higher resale value down the line compared to buying a used ramp. If you anticipate perhaps selling your yard ramp after some years, initially purchasing a new yard will prove the greeted ROI.
Cons:
- Higher Upfront Costs
The initial investment for a new yard ramp can be substantial compared to buying a used ramp, impacting short-term finances.
Buying a Used Yard Ramp:
Pros:
- Cost SavingsUsed yard ramps offer a more budget-friendly option, usually providing substantial savings compared to buying a new ramp. If available near your location, buying a used yard ramp is significantly less expensive than purchasing new.
- Availability
While there may sometimes be lead times or manufacturing delays for new yard ramps, many used ramps are ready for immediate use. Additionally, HandiRamp has used yard ramps located all over the country, so there’s likely one with your preferred specs nearby.
Cons:
- Limited Customization
Similar to rented ramps, used ramps may have limitations when it comes to customization. Since the ramp is already built, nothing can be done to change the size or design to serve a unique application.
- Potential Maintenance
While your used yard ramp will still arrive at your location in great condition, depending on the ramp’s age, maintenance may be required more regularly. Things like repainting, replacing wheels, and greasing the crank may need to be done more often or sooner than when buying a new ramp.
- Unpredictable Selection
While HandiRamp does maintain the largest inventory of used yard ramps and rentals in the country, the selection can vary by time and location. The specifications you prefer (length/width) may not be readily available near your location, inducing higher shipping costs from a further location.
HandiRamp: Your Personal Yard Ramp Experts
In the end, the choice between renting, buying new, or purchasing a used yard ramp depends on your specific needs, budget constraints, and the nature of your operations. Whether you’ve already decided which yard ramp route you want to take and need a quote or are still questioning which one is best for your business, our team our ramp experts is at your service. Just give us a call at 800-876-7267 or inquire online!
