Cherry Picker Rental Calculator

1) Base rental: Base = Duration × Rate

2) Class adjustment: AdjustedBase = Base × ClassFactor

3) Height surcharge: HeightFee = AdjustedBase × HeightPercent (tiered by working height)

4) Schedule premium: ScheduleFee = (AdjustedBase + HeightFee) × (Multiplier − 1)

5) Subtotal: Subtotal = AdjustedBase + HeightFee + ScheduleFee + delivery + pickup + accessories + permits + operator + environmental

6) Percentage fees: Insurance = Subtotal × Insurance%, Waiver = Subtotal × Waiver%, Fuel = Subtotal × Fuel%

7) Discount: Discount = (Subtotal + fees) × Discount%

8) Tax and total: GrandTotal = (Subtotal + fees − Discount) + Tax%

1. Choose the machine class that matches site conditions and access.
2. Enter the rental duration and the supplier’s rate for that unit.
3. Input working height, plus delivery, pickup, and attachment costs.
4. Add operator hours and rate if the contract requires an operator.
5. Apply insurance, damage waiver, fuel/service, discount, and tax rates.
6. Click Calculate Rental Cost to see itemized totals above.
7. Use Download CSV or Download PDF for records.

Rental suppliers often price access equipment by time unit, machine category, and local delivery constraints. Height and terrain influence both availability and operating risk, which is why many quotes include surcharges or waivers.

Operator charges can dominate short rentals, especially when access windows are tight. Use realistic operator hours and consider whether standby time is billable. Weekend and after-hours work is commonly priced with a premium because dispatch and support resources are limited.

Accurate rental planning helps crews stay safe and profitable.

1) Rental Duration and Time Units

Cherry picker quotes usually start with a time unit: hourly for quick tasks, daily for standard shifts, weekly for sustained work, and monthly for long projects. Longer commitments often reduce the effective daily rate because delivery, dispatch, and downtime are spread across more working hours.

2) Machine Class and Site Conditions

Electric slab units suit clean floors and tight indoor aisles, while rough-terrain and tracked booms handle uneven ground, ramps, and soft surfaces. Contractors commonly budget 10–20% more for heavier-duty classes due to higher capital cost and higher maintenance intensity.

3) Working Height and Reach Allowance

Height matters beyond simple reach. Many suppliers apply tiered surcharges as boom size increases because transport weight, setup checks, and risk exposure rise. In practice, moving from a mid-range unit to a higher-reach unit can add 5–15% to the rental portion of the quote.

4) Delivery, Pickup, and Mobilization

Transport fees depend on distance, access restrictions, and whether a specialized trailer or escort is needed. For urban sites, consider lane closures, lift-gate constraints, and timed deliveries; these details can significantly change costs more than the base rate. For short rentals, mobilization can represent a large share of the total cost. Bundling multiple work fronts into one mobilization often delivers the fastest savings.

5) Operator, Standby, and Productivity

Some projects require a certified operator, while others only need an equipment handoff. Operator billing can be hourly and may include standby time during lifts, inspections, or coordination holds. Estimators should align operator hours with actual access windows, not just the rental duration.

6) Insurance, Waivers, and Risk Controls

Insurance and damage waivers are typically calculated as a percentage of the subtotal because they track exposure. Higher-risk environments, confined work zones, or frequent repositioning can increase waiver expectations. Documenting exclusion zones, spotter plans, and surface protection reduces incident likelihood.

7) Schedule Premiums and Off-Hour Work

Weekend and after-hours work often carries a premium because dispatch, support, and call-outs are limited. A 10% weekend factor and an 8% after-hours factor are common planning placeholders. Use actual supplier terms when the schedule is fixed and contractual.

8) Tax, Discounts, and Clean Reporting

Taxes are usually applied after discounts, while discounts may depend on fleet availability and total hire value. This calculator separates pre-tax totals, tax, and grand total, then exports a consistent line-item record. Clear reporting supports approvals, change orders, and vendor reconciliation.

FAQs

1) What does “rate per unit” mean?

It is the supplier’s charge for your selected unit of time, such as per hour or per day. Enter the same unit you choose in the Duration field for accurate calculations.

2) Why is working height used in pricing?

Higher-reach machines are larger, heavier, and riskier to transport and operate. Many suppliers apply tiered surcharges or higher base rates as working height increases.

3) When should I add an operator cost?

Add it when your contract, site rules, or insurance requirements specify a certified operator. Use realistic operator hours based on access windows, standby time, and shift scheduling.

4) Are delivery and pickup always required?

Not always. Some rentals include transport, while others bill it separately based on distance and site access. Enter values from the supplier quote or your logistics plan.

5) How do insurance and damage waivers work?

They are commonly percentage add-ons to cover risk exposure during the hire period. The calculator applies these percentages to the subtotal before tax to keep the breakdown transparent.

6) Should discounts be applied before tax?

In many invoicing structures, discounts reduce the taxable base. This calculator applies the discount before tax so the tax amount reflects the discounted total.

7) Can I use the CSV/PDF for client submittals?

Yes. Exports include your inputs, line items, and grand total for consistent documentation. Always confirm final numbers against the supplier’s written quote and local tax rules.