If your business regularly works at heights, chances are you’ve rented or considered purchasing a scissor lift. When it comes to reliable aerial access, Skyjack and Genie scissor lifts are two of the most trusted brands in the construction and facility maintenance industries. But what’s the better long-term solution—renting or buying?
At Win Win Equipment, we specialize in refurbished Skyjack and Genie scissor lifts, offering customers exceptional value and performance at a fraction of the cost of new models. Below, we explore the pros and cons of both renting and owning, reveal real-world rental rates, and show a powerful cost breakdown that proves why buying is the better move.
Renting Scissor Lifts: Quick, But Pricey and Risky
Benefits of Renting:
- Short-Term Flexibility: Ideal for one-off projects or short-term job sites.
- No Maintenance Commitment: The rental company handles service and repairs.
- Access to Newer Models: You’ll often get newer lifts with modern features.
But those benefits come at a steep cost—and some serious risks.
The Hidden Drawbacks of Renting:
- High Recurring Costs: Renting may seem cheaper upfront, but those weekly rental rates, transport charges, and taxes add up fast.
- Availability Issues: During peak season, the model or size you need might be unavailable.
- No Return on Investment: Every rental dollar is gone forever—no equity, no asset on your books.
- Inconsistent Equipment Quality: Rentals are frequently overused, poorly maintained, and prone to failure. It’s not uncommon for a rental lift to arrive in questionable condition or break down on the job—causing costly delays.
- Reactive Support: Rental companies may not prioritize repairs for short-term customers, and replacements can take days.
Many contractors report showing up to a job site with a dead battery, hydraulic leaks, or lifts with inoperable safety features—a risk your crew can’t afford.
The Cost Argument: Buying is Cheaper Than You Think
Let’s look at real numbers. Based on current rental rates in major U.S. cities:
- Renting a Skyjack SJIII3219 (19 ft) for one week = $500
- Renting a Skyjack SJIII3226 (26 ft) for one week = $750
- Transportation = $400
- Tax = 8%
Renting each model just 5 times per year already puts you on track to overspend compared to buying. Here’s the math:
3-Year Cost Breakdown: Renting vs. Buying
| Category | Skyjack SJIII3219 | Skyjack SJIII3226 |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $9,000.00 | $10,800.00 |
| Annual Rental Cost (5 weeks @ updated rate + $400 transport + 8% tax) | $3,132.00 | $4,482.00 |
| Cost Over 3 Years (Rental) | $9,396.00 | $13,446.00 |
| Savings Over 3 Years (Buy vs Rent) | $396.00 | $2,646.00 |
Even light usage makes owning the smarter financial choice. And this doesn’t factor in the cost of downtime, late projects, or equipment that needs to be replaced mid-job.
Why Win Win Equipment is Different
We’re not just another equipment seller. With over 30 years of industry experience, 15 years in business, and a warehouse in Addison, IL, Win Win Equipment is a trusted supplier to electricians, contractors, property managers, and national corporations across the country.
Here’s what makes us stand out:
- ✅ Fully refurbished Genie and Skyjack lifts with detailed inspections
- ✅ Rebuilt by experienced in-house technicians
- ✅ Nationwide shipping and flexible financing
- ✅ Units rebuilt for durability, safety, and ease of use
- ✅ Short-term rentals available for existing buyers
- ✅ Unmatched customer service before and after the sale
If you buy your lift from us, but need a second unit or temporary backup? No problem. Win Win Equipment offers short-term and long-term rentals at discounted rates to support loyal customers when they need it most.
📞 Call us today for short-term and long-term rental pricing or to browse available units.
Refurbished Lifts That Look and Work Like New
We specialize in the most reliable production years:
- Skyjack models from 2015–2019
- Genie models from 2011–2021
These years are known for simple electronics, rugged design, and fewer software headaches than newer machines.
Browse our inventory here:
Buy Smart. Work Safer. Spend Less.
When you rent, you’re on someone else’s schedule. You’re stuck with whatever condition that unit shows up in. When you own your lift, you own your uptime, your project timeline, and your budget.
And with Win Win Equipment’s refurbished scissor lifts, you’re not sacrificing quality or reliability—you’re getting:
- 🧰 Equipment built to last
- ⚙️ Units serviced and maintained to spec
- 💬 Support from a team that knows your lift inside and out
We’ve helped hundreds of businesses eliminate the headaches of renting and gain peace of mind by owning high-quality, job-ready lifts.
Make the Smart Investment Today
Don’t throw away thousands of dollars each year on rentals. Take control of your job site—and your bottom line—with a lift from Win Win Equipment.
👉 Click here to browse scissor lifts for sale
📞 Or call now for a quote or short-term rental rates: 773-790-7299
Final Thoughts
Renting vs. buying is a question of strategy. But with equipment costs rising, rental reliability declining, and long-term expenses stacking up, the answer is clear. Buying refurbished from Win Win Equipment offers better value, more control, and less stress.
Whether you need a Skyjack SJIII4740 for a larger warehouse facility job or a compact Genie GR-20 runabout
for indoor work, we’ve got you covered.
Get the lift. Get the support. Get it right—with Win Win Equipment.