[vetteman9368]

Last year was pretty decent on the metal building side of our business, and after reviewing last year's records we spent $14,000 on equipment rental (lull forklift and scissor lift man lifts). This year looks like we will do even better, which will of course mean we will spend even more on equipment. We've already acquired a scissor lift but that was a minor part of the rental bills. The all terrain extendable boom forklifts are the bulk of that. It looks like it might be in our best interest to buy one. A good, well maintained Lull can be had for $30k. When spread out over a few years its not a bad investment, even including maintenance. Here's the kicker, it's going to require a big rig to move it. Trailers are cheap, tractors aren't that bad either. Both can be financed. But the operating costs at first blush are rediculous. I'm finding that $5k a year is the norm for insurance, not counting IFTA and other DOT bs. Are there ny co-ops of owners and or leasing options that reduce the insurance costs ?