While on a jobsite after a storm knocked trees onto our structure and damaged the fence, we were to…read moreremove nearby trees and overhanging branches. We did not have anything with us tall enough to reach the overhanging branches so we went to a nearby local rental, VHR in Berlin NJ. They were the only ones who had a self propelled lift for all terrain use.
We called and they told us it was available for $800.00 per week rate or $300.00 per day. We knew it would take longer than a day, so we opted for the weekly rate. After arriving there we mentioned we were glad they had one, because nobody else did and that was our mistake it seems. After being taken to give a quick tour of the operating instructions, we were told we couldn't use our truck to tow, because it wasn't a heavy enough vehicle and an additional charge would be added for delivery. A $100.00 deposit was also required. And a charge for a full tank (10gal) of gas @$4.00 per gallon. And then an Insurance Deposit.
After tallying up, the total came to $1250.50 !!
We really had no choice but to pay , since we are not from NJ and had no other means to complete our task without requesting our company to send us equipment to do the job. Time was a factor, as we only had 5 days in NJ, before we had to go to another scheduled location. So we signed the rental agreement and waited for the delivery of 10am. It didn't come until 2:35pm, 4 and a half hours after they said it would be here. Next we found problems with the equipment starting , then once running we had issues with performance. The machine kept getting stuck on an otherwise flat and dry ground. This machine is an all wheel drive meant to go over rough terrain. Next we had the hydrolic control freeze up and couldn't go up/down and called them to send someone to look at the machine.
This was day one and they did not send anyone until the next morning. The mechanic that came said it was out of gas, but we didn't even use it for an hour before shutting it down and calling. So we brought some gas and added 7 gallons before it was full. Now why did we pay for 10 gallons and only had 3 in the machine? The guy had issues starting it as well and left, then returned with a new battery and cables. It still gave trouble starting, but eventually started after continuous cranking attempts. We managed to work the rest of the day and finish up the job the next day. They came and picked up the machine and we went to get our deposit return. We were told that because we were responsible for damages to the machine while in our care, we don't get a return deposit. We attempted to argue it was not our doing, the equipment was faulty, but resulted in refusal to give us the deposit. We didn't have time or means to take it up legally, so we dismissed it and reported to our next job, informing our supervisor of the incident.
In conclusion, we were taken advantage of , being from out of state and lack of other options for the equipment. I would not recommend this company to anyone for equipment rentals.
