Rent construction machinery, aerial work platforms and cranes in Switzerland

Luibl Rental delivers construction machinery, aerial work platforms, mobile cranes and telehandlers directly to Swiss construction sites. This article informs B2B customers about the scope of delivery, available equipment, rental procedures, the legal framework and all other points relevant to using rental machinery in Switzerland.

Luibl Rental delivers rental machinery to all cantons of Switzerland. The machines are transported on our own low-loader and heavy-haulage vehicles to the agreed deployment sites in Switzerland. Typical fields of use in Switzerland include:

• Building construction projects in urban centres such as Zurich, Basel, Bern and Geneva

• Infrastructure works in tunnel construction, bridge construction and road building

• Industrial installations, process plants and energy projects

• Facade and maintenance work in urban locations

• Large agricultural and forestry projects in alpine regions

• Logistics and material-handling work in industrial and commercial areas

The scope of delivery includes complete transport logistics (delivery and collection), machine handover at the agreed location including a handover protocol, as well as all necessary CE conformity documents, operating instructions and inspection certificates. Luibl Rental is responsible for safe transport to the agreed handover address.

The following fleet is available for deployments in Switzerland. All units meet applicable EU safety standards (CE marking) and are regularly inspected in accordance with Swiss and European standards.

Mobile cranes – Liebherr LTM series

Roto telehandlers The roto telehandler fleet offers 360-degree rotation and is particularly suited to tight Swiss construction sites in urban environments:

• Merlo Roto 40-16, 40-18S – compact entry-level unit for urban construction sites
• Merlo Roto 50-21S, 50-26S, 50-30S Plus, 50-35S Plus – versatile all-rounders
• Merlo Roto 70-24S, 70-28S – long reach for building construction projects
• Manitou MRT 2150 Privilege, MRT 2260, MRT 2550 Privilege, MRT 2570, MRT 3570 – Manitou roto range
• Magni RTH 4-18, RTH 6-25SH, RTH 6-26SH, RTH 6-35SH – Magni special solutions
• Genie GTH-4016R – Genie roto telehandler

Fixed telehandlers & heavy-duty telehandlers

• Manitou MT 625, MT 625E (electric), MT 1840 – standard telehandlers
• Manitou ULM 415, MHT 11250 ST5 – heavy-duty telehandlers
• Merlo P 30-10, P 38-13, P 72-10.2, P 120-10 HM – Merlo fixed and heavy-duty range

Aerial work platforms

Scissor lifts (electric and diesel):

• Genie GS-1330, GS-1432M E-Drive, GS-2032 – electric scissor lifts

• KB Lift S-80N, S-80COR, S-140W – electric scissor lifts

• Holland Lift HL285 E13 4WDS, HL330 E14 4WDS – large electric scissor lifts

• JLG Liftlux 245-25, Holland Lift HL-340D30 4WDS-N – diesel scissor lifts

• HAB S320-12E 4WDS – electric rough-terrain scissor lift

Boom lifts and articulating boom lifts (diesel and electric):

• Genie S-125, JLG 660SJ, Haulotte H14TX – boom lifts

• Genie ZX-135-70 – articulating boom lift, diesel

• Genie Z30/20N RJ, Niftylift HR12L, Manitou 150 AETJ-C 3D – electric articulating boom lifts

Tracked spider lifts:

• CTE TRACCESS 135 – tracked spider lift for difficult terrain

• CTE TRACCESS 170 – larger tracked spider lift

• Teupen LEO30T Plus, LEO40GTX – Teupen tracked spider lifts

Mini cranes

• Maeda MK3053CB – compact mini crane for confined spaces
• Maeda MC815C – powerful mini crane

Excavators

• Yanmar SV18 (1.8 t) – mini excavator for indoor work
• Bobcat E35 (3.5 t), Bobcat E50 (5 t) – compact excavators
• Doosan DX140LC-5 (14 t), DX235LC-5 (23 t), DX300LC-5 (30 t) – tracked excavators

Forklifts & rough-terrain forklifts

• Kalmar ECF 80-9 (8 t electric), Kalmar DCG 160-12T (16 t diesel) – heavy-duty forklifts
• Rough-terrain forklift fleet for outdoor use
• Pallet stackers for warehouse operations

Enquiry and contract conclusion

The enquiry is made directly via luibl.ch, by email or by phone. After clarifying requirements (machine type, deployment location in Switzerland, rental duration, access conditions), Luibl prepares a binding offer. The rental agreement is concluded in writing and contains all conditions in accordance with Luibl Rental's General Terms and Conditions.

Delivery and handover

Luibl Rental arranges transport of the machine to the agreed deployment site in Switzerland. At handover, a handover protocol is created documenting the condition of the machine, the operating-hours/meter reading and the documents supplied (CE declaration of conformity, operating instructions, latest inspection reports). The renter confirms proper receipt by signature.

Short-term and long-term rental

Luibl Rental offers both short-term rental solutions and long-term rental agreements. Minimum rental periods and specific conditions are set out in the respective rental agreement and the General Terms and Conditions. For long-term project durations, an individual arrangement can be agreed.

Return

The return takes place at the end of the agreed rental period. Luibl Rental collects the machine from the deployment site. On return, the condition of the machine is documented in the return protocol. Any damage beyond normal wear and tear is billed in accordance with the rental agreement and the General Terms and Conditions.

Important note on the rental process All contract details, minimum rental periods and conditions are governed exclusively by the individual rental agreement and Luibl Rental's General Terms and Conditions (luibl.ch/en/terms/). Specific delivery times or transport durations cannot be guaranteed as a general rule – these depend on availability, route and deployment conditions.

Luibl Rental offers a breakdown assistance and replacement service for rental machinery in Switzerland. In the event of technical faults during the rental period, qualified service technicians are available.

On-site service by service technicians

Luibl service technicians can be sent to the Swiss deployment site in the event of technical defects. This includes diagnosing and resolving faults directly on the construction site. For technician deployments in Switzerland, the posting-of-workers regulations for employees sent to Switzerland apply (see the Legal Framework section).

Replacement machine service

In the event of an irreparable defect or a prolonged repair time, Luibl Rental can – depending on availability – provide a replacement machine. The conditions for the replacement machine service are set out in the rental agreement.

Communication in the event of a breakdown

Breakdowns and faults must be reported to Luibl Rental immediately. All contact details and communication channels are noted in the rental agreement. Prompt reporting enables a quick response and minimises downtime on the construction site.

Qualifications and instruction for operating machinery

In Switzerland, specific requirements for machine operators arise from the Labour Act (ArG), Ordinance 3 to the Labour Act (ArGV 3), and SUVA guidelines (Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund):

• Aerial work platforms: Operating aerial work platforms requires verifiable instruction and, where applicable, an operating permit. SUVA recommends training in accordance with the European IPAF standards (International Powered Access Federation). A certificate comparable to the German IPAF PAL Card is required by many Swiss general contractors and clients on construction sites.

• Telehandlers / roto telehandlers: Operators must receive written operating instructions and be trained in operating the equipment. For telehandlers, the SUVA publication 'Operating telehandlers safely' applies. Formal certifications (e.g. AEAC in French-speaking Switzerland) are common practice in the industry.

• Mobile cranes: Operating mobile cranes requires crane operator training. Certificates recognised in Switzerland: SKA (Swiss Crane Operator Training) or equivalent European certificates. Many clients additionally require a crane operator licence category in accordance with SUVA guidelines.

• Excavators: Instruction on the machine is mandatory for excavator operators. For commercial deployments, proof of vehicle-operator training is common practice; on large construction sites, AEAC certificates or comparable EU certificates are frequently required.

Driving licence and operating permit requirements

Tax obligations in Switzerland

Switzerland is not an EU member state and has its own value-added tax (VAT) system. The following tax aspects are relevant for machinery rental from Germany:

• Value-added tax (VAT / TVA / IVA): The Swiss standard VAT rate is 8.1% (as of 2024). For machinery rental into Switzerland, the recipient-location principle applies: if the renter is a company resident in Switzerland, the Swiss recipient of the service is generally liable for Swiss VAT (reverse-charge procedure, where applicable under the Swiss VAT Act). Luibl Rental recommends clarifying the specific tax situation with a tax advisor resident in Switzerland.

• VAT registration: If the turnover of a foreign company from taxable supplies in Switzerland exceeds an annual turnover of CHF 100,000, a VAT registration obligation with the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (ESTV) applies. For short-term rentals below this threshold, registration is generally not required.

• Withholding tax / construction-work tax: Switzerland has no general construction-work tax for foreign companies comparable to the German construction withholding tax system. However, cantonal compensation offices may provide for withholding tax deductions for posted employees. Luibl Rental clarifies these questions on a case-by-case basis.

Safety inspections and technical approvals

The following inspection requirements are relevant for rental machinery in Switzerland:

• SUVA equipment inspection: SUVA requires regular inspections of lifting platforms, cranes and load-handling attachments. For rental equipment, the lessor (Luibl Rental) must provide evidence of the periodic inspections. Luibl Rental provides the corresponding inspection reports at machine handover.

• Initial inspection prior to commissioning: Before a machine is first deployed on a Swiss construction site, the renter must ensure that the unit is suitable for the intended location and that the safety devices are functioning. Instruction on the equipment must be documented.

• Industry-specific standards: Depending on the field of use, additional inspection standards apply, e.g. CECIMO standards for cranes (EN 13000), EN 280 for aerial work platforms, or standards of the Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects (SIA).

• Inspection intervals: Luibl Rental carries out all legally required maintenance and inspection intervals. The inspection certificates are included in the handover protocol.

Occupational health and safety and working conditions

The Swiss Labour Act (ArG) and Ordinances 1–5 to the Labour Act govern working conditions on Swiss construction sites. Luibl customers, as renters and employers of their operators, are responsible for complying with the following requirements:

• Occupational safety regulation (analogous): SUVA guidelines (in particular EKAS guidelines) are regarded as the authoritative occupational safety regulations on Swiss construction sites.

• Coordination on construction sites: On construction sites with multiple parties, the Swiss implementation of the EU Construction Sites Directive (Ordinance on Safety and Health Protection at Construction Sites, VBauA) requires coordination between the client and the contractor. On large construction sites, a health and safety plan (SiGePlan) must be drawn up.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Helmet, safety footwear, high-visibility vest and, where applicable, fall protection are mandatory. Specific PPE requirements apply to aerial work platform operators (safety harness when working in the basket).

• Working hours: Swiss working-time regulations (ArG) differ from German law. Maximum daily working hours (10 hrs/day, max. 50 hrs/week including overtime) and rest periods must be observed.

Posting of employees to Switzerland

When Luibl Rental posts service technicians to Switzerland (e.g. for assembly, maintenance, breakdown assistance), the following regulations of the bilateral Switzerland–EU Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (FZA) and the Swiss Posted Workers Act (EntsG) apply:

• Notification requirement: EU employees working in Switzerland must be registered before starting work via the online notification system of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). For deployments of up to 8 days per calendar year, a simplified advance notification period applies (at the latest on the day before work begins). For longer deployments or certain sectors (construction), permit requirements apply.

• Minimum wage / wage protection: A sector-specific minimum wage applies in Switzerland under the National Employment Contract (LMV) in the main construction sector. Posted employees are entitled to the wage customary in Switzerland for the activity performed.

• Social security / A1 certificate: Posted Luibl employees remain covered by German social security. The A1 certificate from German social security must always be carried during deployments in Switzerland and produced on request.

• Security deposit obligation: Foreign companies operating in the construction sector in Switzerland may be required to lodge a security deposit (to secure compliance with wage and working conditions). Luibl Rental clarifies this on a case-by-case basis.

Applicable law

Under Luibl Rental's General Terms and Conditions, all rental agreements are subject to German law. The General Terms and Conditions contain a choice-of-law and jurisdiction clause in favour of Luibl's registered location. The renter accepts these terms by concluding the contract.

Switzerland as a non-EU state: customs conditions

Switzerland is not a member of the European Union and is not part of the EU customs territory, although it belongs to the Schengen Area. The following customs and foreign-trade law provisions therefore apply to the import of rental machinery into Switzerland:

• ATA Carnet or customs declaration: For rental machinery that is temporarily imported into Switzerland (temporary admission), the ATA Carnet (international customs document for temporary import) can be used. Alternatively, a formal customs declaration can be made to Swiss Customs (EZV, now the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security, BAZG). Temporary use is exempt from customs duty and VAT if the equipment is demonstrably re-exported.

• Import declaration: The machine must be declared to the BAZG. Swiss customs law provides relief for temporary imports of equipment for commercial purposes.

• Re-export: When the machine is returned to Germany, a corresponding export declaration is required.

Documents to be carried

Transport responsibility

Luibl Rental arranges transport of the rental machine to the agreed handover location in Switzerland and is responsible for proper customs clearance. The transport vehicles have all required registrations and are operated by Luibl drivers or contracted carriers with the appropriate qualifications.

Registration and road use in Switzerland

The following regulations of the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA) apply to the road transport of construction machinery and heavy transports in Switzerland:

• Oversized/overweight transports require an ASTRA special transport permit. This is applied for by Luibl Rental or the contracted transport company.

• Night and weekend driving bans: In Switzerland, a Sunday driving ban (00:00–24:00) and a night driving ban (22:00–05:00) apply on motorways and main roads for trucks over 3.5 t. Exceptions are possible with the appropriate permits.

• Road charges (LSVA): Switzerland levies a performance-related heavy vehicle charge (LSVA) on journeys by commercial vehicles over 3.5 t. Luibl Rental takes this into account in transport planning.

• Tunnels and alpine routes: For transports through the Swiss Alps (Gotthard, San Bernardino, etc.), special route restrictions (height, width and weight limits) must be observed.

Allocation of liability under Luibl's General Terms and Conditions

The allocation of liability between Luibl and the renter is governed exclusively by Luibl Rental's General Terms and Conditions. In principle:

• Luibl Rental is liable for providing the machine in a contractually compliant, roadworthy/operationally safe condition at the time of handover.

• From the time of handover, the renter is liable for all damage to the machine that is not attributable to normal wear and tear.

• The renter bears the operating risk of the rented machine for the duration of the rental.

• Damage caused by improper use, operating errors or overloading is borne entirely by the renter.

Renter's insurance obligations

The renter is obliged to maintain the following insurance cover for the entire rental period:

• Machinery insurance or security deposit: The rented machine must be adequately insured against theft, vandalism, damage and total loss. Luibl Rental may require a security deposit or proof of appropriate insurance cover.

• Liability insurance: For personal injury and property damage to third parties arising from the use of the rental machine, the renter must provide evidence of adequate business liability insurance.

Special features in Switzerland

In Switzerland, commercially used machinery on construction sites is generally subject to the general liability and machinery insurance conditions of the Swiss insurance market. Many Swiss general contractors require subcontractors and machinery suppliers to provide evidence of adequate liability cover. Luibl Rental recommends clarifying these requirements with the client before starting work and, if necessary, arranging a temporary extension of existing insurance cover.

Liability and insurance notice All liability matters are governed exclusively by Luibl Rental's General Terms and Conditions (luibl.ch/en/terms/). Luibl Rental assumes no responsibility for damage arising during the rental period through the renter or through improper use of the machine. The renter is solely responsible for adequate insurance cover.

Planning a machinery deployment in Switzerland? Luibl Rental is on hand to answer all questions relating to rental, transport, logistics and documentation.

Legal notice All information in this article is provided for general information purposes only and does not replace legal, tax or insurance advice. Legal requirements change regularly; the provisions of Switzerland applicable at the time of deployment are always decisive. The binding contractual basis is formed exclusively by the individual rental agreement and Luibl Rental's General Terms and Conditions (available at luibl.ch/en/terms/). Luibl accepts no liability for the completeness or currency of the legal information provided here.