Renting heavy equipment is a convenient, cost-effective solution for those in the construction industry. Renting means accessing the right equipment when you need it and getting to try out the latest models, attachments and technological advancements without investing in new machinery.
Understanding heavy equipment rentals, their benefits and best practices can simplify the process and ensure you’re well-informed about your options. Explore all the details in this heavy equipment rental guide.
The Benefits of Renting Construction Equipment
The global construction equipment rental market is expected to grow continually and reach $181.81 billion by 2031. Here’s why the construction industry is turning to heavy equipment rentals:
1. Save Money
When you rent, you save money in several ways:
- No upfront costs: When you rent, you avoid the high upfront costs of purchasing new equipment you might only use once or twice. This cuts a significant capital expense, freeing up cash for other resources to help you grow your business.
- No service and maintenance costs: Equipment rentals place maintenance and other services on the dealer. This means you don’t have to deal with routine maintenance and unexpected repairs, freeing up time and capital for your company.
- No depreciation costs: When you rent, you don’t deal with costs of depreciation. While equipment loses its value the longer you own it, renting means you’re only responsible for the costs of the rental.
2. Gain a Competitive Edge
A primary benefit of renting is the ability to take on any job that comes your way. When you have a project or task beyond your permanent fleet’s capabilities, renting allows you to access the machine you need for the amount of time you need it.
This means you can bid on jobs outside your usual wheelhouse and expand your offerings. When a more complex job comes your way, you won’t have to invest in equipment you won’t use often. You can also select the right equipment size for your specific project. This ensures you don’t waste time or fuel by using an undersized machine for a larger task, for example.
3. Access the Latest Technology
Today’s construction equipment is more efficient, accurate and reliable than ever before. Renting lets you access the latest technological advancements and features, as rental companies consistently update their products to keep up with the newest tech. This means you’ll get the best equipment for your task.
4. Try Before You Buy
If you’re considering purchasing, you can rent your equipment first to try out a specific model before committing to it. This option is especially helpful when trying to decide between different models or manufacturers. Renting helps you determine the best equipment for your needs before making a purchase.
Renting also allows you to keep working when your primary equipment has lost its usefulness. You’ll keep operations running smoothly until you’ve decided whether you want to purchase new equipment or continue renting as needed.
5. Reduce Your Storage Needs
When you own equipment, you have to think about your long-term storage needs and transportation. Renting cuts the costs of finding a facility to accommodate your equipment when it’s not in use. The more equipment and tools you own, the more space you’ll need for storage and organization. These requirements can warrant costly building expansions and renovations.
Weather damage is also a possibility, so you’ll need to store your construction equipment to minimize wear and tear. Renting lowers these costs by reducing the need for storage space. If you’ve completed a project or you’re expecting delays from weather or other obstacles, you can return the equipment instead of scrambling to find storage.
Key Steps of the Construction Equipment Rental Process
If it’s your first time renting equipment, you’ll want to acquaint yourself with the process. Take plenty of time to figure out your equipment requirements, budget, project timeline and other essential factors. You’ll also want to choose a trustworthy rental dealer to assist you.
While the rental procedure may vary depending on the dealer you choose, we’ve outlined the general process below. Follow these steps for a seamless rental experience:
1. Determine Your Equipment Needs
Before renting equipment, assess your needs. Do you need the equipment for a one-time job or a long-term project? What type of task are you working on and what type of equipment will you need for it? Think about the following factors when determining your equipment needs:
- Job site conditions
- Equipment size and specs
- Operator skill level
- Project timelines
- Required attachments
For example, the equipment’s size can be specific to the job. Equipment too small can decrease efficiency, while oversized equipment might lack the precision you need. Heavy equipment can also damage asphalt and concrete on your job site, so you’ll want to rent the right machinery for your site conditions and power capacity.
2. Consider Your Timeline and Budget
Consider the length of your rental period, as this duration will impact pricing. Many rental companies offer daily, weekly or monthly equipment rental rates.
Overestimating your rental length can mean paying for days you don’t need the equipment. Meanwhile, underestimation can result in fees to extend your rental period, causing your project to go over its initial rental budget. Create an accurate timeline so your equipment is delivered when you need it and picked up as soon as you’re done.
Provide ample notice if you’re reserving equipment during busy construction times. If you need to extend your rental, let the dealer know as soon as possible.
3. Select a Reliable Rental Company
It’s critical to choose a reliable rental company with the most professional service and highest-quality equipment available. Assess your dealer’s quality assurance, knowing you have a certified service team on your side to address issues if they arise.
Additionally, make sure your dealer has a wide equipment selection. Determine how large their fleet is, the brands they carry and whether they can compare multiple options at different price points.
A rental company with an extensive fleet can increase your chances of getting the right equipment when you need it. Likewise, partnering with a company that works with trusted brands means getting high-quality equipment.
4. Review Rental Agreements and Policies
When booking your rental equipment, you’ll sign an agreement and provide the necessary information to arrange the rental. This includes your company contact information, job site address and payment options. The collection process will depend on the specific rental company, so read the agreement carefully and double-check these components before signing.
Ask questions and familiarize yourself with the following policies:
- Billing
- Returns
- Refunds
- Cancellations
- Insurance
- Equipment damage and servicing
5. Inspect Equipment Upon Arrival
Conduct a full inspection of the equipment to ensure it’s in good condition. Check for fading, rust, wear, leaks or missing safety guards. These conditions can impact the machine’s safety and performance. A reputable rental company will provide you with functional, professional-looking equipment that gets the job done.
6. Schedule Delivery or Pickup
You’ll want to know when you can expect a delivery when your equipment is ready for pickup. It’s also important to know when service representatives will be available if something goes awry on the job. Confirm your dealer’s availability and service hours. That way, you know when their support team is available to take a call and send a technician.
Construction Equipment Types Available for Rent
At GT Mid Atlantic, we offer construction equipment for rent from top brands like CASE Construction, Takeuchi, Terramac, Rokbak and Liebherr. From track loaders to excavators and attachments, you’re sure to find what you need for your next construction project. Our vast rental inventory includes:
- Skid steer loaders: We offer skid steer rentals from CASE and Takeuchi. These units feature easy-to-operate control options, size classes, lift geometries and horsepower ranges for various applications and operators.
- Compact track loaders: Our compact track loader rentals add versatility to construction sites, completing tasks like moving dirt, lifting heavy objects and digging holes. With excellent stability, these machines can also work in various terrains.
- Compact articulated loaders: These machines can easily maneuver tight spaces while providing ample horsepower and lifting capacity.
- Backhoe loaders: Our backhoe rentals can handle multiple tasks, from digging and trenching to loading and material handling. This flexibility suits them for many construction projects.
- Excavators: Excavator rentals perform various tasks on construction sites, from digging foundations and grading land to trenching for pipes and cables. Our mini excavator rentals allow greater accessibility in condensed spaces.
- Compact wheel loaders: Compact wheel loaders can handle a wide range of materials, including dirt, sand, gravel and other construction debris. Rent this equipment for tasks like loading and unloading, transporting materials and clearing debris. GT Mid Atlantic offers CASE compact wheel loaders for rent.
- Crawler dozers: We offer high-quality crawler bulldozers for rent. This equipment hauls heavy materials with ease. It can also maneuver uneven surfaces, making it ideal for challenging terrains.
- Crawler carriers: GT Mid Atlantic is a proud authorized Terramac Dealer, providing the brand’s full line of rental crawler carriers. Our versatile crawler carriers feature rubber-tracked technology with low ground pressure and high traction.
- Articulated trucks: With a high-quality articulated truck rental, you can get materials from point A to B with ease and efficiency. Our Terex articulated trucks keep you moving with minimal downtime — even in the toughest of conditions.
Tips for a Successful Rental Experience
A few other steps can ensure a more seamless rental process, from training your operators to ordering your equipment early. Follow these tips for a smoother rental experience:
1. Ensure Proper Training
Always make sure your operators are certified to use the equipment you’re renting. Complete all safety training before the rental period, confirming operators are familiar with the equipment and can identify maintenance and repair needs. With proper training, they’ll be able to pick up on visual and audio cues that the equipment needs attention.
2. Read the Rental Contract
Carefully review each line of your rental contract so you know what you’re liable for. If you don’t fully understand any parts of the terms and conditions, ask questions before signing the contract.
The rental agreement contract will provide specifics on:
- Your equipment.
- How much you’ll pay.
- The supplier’s cancellation and rescheduling policies.
- Optional insurance coverage.
The rental agreement might ask if you want to add insurance for an extra fee. Using heavy machinery is serious — especially on construction sites — making it best practice to opt for insurance. That added coverage can give you peace of mind throughout your project if an unexpected situation arises.
3. Check Equipment Height and Weight Requirements
When determining the right equipment for your job, ensure the machine has the correct height and weight requirements. Knowing these specs beforehand saves you the time and hassle of returning equipment that doesn’t work out for your project.
While you can typically see these specs online, it helps to confirm them with your dealer. Discuss power capacity, measurements and site conditions with the rental company so you know which equipment is right for you.
4. Place Your Order Ahead of Time
Reserving your equipment ahead of time means you’ll get it delivered on time. This helps prevent missed deadlines if equipment happens to be unavailable. Try to arrange your equipment delivery for at least a day before beginning the project. Even minor construction delays can impact successful job completion.
5. Communicate With the Rental Company
Keep an open communication channel with your rental supplier. That way, they can address potential equipment issues as quickly as possible. You can also contact your dealer if you think you’ve chosen the wrong machinery for your task or arranged delivery to the wrong location.
In either case, you’ll want to inform your rental company so they can help. You can also let them know if you complete a project ahead of time or need an extension. Proactive communication can help you avoid penalties or late fees outside the contract.
6. Return Your Equipment on Time
Keep your operations organized and on schedule so you can return your equipment as soon as you’re done using it. Some rental contracts have stricter deadline periods, while others might require you to pay daily rent. Either way, sending the equipment back on time helps you avoid extra fees for keeping it longer than agreed upon.
Partner With GT Mid Atlantic for Reliable Rental Equipment and Services
Renting your construction equipment can help you save money, access the latest technology and gain a competitive edge. Partnering with a trusted dealer ensures you get the newest machines and the highest quality every time. Choose GT Mid Atlantic for reliable rental equipment from top brands like CASE, Terramac and Liebherr.
Our experts will help you determine the right equipment for your application while providing around-the-clock services to help you minimize downtime. With various pickup and delivery options, you can get your machine when, where and how you need it. Our fleet includes the latest technological advancements. We also offer training to ensure your operators can work productively, efficiently and safely.
Browse our rental construction equipment or contact us to learn more about how our team can provide the best equipment solutions for your company.