How To Get The Most Of Your Construction Equipment Rental

Construction companies rent different types of construction equipment daily.  Anyone can rent equipment. It takes a savvy operator and a forward-thinking company to really get the most out of that rental. In order to get the most of your rental, planning ahead and asking yourself questions like, “how does a heavy equipment rental work” and “what are the costs of renting” are important. It’s also valuable to understand your role as a renter in equipment maintenance.

All of these questions will help you be prepared to make the most of your rented equipment. These tips on using rented equipment and getting the most of your rental will help you rent equipment with confidence. 

How Does a Construction Equipment Rental Work?

Equipment rentals work the same as any other type of rental. Companies rent equipment when they decide that they should borrow the equipment rather than purchase it outright. When renting equipment you need to decide what type of equipment you need, prepare a few days in advance, let the supplier know of important details in the rental agreement and get your on-site crew ready to work with this rented machine. You can call to rent, or you can search for equipment on a rental marketplace to view availability and pricing in real-time. 

Types of Equipment

When you need to rent heavy equipment it is important that you know exactly what equipment does the job the best. This includes the “best” machine for both the project itself and for the operating conditions of a job site.  

In order to research and understand your job site conditions, you may need to visit the job site prior to renting, read blogs on different types of equipment suitable for each condition, or call your equipment supplier explaining the environment of work. 

When planning based on job site conditions there is always a piece of equipment able to help. Some types of equipment rented include excavators, aerial lifts, backhoes, rock trucks, skid steers and more which all excel in different work functions. 

Prepare a Few Days in Advance

Another important component when renting equipment is to prepare well in advance. Get the materials that you need, rent the right machine to deal with the weather, and start to look towards renting at least 48 hours in advance. This helps you as a renter because you can be sure that your equipment will be delivered when you need it. Reserving the equipment a few days beforehand allows the supplier to ensure that they have the equipment available and that it is well maintained for top-quality work. 

The more advanced notice they have, the more prepared the supplier can be to have it delivered to you on time and ready for work.

Gather all the Jobsite Information Before Making a Rental

When you’re renting equipment, you need to know all the additional information for your job. Informing the supplier of the proper job site address, who their site contact is and where to drop off the equipment reduces miscommunication from the get-go. This helps both the supplier and you alike connect with one another to provide a seamless experience. Communicating this upfront can also make it easy for your rental supplier to provide any support you may need during the rental period. 

What Are Some of the Costs With Equipment Rentals?

Renting equipment has more fees to it than just the equipment. Familiarizing yourself with these fees will eliminate any surprises when you get your final quote.

Many rental companies have different prices they charge but the fees are generally the same. When given a quote expect to see a few things:

• Price of the equipment itself (for a day, week, or month)
• Delivery and pickup fee
• Environmental fees
• Rental protection
• Sales tax when applicable

When receiving a verbal quote on equipment over the phone, clarify with the sales rep you’re speaking to if the number they provide is the base price or the complete rental cost. Asking in advance is the best way to be fully prepared and to budget for the cost of your rentals. 

Control Your Budget By Renting Equipment for the Specific Time Period

The length of the rental impacts the cost of the rental. Renting equipment allows you to choose the duration of how long the equipment is needed for. This can save money as you can choose between needing the equipment for a day, a few days, weeks, or even months. You can get super specific for what days you have and what equipment. This can help you to get the most out of your rentals and your budget alike.

Maintenance of Your Rental Equipment

Overall maintenance of machines is covered by the rental house. This is another bonus of renting equipment instead of owning it. Equipment suppliers ensure that the machine is cleaned, fueled and that everything is running properly before delivering it to you.

Unfortunately, things can happen. Many rental companies like DOZR have a team that handles any unforeseen issues directly. All you need to do is call the company explaining what happened and that you are in need of a service. We will send out a qualified technician to you who can investigate the issue. 

Tips and Tricks When Renting Equipment

In order to truly get the most out of your rental, there are a few other things you should do. 

1. Review Operators Manual Before Using

Reviewing the operator's manual before beginning helps you understand all the controls that the machine has for easy operation. It also helps prevent any problems or breakdowns from happening at the beginning as you are able to see how the machine functions and what to do if something goes wrong. On top of the operator's manual, there are many online training courses and videos that provide valuable information about using equipment to debug any concerns you may have.

2. Check the Machine for Any Faults Before Using

Taking pictures of the machine when it arrives upon use is a great way to identify any existing damage. This helps to protect you as the renter. The same can be said when you are done using the machine. Complete a circle check afterward to ensure that the rental is returned in the same condition it was given to you.

3. Use DOZR FAQs When Renting

DOZR FAQs provide you with all the information you need to rent safely. Information includes types of equipment to rent, service assistance, and other important tips such as fueling and cleaning the equipment when done to avoid extra charges. 

Getting the Most Out of Your Rental

Now that you know more about renting equipment, begin to plan your next project with confidence! Browse DOZR.com to see what’s available or give us a call with any questions you may have.