Whether you’re under a tight deadline and need to begin your job with minimal start-up cost or you’re a property owner who only needs a piece of equipment for a weekend project, there are several benefits of renting equipment. You can enjoy the flexibility of choosing exactly what you need without any long-term commitment. This enables you to save money over time and keep your operating costs low. You also avoid worrying about logistics, such as transportation, storage and ongoing maintenance.

Read on to learn more about the advantages of renting construction equipment and some helpful tips to know before signing the rental agreement.

Rent Exactly What You Need

Because so many businesses and individuals rely on equipment rentals, the rental marketplace is diverse and full of options to fit even the most niche projects and specific site requirements. The following machines are some of the most popular in the rental market for compact equipment because they are versatile and easy to work with:

• Mini excavator: A mini excavator is a lightweight machine that is ideal for indoor projects with low clearance or outdoor areas with narrow paths and tight spaces you need to navigate. Mini excavators are compatible with a variety of attachments that can help you complete a range of tasks, including trenching, digging, plowing and demolition.
• Mini track loader: Like a mini excavator, you can pair a compact track loader with various attachments to complete tasks. Instead of wheels, this machine uses a track system. This makes it a great fit for projects with slippery terrain where additional traction is needed.
• Skid steer loader: Compared to a compact track loader and mini excavator, a skid steer loader is usually lighter and faster. When paired with attachments, a skid steer is a hardworking machine that is relatively simple to operate.

When renting your equipment, don’t forget to include all the attachments you will need for your projects, such as a bucket, cement mixer or material spreader. Make sure the equipment and attachments are compatible with one another.

Save Money and Decrease Expenses

One of the most significant benefits of renting equipment is that you can save money and decrease your overall operating costs. Construction equipment rental prices often require a smaller initial investment compared to purchasing. If you’re a new business starting out or you only need a one-time rental to complete a task, the lower rental price is an excellent way to keep costs low and apply your savings elsewhere.

In addition to this lower start-up cost, you don’t have to worry about depreciation or marketplace fluctuation. When you purchase a machine, you may not be able to get as high of a return on investment when selling, as the value will depreciate over time. By renting, you avoid this scenario entirely, and your one-time investment pays for itself by helping you complete your project.

In some cases, you might also be able to classify your equipment rental as a business expense ⁠— which could help you get a tax deduction benefit and save even more.

Worry Less About Logistics

One of the best parts of renting a compact machine is flexibility. Once you’re finished with it, simply return it to the dealership when you move on to the next job or project.

When you rent a piece of compact machinery, you also get to enjoy the convenience of having what you need to tackle your project without the stress and money involved in transporting, storing and maintaining it:

• Transportation: In some cases, you can have your equipment delivered directly to your work site and picked back up when you’re finished using it. Because transporting compact equipment often requires a truck or trailer, not having to move your equipment between work sites can save you money and time.
• Storage: Although compact equipment typically takes up less space than regular-size machinery, it can still be challenging and costly if you do not have the available space for storage. By renting your machine for a limited amount of time, you don’t have to worry about where to store it when you’re finished.
• Maintenance: While you might have to consider a bit of general upkeep on your equipment if you’re renting it for a longer period, you probably won’t have to worry about making upgrades, replacing worn parts or having the machine serviced during your rental. Should anything go wrong, your rental dealership will have an emergency repair or replacement plan in place.

Tips for Renting Construction Equipment for Projects

If you’ve decided the advantages of hiring compact construction equipment are right for you and your project, there are a few things to keep in mind to help you get the most out of your rental:

• Rent from a reputable dealer: When renting compact construction equipment, it’s important that you work with a reputable dealership with a good return policy and quick response time in case of an emergency. By working with an established equipment dealership, you know you’re getting quality equipment that can get the job done.
• Ask questions: Always ask questions about your equipment before finalizing a rental agreement. Some things to ask a dealership include hours of operation, how to contact someone in case there is a problem with the machinery and any additional fees you should know about.
• Participate in training: Many equipment dealerships offer training programs to help you understand how to operate your machinery safely and efficiently. Whenever available, take advantage of this training so you know how to use the exact equipment model you’re renting. This will help you get started on your project as soon as possible and minimize the risk of unnecessary downtime or injury.

Find Equipment for Your Project at Mustang Cat

If you need compact equipment for your next project, The Mustang Cat Rental Store has the machines, tools and attachments you need⁠— all backed by the unbeatable quality and service that Caterpillar® is known for. As a part of the Mustang Promise, our Cat® rental equipment is available 24/7, and our fleet is equipped with the most up-to-date technology available. We also include a four-hour machine replacement window if necessary.

Need help choosing the best piece of equipment for your job? Contact us and tell us a little bit about your project, and we can help you find what you need. Browse our inventory or find a Mustang Cat location near you to get started today.