Tips for Renting Heavy Equipment
Many contractors and construction groups find a lot of utility from the option of renting heavy equipment. It’s certainly a cost-effective alternative to buying new equipment, especially if you only need that excavator or auger for a one-off project, but it also helps keep your business up to date with great equipment without the worry of maintenance. When cash flow is tight and budgets tighter, renting might be the only option available to stay in business! Hopefully that’s not the case, but at FMI Equipment, we understand that it can be tough when there’s so much to do and so much specialty equipment to do that work. We want our customers to know their options so they can get good deals and have the right equipment for the job.
That’s why we’ve put together this short guide with some tips to getting the most out of your equipment renting experience. Read on for more information or head into our location in Spokane, Washington, where we proudly serve our neighbors in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho.
Planning Considerations
Before you rent any equipment, consider a few of the details you’ll need to iron out. That might mean reserving the right equipment ahead of time, including getting the money together for a security deposit, let alone the rental cost. You’ll need to consider other charges such as fuel, environmental fees, insurance, and whatever else is thrown at you. It’s also smart to figure out any implements, add-ons, or other special requests you’ll need to make in order to get equipment that’s capable of doing the work you need it for.
Choosing the Right Equipment
The staff at your equipment supplier of choice (like your friends at FMI Equipment!) will be more than happy to answer questions and help you find the equipment you need for any given job. They’ll be able to recommend the right type and size of equipment, as well as help with any organization and logistical concerns.
One of the best parts of renting is getting access to the latest models and technology without going all-in on new equipment! But don’t get too excited. You still need to be fastidious when selecting equipment to rent. Ask to see a maintenance schedule, suss out any on-site help they’ll offer in case the equipment malfunctions, return policies, added fees, offered training, and times for delivery and/or pickup. Not only will questions like this help you figure out if a particular piece of equipment is right for you, it also helps determine the legitimacy of the leasing party. Hopefully this isn’t an issue when dealing with trusted dealers like FMI Equipment!
Operating Concerns
Remember: Safety First! When you operate heavy equipment, you have to be careful and put yourself in the safety mindset. You can do serious damage to property, other workers, or yourself. Take training courses if necessary, or even consider licensing if you find yourself renting heavy equipment often enough. Also be aware of any state or local regulations; the list of details in this matter can get long and particular, so just be aware that you’ll need to read up on the specific equipment you need. And although it may be tempting to share your rented equipment with others, it’s likely more trouble than it’s worth. Many contracts will specifically forbid sharing.
We at FMI Equipment hope some of these tips help you find the best equipment available to rent! If you’re having difficulties figuring out exactly what you need, or you just want to check out our stock of available rental equipment, head into our showroom in Spokane, Washington, where we’re proud to serve all of Spokane Valley as well as our neighbors in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. Come in today and let our team of courteous experts answer all your questions and help you find what you’re looking for.