9 Questions to Ask When Renting Heavy Equipment

As a skilled contractor, you know that purchasing construction equipment isn’t always the most cost-efficient choice for your project, or for your company in general. Renting, rather than buying equipment, allows contractors to shift the high start-up cost of a large purchase to a rental agency. Through masonry equipment rentals, contractors can save on the fixed and variable the costs of equipment maintenance and repair.

If you’ve chosen to rent heavy machinery over purchasing, the next decision you’ll need to consider is which rental company you’ll go with. Here are some important points to weigh when choosing a partner for the job: 

How Do I Determine the Best Equipment for My Needs?

Consulting with your project team or industry experts can provide valuable insights into the best equipment options for your needs. Choose equipment that suits your project's size, capacity, and functionality, ensuring a smooth workflow and maximizing productivity. With careful planning and consideration, you can select the right equipment to meet your project's demands.

What Is the Optimal Rental Period for My Project?

Consider the duration of each task and any potential delays that may arise. Additionally, reach out to rental companies like Bracing Systems for guidance based on their experience and the availability of equipment. Strive to strike a balance between completing the project efficiently and minimizing costs.

What Are the Total Costs Involved in the Rental?

Aside from the rental rate, consider factors such as delivery fees, insurance, fuel costs, and any potential penalties for late returns or damages. Request a detailed breakdown of costs from the rental company to ensure transparency and avoid surprises. By carefully assessing the total expenses upfront, you can make informed decisions and avoid budgetary pitfalls during your project.

Is the Equipment Maintained & In Good Condition?

Ensuring the equipment you rent is well-maintained and in good condition is crucial for the success of your project. Inspect the equipment thoroughly before use and confirm that the equipment has been properly maintained to meet the needs of your project. By renting from reputable providers like Bracing Systems, you can rest assured that the equipment is properly maintained, reducing the risk of downtime and most importantly, safety hazards.

What Are the Key Terms of the Rental Agreement?

Understanding the key terms of your rental agreement is essential to avoid any misunderstandings or unexpected costs. Take the time to review the rental agreement carefully and clarify any terms or conditions that you are unsure about. Pay attention to details such as rental duration, payment terms, insurance requirements, and liability clauses. If in doubt, don't hesitate to ask the rental company for clarification. Clear communication and understanding of the terms will ensure a smooth rental experience.

Is Operator Training Provided by the Rental Company?

Many reputable rental companies offer training sessions conducted by experienced professionals to familiarize operators with equipment operation, safety protocols, and maintenance procedures. Prioritize the participation of your team members in these training sessions to enhance their skills and confidence in handling the equipment effectively. Investing in operator training demonstrates a commitment to safety and helps prevent accidents and downtime during project execution.

Does the rental company have the ability to repair the equipment they rent out? 

Everything eventually breaks. That’s why your rental partner should have the capability to provide both preventative and corrective maintenance for all the machines they rent. Working with a rental company without the ability to fix their own equipment adds an unnecessary layer of stress and coordination to an already complex job. 

How Well Do They Screen Their Equipment Suppliers?

The rental company you choose should carry the leading brands, and only brands that manufacture tested and reliable equipment. One of the biggest advantages to renting over purchasing equipment is the ability to take the guess work out of your machinery procurement. For this reason, rental companies must only work with suppliers with stellar reputations. 

Do They Offer a Wide Selection?

The flexibility and convenience of renting versus buying is unmatched. Because of the advent of the equipment rental industry, small to mid-size contractors have the same access to expensive equipment as their large-firm competitors. For all contracting firms, regardless of size, a piece of equipment that isn’t used enough to justify its high purchase cost can still be utilized when necessary. 

That’s why it’s crucial that the rental company you choose offers a wide selection of heavy machinery. One of the biggest of perks of renting is the access to specialized machines that aren’t used in every job. Your company deserves the benefit of niche equipment when you need it. 

Your rental partner should have a fully stocked parts warehouse, with numerous parts already on the shelf. They should also have access to manufacturers for next day delivery, so your job doesn’t lag in the event of an unexpected issue. 

Bracing Systems: Trusted Construction Equipment Rentals

Are you looking to rent construction equipment from a trusted company? You’ve come to the right place. At Bracing Systems, we have an 11-acre inventory of the major leading construction equipment brands for rental. We also pride ourselves on our ability to repair all the equipment in our inventory. 

Contact our team for general advice, or to inquire about a specific construction equipment rental. We’re always happy to help kickstart your project or get your job back on track. Give us a call at (630) 665-2732 or get in touch online.