4 Things You Need to Know Before Renting an Excavator

Nowadays, it is rare to come across a construction site that does not have at least one excavator on site. Since these machines are so versatile, they are a valuable asset to any construction fleet manager, as they complete tasks faster and on a tighter budget. 

Although excavators can technically be used for a wide variety of applications, depending on their attachments, there are a few main types of work that they are needed for most often.

For instance, one of the most common types of jobs for these machines is excavation work. This includes digging trenches or ditches, forming a foundation, lowering a basement floor, or installing an irrigation or drainage system.

Another typical use for excavators is demolition work, such as levelling a building, cleaning debris after a disaster, removing an inground pool, and so on. Indeed, excavators have a very powerful arm that is capable of breaking up a wide range of materials.

In addition, excavators are often used to prepare a job site for landscaping or construction via earthworks jobs, such as land levelling, planting, constructing retainer walls, building water gardens, and removing and disposing of soil. 

If you have such tasks on the horizon, or they are a frequent component of your operation, and you have not added an excavator to your fleet yet, then finding one will make a big difference for you and your crew.

Why is it better to rent an excavator rather than purchase one?

Although your operation’s need for an excavator may be clear, an important decision to make is whether to purchase this piece of equipment or rent it. However, what factors should you consider as you decide?

The following are some of the circumstances under which it is better to rent an excavator rather than buy one:

You Can Avoid Paying for It When Not in Use

Despite the fact that an excavator is a key machine in construction, it may not always be needed for an extensive period of time. Thus, it can be beneficial to have the option to rent it on a short-term basis.

That way, if you are working on a project that only needs an excavator for a short time, you can return it to your rental agency. This way, it will not take up valuable space, and you will not have to worry about finding and paying for storage.

You Can Avoid Maintenance Costs

One of the most expensive parts of owning your own equipment is covering the various regular maintenance costs. Such expenses are impossible to avoid if you want to keep your equipment in good condition.

However, if you rent an excavator from a reputable supplier, the equipment will be regularly maintained and ready to run when it hits your jobsite – at no extra cost to you. This allows you to allocate the funds to other aspects of your business without having to pay for these expenses.

You Can Access the Latest Technology

Since construction equipment rental agencies want to stay ahead of their competitors, they are incentivized to stock the latest and most innovative machinery to keep their customer base happy and comply with emissions regulations.

Therefore, if you rent an excavator, you can try the most recent models and test out the newest tech. Access to this technology will also boost productivity and efficiency on your job site.

What are the most important things to consider before renting an excavator?

After deciding to rent an excavator, there are still a number of vital matters to consider before proceeding. This process is important if you want to ensure that the machine you rent and the rental agreement align with your particular needs.

1. The machine’s size and power

There are many sizes of excavators available, and these various machines pack different levels of power. The size of the excavator you need will likely depend on the details of your project and, more specifically, the amount of ground you have to dig up, as more digging will necessitate a larger machine and bucket combo. 

On the other hand, if your job requires precision work in tight spaces, a mini excavator may be the better option. These machines are much easier to maneuver under such circumstances.

2. The machine’s compatible attachments

If you want to take full advantage of the versatility of your excavator, it is important to pay attention to the types of attachments it is compatible with, such as a hydraulic breaker, an auger, or a plate compactor.

If you are unsure of the exact attachments you require, you should discuss the specifics of your upcoming project with your rental company.

3. The rental period

Once you know exactly what kind of excavator you need, you should sort out how long you need it for. With most rental companies, you can find options to rent by the day, week, month or even seasonally.

Thus, assess exactly how much of your project will require the use of an excavator, and how long you believe that portion of the project will take. This way, you can find a rental agreement that is best suited for you.

4. Your budget

Before deciding on the best excavator rental option, you need to know how much room you have in your budget. In addition to the rental expense, make sure you consider fuel costs, transportation costs, and any other associated fees.

How Oaken Equipment Can Help You Rent the Perfect Excavator for Your Needs

In addition to considering all the important factors mentioned above, it is also necessary to find a reliable excavator rental company to rent from, which is exactly what Oaken Equipment can provide. 

No matter the needs of your upcoming work, we are certain that we have the perfect excavators and attachments to suit your job. With our flexible rental agreements and competitive pricing, you can be confident in the deal that you are getting and happy with the outcomes our equipment helps you achieve. 

For more information about our excavator rental options, or to learn more about the models of excavators we carry in stock, call Oaken Equipment at 1-888-861-1447 or contact us online.