A Complete Guide to Construction Equipment Rentals

Many contractors and construction businesses turn to rental equipment for their temporary project needs. Renting lets you obtain the equipment you require without taking on the responsibility of ownership. If you’re considering this route, we created this guide to cover all the basics of renting construction equipment, including:

• Reasons to rent equipment
• How to choose the right machine for the job
• Types of equipment you can rent
• Whether you need a short- or long-term rental agreement
• Other tips to keep in mind when renting equipment

After browsing this guide, you’ll have the information you need to help you make a more knowledgeable decision about renting heavy machinery for your next project.

Why Rent Construction Equipment?

In 2022, the global construction rental equipment market was worth $187.46 billion. It’s projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.12% until 2030. Renting equipment is an increasingly mainstream option, especially for companies that:

• Have a limited budget to spend upfront.
• Have minimal space to store an extensive equipment fleet.
• Are newly entering the industry or getting their business off the ground.
• Regularly handle specialized, short-term or diverse projects, thus requiring many machines.
• Want to try out different options to see what would benefit their operations most.

Renting provides a flexible solution to get the machines you need quickly, making it a popular avenue for small and large companies alike.

1. Ability to Try Before Buying

Renting lets you test out several types of equipment. You can determine which machines, sizes, features and capabilities best accommodate your needs. Plus, if the unit you rent turns out to be incompatible with the job, you won’t be stuck with it. Return it and try something different.

Finding the right equipment often takes some trial and error, so don’t hesitate to rent and experiment with multiple options. Should you decide to buy equipment someday, you can purchase it with confidence since you’ll know precisely what you’re looking for.

2. Cost Savings

Renting your construction machinery provides multiple opportunities to save money. You don’t have to pay a large sum upfront since you won’t own the equipment. This aspect makes rental construction equipment an excellent option for businesses with limited capital. If you’re a startup company, you can begin accepting projects without purchasing a full fleet of equipment.

You can also avoid other expenses associated with equipment purchases and ownership, such as:

• Maintenance, servicing and repairs
• Replacement parts
• Workshop space to perform repairs
• Equipment storage space

3. Flexibility to Support Your Schedule and Demand

Every contractor knows that no two projects are the same. Every job has unique specifications, including size, scope, timeline and required equipment. If you constantly take on diverse projects in different locations, the same fleet won’t always deliver the desired results. Renting lets you obtain the right equipment whenever you need it.

Plus, construction can be unpredictable. You never know when an unplanned project or hurdle will arise. Say a high-priority project with a fast-approaching deadline comes up, or your team must complete a job sooner than anticipated. Maybe you have to redo a task you initially thought was complete. Whatever the case, if you’re ever in a bind for equipment, renting provides a flexible way to get the temporary solutions you require.

Cat^® Equipment Rental Options Available at Warren CAT

Caterpillar is a global leader in construction equipment. It’s known for its impeccable quality, performance, durability and technology. At Warren CAT, we’re proud to offer our clients various Cat construction equipment rental options. Whether roadwork, landscaping, building construction or demolition, we have solutions for nearly any project — large or small.

1. Bulldozers

From construction and forestry to snow removal, bulldozers accommodate a variety of tasks. They come in a wide range of sizes, from compact to mid-sized to large models. This range makes it easy to find the right solution for your job, whether clearing a small area of land or moving large amounts of soil and gravel.

2. Excavators

Excavators are fantastic tools for digging applications. Excavators come in a range of sizes and include a boom, arm and bucket, letting the operator dig, lift and move different materials across the job site.

You can choose an excavator with tracks or wheels, depending on your project needs and the terrain. Wheeled configurations are better suited to flat, level ground, while tracked excavators can handle rocky and irregular terrain.

3. Articulated Dump Trucks

An articulated dump truck can transport and dump materials across a worksite with incredible efficiency. In some cases, you can take it on public roads. It’s a staple for construction, mining and demolition projects and can haul large volumes of durable materials, such as:

• Soil
• Asphalt
• Building debris
• Sand
• Gravel
• Lumber
• Brick
• Steel

You can choose a unit based on your hauling requirements. If your projects involve sturdier materials like stone, rock and metal, you’ll need something with a higher payload capacity. If you’re working with lightweight materials like sand and low-density soil, a smaller payload capacity will suffice.

4. Backhoe Loaders

Sporting a digging arm and bucket, a backhoe loader can tackle a range of tasks, including:

• Digging and moving materials
• Landscaping
• Road work
• Snow removal
• Small-scale demolitions like breaking asphalt or concrete

Backhoe loaders are especially great for farming and agricultural tasks. They can complete jobs like tilling soil, hauling hay, digging holes and constructing fences. You can also equip your unit with different attachments, depending on your project requirements.

Compact backhoes are ideal for smaller jobs. You can opt for a larger model if you need more digging depth and horsepower.

5. Compactors

If your project involves compressing materials like soil, dirt and gravel, a compactor is a must-have piece of rental equipment. Compactors exert a downward force on these materials. This process removes air pockets, packs the particles together and levels the terrain.

These machines are ideal for:

• Compacting soil for building foundations.
• Preparing and compressing base materials for driveways, paths and walkways.
• Compacting materials for road construction and repair.
• Leveling soil in trenches and excavations for laying pipes or cables.
• Stabilizing the soil beneath landscaping features like patios and retaining walls.

6. Telehandlers

A telehandler is a hydraulic machine used to lift, carry and place heavy material loads. Its seamless maneuverability and compact frame allow it to navigate small spaces. Unlike some forklifts that only lift vertically, telehandlers can reach up, out and over obstacles. Telehandlers have a range of lift heights and capacities, letting them extend further.

You can also fit telehandlers with multiple attachments for different tasks, such as forks, hooks, booms and buckets. These machines fulfill an array of construction, agricultural and landscaping applications.

Determining the Necessary Equipment

Several factors determine the best machine to rent, from the type of terrain to the overall size of your worksite. Considering these aspects will allow you to choose a rental option that will help you get the job done more easily and accurately.

1. Project Scope

Think about the different tasks your project will entail. For example, the job might involve compressing and leveling soil for a home foundation or breaking and removing concrete to replace a sidewalk. Depending on the job scope and the number of tasks involved, you may require one or more machines.

Sometimes, you can rent one machine and equip it with multiple attachments to help you tackle various applications. Make a list of the tasks you’ll be completing, and establish what your budget can cover in terms of rental equipment and attachments.

2. Worksite Conditions

Remember that different equipment types are better for certain job site conditions than others. Factors such as soil density, ambient temperatures and terrain can all impact the type of machine you choose.

For example, if your project involves steep slopes or uneven terrain, you might choose a tracked excavator over a wheeled one. If you’re distributing and compacting layers of asphalt over a flat, even surface, an asphalt paver can be a notable asset. If the paver is not self-propelled, you might also rent a dump truck to tow it.

Consider your worksite’s conditions and terrain when determining the right type of rental equipment. Generally, wheels are better for stable, level terrain. They’re also handy if your project involves on-road driving, provided the law permits them on public streets.

In comparison, tracks are better for unstable conditions like mud, snow, rocks and wet surfaces. Tracked equipment evenly distributes the weight over vast surface areas to provide better traction. Increased traction means the machine can also climb hills and sloped surfaces with ease.

3. Equipment Size Requirements

Size is a critical consideration in your rental equipment decision, as it will influence your project’s efficiency. A common assumption is that the largest and most powerful equipment does the job most effectively. However, bigger isn’t always better when it comes to construction equipment.

For example, commercial and residential lots tend to offer less space, thus limiting your equipment size options. A full-size excavator may get the job done faster, but it may not have enough space to turn around and comfortably maneuver the site. Additionally, overhead obstructions like powerlines and beams can present size and reach capacity restrictions.

Likewise, you don’t want to rent a machine that’s too small for the task. Using a compact machine for a heavy-duty job can strain and overload the equipment, potentially damaging the unit. Consider the physical area, horsepower requirements and necessary reach capacity when determining the right rental equipment size.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rentals

Both short- and long-term rentals are flexible, cost-saving options. However, one might better align with your business and project needs than the other.

A short-term rental contract is ideal if your project only spans a few days or weeks. In some cases, you can rent on a day-to-day or hourly basis if you only need a machine for a quick, simple task. Once you’re done with the equipment, simply return it to the dealer. Short-term rentals let you try out different options before committing to a longer rental contract or purchase.

A long-term rental arrangement is practical when you need the equipment for more extended periods. These contracts can span anywhere from a month to over a year. They also typically cover repair and maintenance services. Should a breakdown occur, you can easily reach out to your dealer and swap out the equipment. If you need construction equipment for a prolonged duration but aren’t ready to commit to ownership, a long-term rental agreement may be right up your alley.

Other General Tips for Renting Construction Equipment

Following certain best practices can help you maximize your heavy machinery rental use and get the most for your investment.

• Develop a plan. Before renting equipment, map out a project plan so you can accurately estimate how long you’ll need the machinery. Determine a ballpark project timeline and budget. If you need the equipment longer than you anticipated, you can easily contact your rental provider to extend your rental contract. Remember to account for the weather forecast during planning, as well. Certain conditions — such as severe heat, wind and storms — can affect equipment performance and potentially set back completion times.
• Train your team. Teach your crew how to use rental equipment if they aren’t familiar with it. Attempting to learn new machines as they complete projects can significantly reduce productivity. It also increases the risk of misuse, operator incidents and equipment damage.
• Keep the rental unit secure. Make sure you have a safe place to store the equipment, especially if you’re renting long-term. If you don’t have access to a warehouse or other storage facility, you can contact an equipment storage provider in your local area.
• Choose properly maintained rental equipment. Finally, you’ll want to rent from a company with expertly maintained, well-cared-for equipment. At Warren CAT, our technicians meticulously inspect and maintain every machine in our fleet. That way, we can ensure the highest degree of performance, reliability and efficiency for our clients. We also provide full-service equipment maintenance and product support with our rental agreements.

Contact Us for Construction Equipment Rentals in Oklahoma and West Texas

If you want to rent equipment for your upcoming construction project, Cat equipment can deliver the unparalleled performance and accuracy your tasks require. Warren CAT offers Cat construction equipment rentals in West Texas and Oklahoma.

We’re your expert source for Cat equipment rentals, parts and services. Our team is ready to connect you with high-quality machinery for your unique projects and tasks. Browse our inventory of rental equipment to find what you need today.

Do you have questions about our products or construction equipment rental services? Contact us online or give us a call at 866-292-7736.