5 Common Issues with Renting Equipment and How to Avoid Those
Renting equipment instead of purchasing it can be a cost-effective way to ensure you have all the tools you need to complete tasks and meet deadlines. It isn’t always the perfect solution, however. What are the most common issues with obtaining construction rental equipment and how can you avoid them?
1. Not Accounting for Timing
Whether you’re starting a new project or looking for equipment for an existing one, rental timing will be essential. Renting a piece of machinery long before you need it will ensure that you have it on hand when it’s necessary, but you need to account for timing. You’re still paying the rental fees even if you’re not actively using the machinery.
If you rent something and leave it sitting on your lot, it won’t take long before you lose the cost-effective benefits of renting. Be mindful of your timing and don’t rent something before you need it.
2. Not Providing Training for Construction Rental Equipment
Renting machinery is useful, especially if you need a specialty piece for a specific job that you don’t normally do. The problem with this is that your crew may lack the training for these machines. A lack of training can lead to serious accidents and even on-the-job fatalities.
In these cases, the business owner will be liable for workers’ compensation, but they may also find themselves on the hook for replacement expenses. Rental contracts often contain clauses that forbid workers from operating equipment they’re not trained to use.
3. Not Renting the Right Equipment
Tackling a new task or starting a new project can be a fantastic way to expand your repertoire, but you need to ensure you’re getting the right item for the job. There are a lot of different options, and many of them may look similar to one another. Pick the wrong machine, and you may find yourself unable to complete the tasks at hand.
Size is an issue as well, especially if you’re working in enclosed spaces or have a limited area to operate. Talk to your rental agent before you sign on the dotted line. They’ll help you choose the best option for your applications. That way, you’ll get the most out of your rental and avoid wasting money on something you can’t use.
4. Not Choosing a Provider Close to Your Job Site
This point isn’t an issue for small equipment you can throw in the back of a truck, but for massive pieces of heavy machinery, you’ll need to incorporate transportation costs into your budget. If you choose a rental provider a long distance away from your job site, you’ll spend a lot of money moving it.
A nearby dealer won’t always an option if you’re looking for a specific piece of equipment that’s only available in certain areas. In most cases, the easiest way to avoid this issue is to stick to local rental companies, so you don’t have to worry about excessive transportation costs.
5. Not Taking Care of Your Rental Equipment
One of the biggest benefits of renting equipment is that you aren’t responsible for repairs and maintenance, as long as any breakdowns occur as the result of normal use. If you don’t take care of your construction rental equipment, you could find yourself in breach of contract, leaving you responsible for all repair or replacement costs.
The easiest way to avoid this problem is to take care of your rented machines. Stick to maintenance schedules and report any malfunctions to the rental agency as quickly as possible. Maintain your machinery to ensure your company doesn’t end up responsible for costly repairs or fees for breach of contract.
Be Smart About Rentals
Construction rental equipment is a great way to supplement your fleet without spending large amounts of money to purchase new machines. There are a few obstacles involved in this process, but they’re easy to avoid if you’re mindful of your options.
This article was written by Emily Folk, a freelance writer covering topics in green technology and sustainability. You can follow her on her blog, Conservation Folks, or Twitter @EmilySFolk for her latest updates.
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