Masonry Magazine August 2011 Page. 34
RENTALS
Price is a prime consideration, but the lowest rate doesn't always ensure the greatest value.
The rationale is a function of continued uncertain market conditions that make rental of equipment desirable.
"With the cost of new equipment in the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, a contractor needs to be very sure of future demand for new equipment," Hazelton says. "Very few have that confidence just now, so as they win projects, they opt to rent. This behavior will be most pronounced in the near-term.
"The severity of this recession forced many contractors to de-fleet and to age what fleet they kept," he continues. "So, as they win new jobs, there may not be the equipment at hand to deploy, which will reinforce rental's potential."
Wehrman adds that, while some say credit is loosening, it also remains difficult for many to obtain financing for equipment purchases. "If you find yourself in this position, renting offers access to a wide variety of equipment as needed for the job at hand," he says.
Rental companies also are focused on customer service and helping customers find the right equipment to most efficiently complete a job, rather than trying to "make do" with a different piece of equipment. Rental equipment also is well-maintained, and inventory usually includes later models with the latest safety features.
Rental companies offer equipment experts who can become trusted and valued partners to help contractors achieve goals and efficiently complete projects with the right tools at the right time. The rental company's trained professionals should be able to help customers evaluate and secure the right equipment for the job at hand as well as provide training on how to properly use the equipment.
For many, price is a prime consideration, but the lowest rate doesn't always ensure the greatest value or least cost when renting equipment. Other factors to consider include the availability of equipment, proximity of the rental store to the jobsite and customer service.
Equipment rental inventory is turned regularly, providing later equipment models with the newest safety features, emissions controls and better fuel economy that meet new governmental requirements.
What most contractors and construction companies usually look for from a rental store are well-maintained equipment that works as promised, prompt delivery and the ability to reach someone at any time of the day or night, if there's a problem with a machine.