10 September 2009

Rentals Verses Buying Heavy Equipment

By Dave Oliver

There are always going to be times when, no matter how carefully a project is planned out, there simply isn't enough equipment on hand to handle the requirements of the job without running out of time. The choices at this point are clear - rent the machines you need or go ahead and make the purchase.

This isn't always an easy decision. We know that rental companies are for profit. The prices are often high, especially for specialized equipment.

Renting equipment puts restrictions on time. Rental periods range from an hourly rate to extended time (sometimes by the month for larger equipment). Prices will vary, but generally, the longer you have the equipment, the less the rental cost per day.

Buying - When you need more equipment and don't want to rent, you can buy your equipment. Buying is the way to go if you plan on using the equipment more.

While the cost may be prohibitive, take into consideration the whole job. A company with a high profit margin and multiple jobs won't have trouble with the rental costs. A smaller company may have to consider renting for a single job.

You may have to purchase equipment once the cost of renting seems to stop making sense. While the initial cost may be a little higher, you can easily determine if it is cost-wise to buy when you factor the cost of renting over several uses versus the cost of purchasing.

When renting equipment, there is a couple of overlooked advantages. There is no need to store large, bulky tools that won't be in frequent use. You also won't be responsible for maintenance if things go wrong.

When renting, per contractual agreements, the rental company is responsible if things go wrong. All it takes is a simple phone call for a replacement. This lowers the cost incurred for maintenance when owning.

When deciding to purchase equipment, it may still be financially wise over the long haul to decide to be responsible for maintaining. When owning the equipment, you can also be sure that it is treated properly to make sure it lasts longer.

When making this decision, take all factors into consideration. Do you want a piece of machinery that will work for you for years to come, or do you just need a quick job with it? It won't matter if it's an owned piece or rental for the job at hand, but the right tools make your work easier.

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