When Specifying Rental Equipment, Focus on Nature of Facility





By Dan Hounsell, Editor  
OTHER PARTS OF THIS ARTICLEPt. 1: Equipment Rental: Partnering for SuccessPt. 2: This PagePt. 3: Successful Equipment Rental Experiences go Beyond Simple Business TransactionPt. 4: Get Terms of Rental Agreement in Writing


Given the varying nature of facilities, each manager needs to decide on a specific piece of equipment that meets a particular facility's specifications.

"Will it fit into the area we're trying to get to, or do we need something that has a longer boom because we'll be outside that area?" Arnold asks. "Also, is this piece of equipment something that we have to transport ourselves, or can it be delivered to the site? And do we have the capability of transporting it? Is it sized properly for the conditions we're using it in?"

Facilities in which occupants or visitors are near a given work area can present additional challenges.

"Will the equipment be too loud to operate when the school is in session?" Arnold asks. "If kids are trying to take a test or study in class and we're outside the window making a lot of noise, maybe that's the wrong piece of equipment, or maybe it's a scheduling issue. Maybe we have to schedule the work on a weekend. But it increases the over cost if we have to do that."

Turner says in his many experiences renting equipment — from portable air compressors and backhoes to jackhammers and skid steers — he has focused on three priorities:

Worker safety. "We opt to rent or lease equipment because we don't own the proper type, size, or class of equipment needed to safely perform some necessary task. We won't risk our worker's safety by trying to force the wrong equipment to serve in an inappropriate function."

Cost. "The cost of renting or leasing any piece of equipment is always a consideration, even in the best of times. Renting or leasing prices and terms can vary a significant amount from one firm to another, so researching what equipment is available in the area and the associated costs to use it is among the first steps in the decision process."

Availability. "Job-site production is a key factor in making a final decision on exactly which piece of equipment to rent. Optimizing the rental outcome is a reflection of the fit and price of the equipment options and their availability relative to when the equipment is needed on site."


Continue Reading: American Rental Association

Equipment Rental: Partnering for Success

When Specifying Rental Equipment, Focus on Nature of Facility

Successful Equipment Rental Experiences go Beyond Simple Business Transaction

Get Terms of Rental Agreement in Writing



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  posted on 10/19/2013   Article Use Policy




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