3 Important Questions to Ask When Renting Heavy-Duty Tools and Equipment

Renting heavy-duty tools and equipment can allow you to handle certain jobs at home that would otherwise require a contractor; you can save money by renting the equipment instead and ensure the job gets done right and according to your schedule when you manage it yourself. When you are ready to rent some heavy-duty pieces, note a few important questions to ask the equipment hire company. This will ensure you get the right equipment and know what's involved in its rental.

1. Ask how the equipment arrives

You may find that some rental agencies tell you that larger tools and such pieces will easily fit in your family sedan, but you might want to consider this carefully. Even if you could fit an oversized pump, core drill, or other power tools in your trunk, you might not want to risk damaging the upholstery or weighing down your car. Note if they have a trailer available and what type of hitch it would need or if you can easily rent a truck or other piece for getting those larger tools and equipment home, if they're not delivered.

2. Discuss the attachments needed for your job

If you're renting a bobcat, small crane, or any type of heavy-duty tool, ask the rental agency about attachments that are available and that might work well for the job at hand. You might not realize that a bobcat has a brush cutter that could make quick work of tearing through high weeds in the area where you need to do some excavating and a broom attachment that will allow you to clean up just as quickly. Rather than relying on your own expertise when it comes to attachments or assuming that a standard attachment will suffice, don't hesitate to speak up and ask for assistance.

3. Ask about cleaning

Always note how clean the equipment needs to be before it can get returned. This might mean a simple hosing off of a bobcat or other digger or a full heavy-duty rinse with a power washer and detergent of the bucket and other pieces. You also want to ensure that you know how equipment should be cleaned so that you don't damage any of its electrical or moving parts with a hose or power washer or with any type of scrub brush. Ask if they have recommendations for cleaning the equipment and ask what to avoid so you don't risk losing a deposit due to damage.