For many contractors, it makes more sense to rent equipment they don’t use daily rather than buy it. After all, why invest in expensive tools and pay for periodic maintenance if they are rarely used?
This is one reason why more and more contractors are turning to renting excavators instead of purchasing them.
Do you have a project and are considering renting an excavator? In this article, our heavy machinery rental experts explain what types of projects are suitable for renting this heavy equipment. You will also learn how to choose the right excavator for your project and how rental pricing is determined in the heavy machinery rental industry.
TYPES OF WORK THAT MAY REQUIRE RENTING AN EXCAVATOR
Excavators are highly versatile construction equipment, significantly reducing the effort and time required for various types of work.
1 – EXCAVATION WORK
As the name suggests, excavators are primarily designed to excavate, meaning to dig into the ground.
There are many excavation tasks that can be performed much more efficiently with a rented excavator:
- Digging a trench or ditch.
- Installing an irrigation or drainage system.
- Digging a basement.
- Excavating foundations.
- Waterproofing foundations.
- And many other projects requiring soil excavation.
No matter the project, if you need to dig, you can significantly reduce timelines by renting heavy equipment rather than relying on manual tools.
Excavators also make it easier to manage the amount of soil excavated. With their articulated arm, they can load the soil into a trailer or dump truck, which can then be transported to a designated disposal site.
2 – DEMOLITION WORK
If you are planning demolition work, renting an excavator can also make your life much easier.
This type of heavy machinery isn’t just for digging. It is also very effective in demolition tasks such as:
- Demolishing an in-ground pool.
- Demolishing a building (house, garage, etc.).
- Demolition after a disaster.
- Demolishing a concrete slab.
- And many more.
The power of an excavator’s arm is sufficient to break down various types of construction materials. However, for tougher materials, you may need to rent an excavator equipped with a hydraulic hammer or other compatible attachments. To better grasp materials and place them in a container, you may want to replace the excavator’s bucket with a grapple.
3 – LANDSCAPING WORK
Landscaping work includes all operations to prepare land for a construction project or outdoor development.
It goes without saying that most of this work requires heavy machinery, as it involves moving large amounts of soil or fill materials.
Here are some landscaping tasks for which you might rent an excavator:
- Leveling land.
- Building retaining walls.
- Planting work.
- Building water gardens.
- Soil Removal and disposal.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING AN EXCAVATOR RENTAL
Before contacting a heavy machinery rental company to reserve an excavator, it’s important to clearly identify your needs.
Depending on your operator skills and what you intend to do with the rented excavator, you’ll likely need a specific excavator model or even rent compatible attachments.
COMPATIBLE EQUIPMENT AND ATTACHMENTS
Excavators are highly versatile machines, particularly because their bucket can be replaced with other equipment that is more effective in certain situations:
- Shears.
- Ripper tooth.
- Hydraulic thumb.
- Hydraulic hammer.
- Auger.
- Grapple.
- And more.
So, don’t hesitate to share your project with your rental company, so they can suggest the most suitable equipment. They may even recommend renting another type of machinery, like a tracked loader, instead of an excavator.
EXCAVATOR POWER AND SIZE
Depending on your project, you’ll also need to choose the appropriate excavator size. Generally, the larger the amount of soil you need to move, the more powerful and larger the excavator you should rent.
For instance, you should rent a 25-ton excavator instead of a 16-ton one if you’re planning large-scale excavation work for a multiplex.
On the other hand, for work that requires precision or must be done in confined spaces, like sewer or water main repairs, it may be preferable to rent a 1.7-ton mini excavator.
To ensure you make the right choice, take a look at the rental excavators’ specifications, such as lifting capacity, loading height, and digging depth.
PRICE TO RENT AN EXCAVATOR
If you intend to rent an excavator for a project, you may be wondering how much you’ll need to invest.
The answer to this question will vary depending on several factors:
RENTAL DURATION
The cost of renting an excavator is generally based on a daily, weekly, or monthly rate. Typically, weekly or monthly rates are more cost-effective.
For example, for a 1.7-ton mini excavator, you can expect to pay around $200 per day, $800 per week, or $2,400 per month as a base rate.
However, most rental companies will impose a certain daily usage limit. If you exceed this limit, you’ll have to pay an additional amount for each extra hour of use.
ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES
If you want to add extra equipment to your excavator rental, like a hydraulic hammer, expect additional daily, weekly, or monthly charges.
FUEL
Most heavy equipment runs on diesel. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of fuel when estimating the total rental price for an excavator.
DELIVERY FEES
Excavators are not designed to be driven on public roads. That’s why, when you rent one, the rental company will need to deliver it to you.
Delivery fees typically vary based on the distance to be traveled and the size of the excavator.
OPERATOR FEES
Operating an excavator safely and effectively isn’t something you can learn overnight. There are several skills to acquire to complete the job without damaging nearby structures or injuring other workers.
This is one reason why many rental companies offer to “rent” the services of an excavator operator. While this can help you complete your project faster, you will also need to pay additional fees for the operator’s services.
CHANTHIER RENTAL: YOUR PARTNER FOR EXCAVATOR RENTALS
In conclusion, renting an excavator can bring several benefits, provided you choose the right options regarding the model, rental duration, and all other aspects covered in this article.
To ensure you make the right decision and avoid any hassles, rent your excavator from Chanthier Excavation. Our advisors will guide you toward the heavy equipment you need and offer a rental package tailored to your needs. Contact us!