Reasons to Rent Equipment for Highway Construction Projects

Highway construction projects demand a wide range of powerful machines, from pavers and compactors to dozers and dump trucks. Purchasing such a fleet requires enormous investment and ongoing maintenance, which can strain even the most established contractors. For most companies, the smarter choice is renting. With highway construction equipment rentals, you gain flexible access to the exact machines your job requires for as long as you need them.

Essential Highway Construction Equipment Rentals

Asphalt pavers place asphalt smoothly and evenly across roads. Options include conveyor-fed machines for continuous paving or tilt-hopper models for added control. Contractors often rent pavers to expand capacity during peak roadbuilding season without permanent ownership costs.  

Cold planers remove asphalt layers and mill road surfaces. Their precision makes them ideal for patching or preparing surfaces for repaving. Rental allows contractors to deploy these machines for specific resurfacing projects without tying up capital.  

Reclaimers recycle road material by pulverizing existing pavement and mixing it with stabilizing agents. They save costs and promote sustainability. Because they are highly specialized, most contractors rent reclaimers only when projects demand them.  

Road wideners place aggregate or asphalt outside existing lanes, making them essential for road expansion. Rental ensures contractors can scale up quickly for widening jobs.   

Compactors flatten soil, gravel and asphalt into dense layers. Smooth drum rollers are suited for asphalt; padfoot rollers are best for wet, clay-like dirt. Renting compactors allows contractors to match roller type to each project phase.   

Dozers move earth, clear land and level ground. With blades and ripper attachments, they handle site prep efficiently. Rentals provide flexibility for large-scale or short-term project work.  

Motor graders level and smooth surfaces before paving. Contractors frequently rent graders to achieve precise grades without owning a dedicated unit year-round.   

Dump trucks haul materials in and out of jobsites. Renting ensures access to either on- or off-highway models for wherever you need to work.   

Wheel loaders move aggregate, fill trucks and support material handling. Renting lets contractors supplement fleets with the right size loader during peak demand.   

Excavators dig trenches, remove old road sections and pick and place heavy materials. Compact radius models help you work in tight spaces; long reach models expand reach for distant work. Rentals provide just the right size excavator for the job.  

Supplies and Attachments for Roadwork

Highway construction also requires attachments and support equipment. The Cat^® Rental Store provides a wide selection, including:  

• Arrow panels and message boards: Keep traffic safe during roadwork.
• Broom attachments: Sweep away debris for clean surfaces.  
• Concrete saws: Cut through asphalt or concrete precisely.  
• Hydraulic hammers: Break concrete or rock for road removal.  
• Jackhammers: Handheld tools for demolition and surface prep.  

These tools help streamline workflow and keep projects on schedule. Renting ensures you’ll have access to safety-critical signage and specialized attachments only when needed.  

Why Rent Instead of Buy for Highway Projects?

Renting highway construction equipment provides multiple advantages:  

• Lower upfront costs: Avoid capital investment in large machines that may only be used seasonally.
• Fleet flexibility: Scale equipment up or down depending on project size and duration.
• Access to specialized machines: Rent reclaimers, cold planers, or road wideners only when needed.
• Reduced maintenance burden: Rental providers service and maintain machines to Cat standards.
• Latest technology: Access equipment with advanced grading and compaction features.  

By renting, contractors maximize efficiency while maintaining financial flexibility.  

See What The Cat® Rental Store Can Offer You

The Cat Rental Store offers one of the industry’s largest inventories of highway construction equipment. Benefits include:   

• Flexible rental terms: daily, weekly, or monthly.   
• Dealer support for selecting the right machines.   
• Well-maintained equipment serviced to Cat standards.   
• A global network of 1,300+ locations.   
• Ability to request a quick quote online.  

Call 1-800-RENT-CAT to learn more about highway construction equipment rentals.