Landscaping Equipment Rental Tips for Beginners

Renting equipment is typically the most practical and cost-effective solution for landscaping professionals. The business's seasonal nature means you don't need equipment throughout the year, so renting helps you avoid storage costs during the off-season. If you're just starting out, you might not have the funds to invest in an equipment purchase or the credit to finance it. 

If you're a new landscaper, you might be unsure of what factors to consider when renting equipment. The following guide can help you make a more informed decision. 

8 Tips for Renting Landscaping Equipment

The top landscaping equipment rental tips include:

1. Focus on the Task at Hand

Since funds are probably tight, you want to spend money on rentals that you'll actually need at a specific site. Before each project, make a list of all the landscaping tasks you'll be performing and the equipment you'll need to execute them. 

One of the advantages of renting from a reputable, full-service provider is that if you discover you've overlooked a machine, you can acquire it quickly and have it delivered to the site. 

2. Assess the Scale and Scope

The size and scope of landscaping projects can vary widely and impact your equipment choices. For residential jobs, you'll likely need more compact machines like mini excavators, compact track loaders, and skid steer loaders that provide more maneuverability in confined areas and leave a lighter footprint that reduces the risk of soil and turf damage. 

Commercial projects may require the largest versions of these machines or other bigger, more powerful equipment types. 

3. Know the Terrain

The type of ground you're working on can also influence your equipment choice. If you're on flat, even ground, wheeled machines allow you to move faster and provide additional agility. Tracked machines offer better traction on rougher surfaces or grades and improve performance on muddy or soft turf. 

4. Choose the Appropriate Size

Many earthmoving machines are available in sizes ranging from compact to large. Selecting the proper size ensures you'll have enough power for the task. You'll also avoid overspending on inefficient operation or equipment that's too large and expensive for your applications. 

5. Consider the Time Period

Most rental companies offer the opportunity to rent equipment by the day, week, month, or longer term. Leasing or renting to own may also be an option. Generally, the daily rate decreases as the rental term increases. Therefore, it's important to compare the rates and make the most cost-effective choice based on how long you'll need — or think you'll need — the equipment. 

6. Keep It Simple

New rental equipment often has advanced technologies designed to enhance productivity and increase safety. However, if you're new to landscaping and you or your operators are inexperienced with using specific machines, it might be better to rent an older, less complex model with fewer bells and whistles. Your learning curve will be shorter, and you won't waste valuable time getting familiar with the equipment. 

7. Utilize Attachments When Possible

Most compact earthmoving equipment is compatible with various landscaping-friendly attachments like rakes, trenchers, pallet forks, augers, and buckets. Using these tools enables you to transform a machine into a multifunctional workhorse. The ability to perform several tasks with one piece of equipment can significantly reduce your costs and allow you to complete more work in less time. 

8. Safety First

Regardless of the types of landscaping equipment you're renting, it's crucial to implement a safety-first mindset. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the machine, especially the safety features. Review the owner's manual and follow the recommendations for appropriate operation. Many top rental providers offer training programs to help renters learn how to use their equipment correctly. 

Also, inspect the rental before you sign on the dotted line. Look for damage or wear that could impact the equipment's performance and possibly pose a safety risk. 

Let The Cat^® Rental Store Be Your Guide

The Cat^® Rental Store has all the equipment you require for a successful landscaping business launch. Get competitively priced machines and attachments from leading manufacturers and flexible daily, weekly, monthly, or long-term programs. We can also provide expert landscaping equipment rental tips to ensure you choose the right models and understand how to use them productively and safely. 

Contact Us for More information and a Quote

Visit the store near you to get a closer look at our landscaping equipment rentals and meet our professional team. You can also contact us online to request a quote or call us at 1-800-RENT-CAT for assistance.