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Benefits of Renting Equipment in the Cold Months
We know that the winter months can be a tough time for construction projects and crews. During this time, specific equipment and tools are vital for creating a safe environment for workers and pedestrians, especially during inclement weather.
Specialized equipment such as power generators, temperature control systems and attachments for snow removal equipment may be needed during times of snowfall or during the aftermath of a recent storm. For this reason, many companies have turned to winter equipment rentals to meet the demand and have the equipment on hand when needed.
If you’re wondering whether to rent or buy equipment for your winter construction projects, we strongly recommend renting. Here are eight reasons why renting heavy equipment during the winter months is better than buying it:
Rental equipment can come in handy when your existing equipment is out of service due to maintenance or repair, or when you need additional machinery to complete a project. Renting can keep your projects moving forward by filling gaps within equipment capabilities. This ensures that your project is completed on time and within budget despite the challenges posed by winter weather conditions.
Snow equipment such as snowblowers, snowplows, and snow pushers are only necessary during and after a snowstorm. However, if you are in an area that rarely experiences snowfall, renting winter equipment when you need it will be more cost effective.
Renting equipment offers daily, weekly, and monthly rates are available. Offering the flexibility of short-term and long-term rentals. Renting equipment offers significant tax breaks and will allow you to write off the rental cost as an operational expense since leases count as a tax deduction.
Renting equipment for your winter tasks will also save you on transportation fees. Buying your own equipment requires paying for your driver to pick it up, having vehicles on hand to transport the machinery, purchasing permits for moving the equipment, paying maintenance fees and taking out extra coverage for auto liability and theft protection.
Perhaps one of the biggest concerns when owning machinery is where to store it. Storage for seasonally used equipment can be especially problematic since the equipment will have to sit there for months.
Owning equipment requires storage space and shelter which can be costly, but not any space will do. The storage space must be indoors, clean, and solid to protect machinery from dirt and moisture that can leave it prone to rust.
Storing heavy equipment in winter requires additional preparation, such as parking it next to a fence to guard it from the wind and covering it with a tarp. In addition, ground protection is often necessary to protect the ground from damage caused by driving heavy equipment on it.
However, winter equipment rentals exempt you from these issues. Once the rental period ends, you return the equipment and never have to worry about where or how to store it.
Buying the latest equipment can be expensive, and you may not have the capital to do so. However, with rental costs being more affordable, you can have access to the latest equipment, when and where you need it.
Furthermore, if you are uncertain about a particular piece of machinery and would like to explore your options before making a final purchase, renting is the better option. Renting machinery allows you to try out a machine before you commit to buying it. When the rental contract ends, you can purchase the machine or try an alternative piece of equipment.
As mentioned earlier, winter equipment rentals relieve you of where to store the equipment during the cold months. As a result, your facility will have additional floor space that would otherwise be occupied by permanent machinery.
With additional floor space you can keep your jobsite cleaner and safer for your workers, creating a more efficient work area. Also, you can make extra space or enlarge current workspaces.
As you are aware, maintaining heavy equipment is a job in itself. Inspecting the tires, taking care of the undercarriage, checking the fluids, keeping the tank full and making sure the batteries are in good condition are just a few of the things that must be attended to regularly.
As time goes on, equipment tends to require more maintenance. However, renting equipment during the winter can help reduce this burden as the rental dealer is responsible for maintaining it. If there is an issue with the equipment, all you need to do is inform the dealer and they will take care of any necessary repairs.
Renting equipment from a dealer comes with the advantage of jobsite delivery. When renting equipment for your winter tasks, the included delivery service eliminates the necessity of hiring a driver to transport the machinery and obtaining permits for moving the equipment, plus reduces risk. This makes the rental process more convenient for you.
The biggest advantage to renting is the opportunity to work with a partner that will support you every step of the way. We understand the importance of getting the equipment you need when you need it. We also know time and budget constraints can cause you additional stress. Let us help.
At Leppo Rents, our professionals strive to make the necessary equipment available when and where you need it. We will help you find the right equipment you’re looking for, deliver the equipment wherever you are, and send a trained technician to fix your equipment any time there are issues.
Get the equipment you need from people who want you to succeed.