Equipment New Contractors Need for 2023

Leppo Rents

Guide to Essential Equipment for New Contractors

Starting a contractor business can be exciting. You’re in control, and there’s so much opportunity for growth and success. It can also be frustrating. How do you find customers? Can you find the labor resources you need? Do you price a project low to make sure you get it, or higher to boost profitability?

There can be frustration with acquiring equipment also. The right equipment can help complete projects faster and more efficiently, putting more money in your pocket. But you can lose money if you aren’t using the equipment, or you pay for frequent repairs.

Don’t worry. We have the answers. The team at Leppo Rents put together a quick guide for new contractors, or even contractors evaluating their equipment fleet.

Basic Equipment for Contractors

The question of what equipment you need really starts with the work you will be doing.

A roofing contractor should have on hand very different equipment than a paving contractor. A specific project may require equipment that you don’t often use.

When planning your fleet, consider the frequency of work in your market. Look at the projects you most frequently place bids on and the pace and schedule of work. If you are frequently bidding on work that requires a backhoe or loader, or the work you receive has a quick start date, then it is a good idea to invest in that equipment.

Even if you need to supplement your existing fleet with rentals, having the equipment on hand can increase the profitability of work and the value you bring to every bid.

Let’s look at a few types of equipment and how they are used.

Tractor

A heavy vehicle designed to deliver significant pulling power at slow speeds. Often used in agriculture or to haul heavy loads.

Compactor

A compactor is a machine that reduces the size of materials such as waste and biomass through compaction.

Excavator

Excavators are industrial machines that move large amounts of material, like rock and soil. They do everything from digging a basement to laying pipe and mining.

Bulldozer

Bulldozers are large, motorized machines that have a metal blade in the front that pushes material such as soil, sand, snow, rubble, and rock.

Loader

A loader is a type of tractor used in construction to move or load materials like soil, rock, sand, demolition debris, etc. There are several types of loaders, including skid steer loaders and track loaders.

Lifts

Also known as access equipment, these machines are designed to move loads vertically. They include equipment like forklifts, and they’re often used during preconstruction or provide platforms for hard-to-reach areas during projects.

Backhoe

Backhoes are tractor cabs that have a fixed arm on the back and a loader in the front. Both the arm and the bucket can be swapped out with other attachments. They are usually used for minor digging projects and moving loads and materials.

Utility Work Vehicles

These vehicles, and similar equipment like motorized wheelbarrows, allow easy movement of heavy loads and quick mobility around a job site.

Other Equipment for Contractors

This is not an inclusive list of the equipment you may need for contract work. It is a basis to start your planning.

Many contractors find use and value in other equipment such as portable air compressors, generators for power on a job site, and light towers to provide safety and protection at night.

Often, an attachment or additional equipment can provide more use for your equipment fleet at a relatively low cost.

Contractor Equipment Rental

As a new construction business, deciding which equipment to invest in can be overwhelming. Technology is constantly changing, new equipment is costly, and your company might be working with a limited budget.

Rental equipment can provide an easy solution to these problems, and the cost of the rental equipment can be included in the bid. Here are a few of the other benefits of renting equipment rather than purchasing it:

Lower initial cost: Renting rather than purchasing avoids the capital expenditure and allows funds and loans to be used on other investments.
Wider selection of equipment: By renting, you can choose the equipment you need specifically for the work.
Utilize newer equipment: Rental equipment is typically newer, and with the right rental partner, well maintained.
Try it out: You can test equipment before purchasing to find the brand or equipment you like best.
Eliminate storage and maintenance costs: The cost of storing, repairing, and maintaining the equipment is handled by the rental company.
Reduced risk: Damage to the equipment or insurance is typically included in the rental agreement, reducing risk for your business.

Jump-Start Your Contracting Business

You aren’t alone in starting your contracting business.

Leppo Rents has been supporting new entrepreneurs and business owners in opening, launching, and growing their contracting businesses. We have experts on staff available to answer questions and look at purchasing, renting, or leasing equipment. They can work with you as you plan a job, ensuring you have the right equipment at an affordable price.

Leppo also offers repairs, service, and parts to ensure your equipment is well maintained and works correctly for every job.