Most construction equipment rental companies are leaning towards smarter machines deeming tech as a necessity to assist in counteract the current labour shortage within the construction industry. Especially in the realm of heavy machines such as excavators, skid steers and dozers, tech improvements in these machines are filling the void of experienced operators for instance that allow novice operators to be more versatile and be able to perform tasks that conventionally only experienced operators were able to perform within the set time durations.
Currently the equipment rental business make it a point to own more state-of-the art mid-range machines such as 10T excavators readily available for hire. For the most part compact heavy machines are high in demand provided they come with savvy tech systems such as Grade Assist, Load Sensors and Hydraulic Coupling Systems which are deemed as the stalwart elements of the entire construction equipment rental sphere.
According to most heavy machine rental company owners, the fastest movers’ or rather the highest rental frequency comes from compact excavator range that falls below the 10T category. 10T excavators are taken for hire the most by general contractors due to the versatility of these excavators that fit snuggly between the compact and standard excavator. Another factor that makes these machines popular is the technological advancements that are being introduced into this particular excavator category by manufacturers.
These machines are in general are filling the current labour gap, whereas the technology that comes with these machines fills the skill gap. Mike Fitzgerald who is the marketing manager for Bobcat indicated that 10 tonne excavator hire machinery are the fastest moving equipment along with tractor-loader backhoes and skid steers within the same weight class. The same perspective was given by Volvo’s head of national rental accounts, Kent Somerville adding that the 10T and below equipment category is flourishing.
The improvements on these machines have come a long way as they have effectively addressed the regulatory requirements, enhanced the fuel efficiency for these machines that generally have tiered engines. Some improvements has a direct impact on maintenance costs, for instance, Bobcat has lengthened the oil change requirements which reduces maintenance costs significantly which naturally enhances return on investment for these rental companies.
The most important factor for heavy machine rental companies is to understand the needs of their client objectively which in general revolve around reducing cost and increasing productivity. Rental Company operators must therefore know the project requirements of their clients and what it is that the client is trying to achieve and serve them with the equipment they need.
More often than not, clients may be asking for machines that might not serve the project objectives optimally and this is where in-depth knowledge of the fleet comes into play. By understanding what contractors are trying to do and the tasks that they are trying to perform, rental companies would be able to serve clients better.