Compact Power Equipment Rental

Types of compact power equipment

Mini excavators

Mini excavators (also called compact excavators) are the most versatile digging machines for residential and light commercial work.

• Size range. 1-8 tonnes operating weight; 1-3 tonne units most common for rental.
• Dig depth. 1.5-4 metres (5-13 feet) depending on size.
• Common uses. Trenching, foundation excavation, pond digging, tree removal, drainage work.
• Key features. 360° rotation, rubber tracks, hydraulic thumb option, multiple bucket sizes.
• Rental rates. $200-400 per day; $600-1,200 per week for 1-3 tonne units.

Skid steer loaders

Skid steers are compact, maneuverable machines that accept dozens of different attachments.

• Size range. 700-1,500 kg (1,500-3,300 lb) rated operating capacity.
• Common uses. Material handling, grading, snow removal, demolition, landscaping.
• Key features. Compact footprint, zero-turn capability, quick-attach system for accessories.
• Attachments available. Buckets, forks, augers, trenchers, grapples, sweepers, snow blades.
• Rental rates. $200-350 per day; $700-1,400 per week.

Compact track loaders

Track loaders combine skid steer versatility with better traction and lower ground pressure.

• Advantages over wheeled skid steers. Better traction on soft ground, less turf damage, improved stability on slopes.
• Trade-offs. Higher rental cost, slower travel speed, track maintenance.
• Best for. Soft or wet ground, finished landscapes, slope work.
• Rental rates. $250-450 per day; $900-1,800 per week.

Mini skid steers (stand-on)

Compact walk-behind or stand-on loaders for tight access areas.

• Size. Width as narrow as 90 cm (36 inches) for gate access.
• Capacity. 200-500 kg (450-1,100 lb) operating capacity.
• Best for. Backyard projects, hardscaping, tight spaces, interior demolition.
• Rental rates. $150-275 per day; $500-900 per week.

Compact wheel loaders

Small articulated loaders for material handling and light grading.

• Advantages. Faster travel, better for loading trucks, good on hard surfaces.
• Common sizes. 0.5-1.5 cubic metre bucket capacity.
• Best for. Aggregate handling, snow removal, farm work.
• Rental rates. $250-400 per day; $800-1,500 per week.

Trenchers

Dedicated trenching machines for utility installation.

• Types. Walk-behind, ride-on, and attachment versions.
• Trench sizes. 10-30 cm (4-12 inches) wide; depths to 1.5 metres (5 feet).
• Best for. Irrigation, electrical, drainage, and utility lines.
• Rental rates. $150-350 per day for ride-on units.

Choosing the right equipment

Assess your project needs

Before renting, clearly define:

• Task type. Digging, loading, grading, trenching, or combination?
• Quantities. How much material to move? How many feet to trench?
• Access constraints. Gate widths, overhead clearances, weight limits.
• Ground conditions. Soft soil, slopes, finished surfaces to protect?
• Timeline. How long will work realistically take?

Equipment selection guide

Size considerations

Bigger isn't always better:

• Transportation. Larger equipment requires bigger trailers or delivery.
• Access. Measure gates, paths, and work areas carefully.
• Ground damage. Heavier machines cause more compaction and damage.
• Cost. Larger equipment rents for more money.
• Learning curve. Smaller machines are generally easier to operate.

For most residential projects, the smallest machine capable of the job is often the best choice.

Rental costs breakdown

Typical rental rates

Additional costs

• Delivery and pickup. $100-300 each way depending on distance and equipment size.
• Attachments. $25-150 per day for buckets, augers, forks, etc.
• Damage waiver. Optional insurance, typically 10-15% of rental cost.
• Fuel. Return with full tank or pay inflated refueling charges.
• Cleaning fee. Some companies charge for excessively dirty equipment.
• Environmental fee. Small fee for fluid disposal and environmental compliance.

Saving money on rentals

• Weekly vs. daily. Weekly rates are typically 3-4x daily rate—better value for longer projects.
• Off-peak timing. Weekday rentals may have better availability and sometimes lower rates.
• Bundle attachments. Negotiate attachment pricing when renting main equipment.
• Pick up yourself. If you have an appropriate trailer, self-transport saves delivery fees.
• Prepare the site. Don't burn rental hours on preparation you could do beforehand.

The rental process

Finding rental sources

• National chains. United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, Herc Rentals offer standardized service and wide equipment selection.
• Equipment dealers. Cat Rental Store, John Deere dealers, Kubota dealers rent equipment they sell.
• Local independents. Often competitive pricing and personalized service.
• Home improvement stores. Home Depot, Lowe's rent smaller equipment.

What you'll need

• Valid ID. Driver's license or government ID required.
• Credit card. For deposit and rental charges.
• Proof of insurance. Your policy or purchased damage waiver.
• Possibly a CDL. For transporting larger equipment on public roads.

Before you leave the yard

• Walk around equipment and note existing damage
• Verify all controls function properly
• Get operating instructions—ask for demonstration if unfamiliar
• Confirm fuel type and fluid check procedures
• Get emergency contact numbers
• Understand return time and fuel requirements

Tips for first-time renters

Before the rental

• Watch videos. YouTube has excellent tutorials for operating most equipment types.
• Call 811. Have underground utilities marked before any digging.
• Prepare access. Clear the path, check gate widths, remove obstacles.
• Gather materials. Have gravel, fill, or other materials on-site and ready.
• Plan your work. Know what you'll do first, second, third to maximize rental time.

Operating tips

• Start slow. Spend the first 30 minutes getting comfortable with controls.
• Work in sections. Complete one area before moving to the next.
• Don't rush. Slow, deliberate movements produce better results than hurrying.
• Take breaks. Fatigue leads to mistakes and accidents.
• Know your limits. If something feels unsafe, stop and reassess.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Underestimating time. Add 50% to your estimate for first-time operators.
• Wrong attachment. Verify you have the right bucket or tool for your material.
• Ignoring ground conditions. Wet or soft ground changes everything.
• Overloading. Respect machine capacity limits.
• Working alone. Have someone available for safety, spotting, and assistance.

Transportation considerations

Delivery vs. self-transport

Many renters choose delivery, but self-transport saves money if you have appropriate equipment.

Trailer requirements

Tow vehicle requirements

• Verify tow rating exceeds trailer plus equipment weight
• Proper hitch class and ball size
• Working trailer brakes for heavy loads
• Trailer lighting and safety chains

Safety essentials

• Read the manual. Every machine has specific safety requirements.
• Wear seatbelt. Rollover protection only works if you stay in the seat.
• Check surroundings. Look before swinging, backing, or moving.
• Stable ground. Avoid slopes, edges, and soft spots that could cause tipover.
• Clear the area. Keep bystanders, especially children, away from work zone.
• No riders. Only the operator should be on or near the machine.
• Shut down properly. Lower attachments, set brake, remove key when leaving machine.

Returning the rental

Preparation

• Remove accumulated dirt and debris
• Fill fuel tank
• Note any issues that developed during use
• Photograph equipment condition at return

Timing

Return on time to avoid overtime charges. Most companies define a "day" as 24 hours from pickup or 8 operating hours, whichever comes first. Understand the terms before you start.

Damage assessment

Walk through the equipment with rental staff at return. Address any questions about condition immediately rather than waiting for surprise charges.

When to hire instead

Sometimes hiring a contractor with equipment makes more sense than renting:

• Complex projects requiring experienced operators
• Short jobs where mobilization time exceeds work time
• Projects requiring specialized techniques
• When your time is more valuable than the cost difference
• Work requiring permits and professional accountability

Related topics

• Box scraper rental - Tractor attachments for grading
• Container forklift rental - Heavy lifting equipment
• Construction forklift - Job site material handling

References

• United Rentals - equipment rental resources
• Sunbelt Rentals - equipment selection guides
• Bobcat - compact equipment specifications
• Kubota - compact equipment information
• Call 811 - utility location services