Answer:

Just because a machine can do a job doesn’t mean it will do the job in the most efficient or profitable way. A rental team can help compare equipment options against the specific requirements of your job and find the best match. Use this snapshot of common tasks and examples of equipment applications as a quick start selection guide.

Answer:

Every job has a set of requirements and there is likely more than one machine that can meet those requirements. Here are five key considerations for equipment selection that can help you figure out what works best for your job.

Consider Project Tasks – Specialized or General

If the project is specialized, a machine designed for that task is likely more effective. If the job includes multiple tasks, a more versatile machine might work better. For example, a trencher may dig trenches more quickly and efficiently than an excavator, but one excavator with attachments could complete multiple tasks faster. In some cases, more than one machine may be required for a job but remember that you can get great versatility from attachments you can rent with the machine.

Identify Worksite Conditions – Space and Size

Analyze the area you'll be working in, especially the space limitations and terrain. These conditions help determine the equipment size and power you'll need, along with important safety considerations. Call before you dig. Always, always, always make sure it's safe to dig. Safety is the top priority.

If your worksite has tighter space due to obstacles such as trees and buildings, consider smaller equipment models. An excavator with little or no tail swing can also work well in confined spaces. You might also take a look at mini or compact equipment.

If you're working in a large open area with little to no restrictions, choosing a bigger excavator or trencher will deliver more power and productivity to the job.

Understand The Soil Factors – Composition and Density

Soil conditions drive your decisions for power and reach. Excavator boom and stick configurations reach further than trenchers, making them better for digging deeper. Excavators, skid steer loaders, and backhoe loaders can use multiple attachments making them more versatile, so just one machine can work across different terrains.

If a trencher is the right fit, ground conditions will tell you which cutting type to choose.

Rock wheel trenchers use a toothed wheel designed to cut through hard ground and rock, which makes them the stronger choice on rocky or compacted sites.

Chain trenchers use a bar or arm with a toothed chain, sort of like a chainsaw. They're built to handle a range of conditions and can cut deeper and wider than a rock wheel, making them the more versatile option when the ground varies across a site or the trench needs extra depth or width.

Ride-on trenchers offer multiple chain options depending on the soil, and the chain at your local cat rental store is usually matched to the conditions in your area.

Map Key Dimensions - Digging Depth, Width & Grade

The type and size of the ditch you're digging will play an important role in your equipment decision.

If grading is required, you need to know the elevation and dimensions to make sure your equipment has the technology to deliver the accuracy you need. You want to get your bid as tight as you can get it. Renting equipment with the right grade technology could make a huge impact on your ability to win bids.

An excavator is likely more practical for larger width and depth specifications. The depth of the trench determines the reach of the excavator you need to dig it. Match the size of the excavator's bucket to the width of the trench.

The volume of material to be moved across the project is also important. Volume determines the size of trencher, excavator, attachment, or bucket that will complete the job most efficiently.

Control The Costs – Budget from Start to Finish

You want to keep your operating costs as low as possible. Equipment size impacts cost. Choosing equipment with more size and power than you need might be less fuel efficient. Equipment with too little power and capacity can take more time to get tasks done also increasing costs. The size of the rental also determines how it’s transported and transportation can impact cost. How are you planning to move the machine? Do you have the right size trailer and truck? Do you need a CDL license? Do you need any permits? All of these things can get expensive. Your rental team can help you make sure you’ve got your costs covered.

Thoroughly reviewing your job upfront will help you and your rental team choose the machine that best meets your job needs, controls costs, and gets the job done right.

Answer:

Renting can make sense when a job requires equipment you don't regularly keep in your fleet, when a specialized machine could complete a task more efficiently, or when you need a different size or configuration than the equipment you already own. It can also help when a particular attachment or machine technology could improve productivity on a specific project.

The goal is the same whether you're renting or choosing from equipment you already own: match the machine as closely as possible to the work. Renting can help you avoid investing in equipment that may see limited use while giving you more control over equipment costs. And if it keeps an existing machine from working outside its sweet spot, it may also help improve productivity and reduce operating costs.

Renting also gives you flexibility to use specialized attachments and technology only for as long as the job requires them, with support from your local Cat^® dealer to help keep equipment working and maximize uptime. Including rental options in your estimates can help you compare the full cost and productivity of different equipment approaches before work begins.

With Cat Rentals^℠ you can get the equipment you need when you need it. With 70+ trusted brands, 1900+ worldwide locations, and 24/7 online access, Cat Rentals gives you flexibility as well as cost savings. Here are some of the benefits you can count on:

• A single source of premium equipment to match your job needs
• Versatility from a large inventory of attachments and specialized tools
• Cat Rentals 24/7 online access
• No long-term maintenance or repair responsibilities
• Training and orientation on rented equipment operation and safety
• Expertise, support, and service delivered by the Cat dealer network

With expert advice, flexible rental terms, on-site support, and well-maintained ready-to-work machines, we make sure you get what you need, when you need it most. Browse our full equipment inventory, request a quick quote  or find a dealer near you.

_{MORE ABOUT THE EXPERTS}

_{Ty Roberts is a Mini Excavator Senior Product Consultant at Caterpillar Inc. Ty has expertise in earthmoving equipment and applications.}

_{Richard Clark is a Corporate Account Manager for Vermeer Corporation, manufacturer of trenchers available from Cat Rentals.}