Answering equipment renters’ questions about maintenance responsibilities.
Performing required maintenance on rentals saves money. Rental companies base your rental costs on the assumption that the equipment will be returned in the same good working condition it was in when you received it. At the end of the rental period, any wear or damage to the equipment beyond “normal wear and tear” can result in added fees for repairs. Knowing what’s required by your contract and following maintenance best practices will keep equipment in good operating condition on the job and help avoid added costs when the equipment is returned.
- Renters typically have maintenance responsibilities included in the rental contract.
- Perform the required daily maintenance to protect the equipment and avoid additional rental fees.
- Follow the OEM's recommended maintenance schedule, including daily inspections, greasing, lubrication, and fluid checks.
- Adjust maintenance for weather conditions to protect fluids, batteries, hoses, and seals from temperature extremes.
- Review your rental agreement to understand maintenance responsibilities and avoid unexpected charges.
- Rent equipment to reduce operating costs while gaining access to expert support when needed.
Yes, most equipment rental contracts (like those from Cat Rentals℠ ) include expectations for general maintenance. Maintenance tasks keep your rental in good working condition and help avoid the need for service or repairs. Renters are typically expected to:
Check filters, oil, fluid levels, and tire air pressure per the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) requirements.
- Keep scheduled oil sample records.
- Maintain equipment lubrication per recommended intervals.
- Clean and visually inspect the equipment daily.
- Immediately stop using the equipment and notify the rental dealer if equipment needs repair or service, or is involved in an accident of any kind.
The best source of information about your maintenance responsibilities is your rental contract; be sure to review it carefully.
Rental dealer responsibilities typically include:
- Scheduled maintenance prior to rental — technicians inspect, service, and repair machines.
- Renting you a fully functional, operational, initially greased, ready-to-work machine.
- Providing on-site & emergency support.
- Equipment replacements if a machine cannot be fixed quickly on-site.
- Major servicing or repairs. Cost and payment responsibility details in these cases are usually spelled out in your rental contract.
Your rental contract is the best source of information about maintenance and repair responsibilities, be sure to review it carefully.
Yes, Cat Rentals offers these 10 tips to ensure a successful rental experience:
- Conduct Visual Inspections. Daily walkarounds help catch small issues before they turn into bigger problems. Use inspection technology like Cat® Inspect to help operators.
- Train Operators. Untrained operators can be a major cause of rental damage. Rent equipment with machine control technologies to boost operator efficiency, precision, and safety. Cat Rentals can provide training if needed.
- Monitor Wear and Tear. Pay attention to the condition of parts such as track shoes and tires, bucket teeth, and cutting edges, and hoses and couplings. These parts protect other major components and add to productivity. Returning equipment with excessive wear and tear can add to your rental costs.
- Follow Manufacturer Guidelines. Read the OEM operator’s manual provided with your equipment and follow recommendations and service intervals.
- Keep Machines Clean. Excessive mud and debris can impact performance and lead to excessive wear.
- Check Fluid Levels. Inspect engine oil, coolant, and hydraulic oil according to the operator’s manual. Machine telematics can make monitoring and reporting easy. Report any leaks right away.
- Grease and Lubricate Moving Parts. Be sure operators are greasing pins, joints, and any other recommended areas in the daily walkaround.
- Avoid Poor Operating Practices. Use machines only for their intended purpose and monitor operator performance.
- Adjust for Weather Conditions. Watch the weather; store equipment safely during bad conditions. Check temperature highs/lows and use the right fluids and lubricants. Protect hoses and seals by limiting exposure to extreme heat or cold as much as possible.
- Use Dealer Support. Ask about technologies like VisionLink℠ for telematics, plus on-machine tools like Cat grade with 3D, Cat payload, and Cat detect. They can save you time and boost productivity.
Maintenance needs change with the season. Winter requires cold-weather fluids and battery protection. In summer, keep cooling systems clean, watch for overheating, and even hydrate operators as part of your daily safety checks. Seasonal adjustments keep your rental machines reliable in changing temperatures and conditions.
Read your contract; ask questions. One of your best resources is your rental contract. If you don’t take the time to read your rental agreement, you could be stuck with costly fees when you return it. When you choose Cat Rentals, you'll find our agreements are straightforward and that our staff is on hand to answer any questions you might have. In addition, with flexible rental terms, we’re always willing to help you reschedule your rental if things like project scope or inclement weather change the parameters of a project.
Use dealer support. One of the most important things to keep in mind is the type of support that comes with the equipment in case of an unexpected problem or breakdown onsite. With Cat Rentals, your rental will be backed by a 24/7 hotline and onsite dealer support in case you need a quick response.
With 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.
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