An excavator is one of the most important pieces of machinery for heavy-duty digging, landscaping, and building. An excellent method to get top-notch equipment without the upfront costs is to rent an excavator in British Columbia, whether you’re clearing land, excavating trenches, or working on other earth moving jobs. However, there are a few important things to think about before renting an excavator. The following information will help you make an informed choice.
Different types of excavators for your project
Excavators come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different needs. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the best one for your job.
Mini excavators: These machines are modest and adaptable, making them suited for smaller places and lighter activities like residential landscaping or small building projects. They are extremely agile and can squeeze through tiny spaces.
Conventional Excavators: Suited for heavy digging and earthmoving tasks. They have a sturdy build and excellent lifting capabilities.
Zero Tail Swing Excavators: These excavators have a minimal to no tail swing, allowing it to rotate its upper body within the width of its tracks. THey shine in urban settings, where space is limited and precision is crucial.
Long-Reach Excavators: Long-reach excavators offer extra arm length for difficult-to-reach areas if your project requires digging or lifting from a distance.
Wheeled Excavators: These excavators are mounted on wheels rather than tracks, which allows them to move more quickly and easily on solid terrain. Wheeled excavators work well if you want to move equipment between sites to minimize downtown, especially if the equipment will need to drive over city roads.
The size of your project, available area, and digging requirements determine the appropriate excavator; therefore, consult with the rental business.
What Affects Rental Costs?
Many elements can influence the rental price of an excavator. When creating a budget for your rental, keep the following points in mind:
Machine Size and Model: Larger excavators with more powerful engines or specialized features come at a higher price.
Rental Duration: Rental firms usually have several price plans based on how long you need to rent the machine. You can calculate rates on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
Attachments: You can rent excavators with several attachments, including buckets, hydraulic hammers, and grapples. An additional fee would be added for attachments.
If you understand all of these factors, you will be able to arrange your budget accordingly. Make sure to acquire an accurate quotation from the rental provider and ask about any extra fees, such as delivery fees, fuel, and maintenance.
Check the equipment.
It is very important to inspect the excavator’s condition before you sign the rental agreement. Examine the following items to ensure quality:
Engine Performance: Make sure that the engine starts quickly and operates without any problems. Be on the lookout for any strange noises or vibrations, as they could be signs of mechanical problems.
Hydraulic System: The hydraulic system should respond quickly and not have any leaks or slow movements. It provides energy to important parts such as the bucket, arm, and swing.
Tracks or tires: Examine the condition of the tracks (for tracked excavators) or the tires (for wheeled ones). Wearing out tracks or tires can lead to a decrease in performance and an increase in operating expenses.
Cab and Safety Features: Make sure that the cab is in excellent shape and that all of its safety features, including backup cameras, alarms, and safety rails, are working properly.
By checking the excavator before you rent it, you can save delays and expensive repairs later on.
Responsibilities for fueling and maintenance
Although you won’t be responsible for maintaining the excavator’s internal systems, you will be responsible for refuelling it and do some basic maintenance:
Fuel: When the machine is delivered, most rental firms will offer a full tank of fuel. If you do not return the excavator with a full tank, you may have to pay extra for fuel.
Daily upkeep: During your rental period, you will be responsible for performing basic maintenance activities, such as greasing the equipment and cleaning it after use.
Be sure to inquire for further information, as some rental firms may include maintenance services in their agreements.
Insurance and Liability Considerations
All rental companies require insurance for the duration of the rental. Some offer in-house coverage, while others allow you to add the equipment to your existing company policy. However, rental company-provided insurance can often be costly.
Damage Waiver: Certain rental companies include a damage waiver, which reduces your responsibility if you accidentally cause damage.
Insurance for Individuals: Contact your insurance provider to find out if your policy includes coverage for rented equipment. If this is not the case, you may want to consider buying additional coverage from the rental company. Ensure your complete protection before using the excavator.
Delivery and Pickup Services
Rental businesses, like Riverside Equipment Rentals, can deliver and pick up excavators. This can help you save time and effort, particularly if you are working on a site with restricted access. Note that delivery or pickup may cost more depending on your distance from the rental provider.
Choosing a Reliable Rental Company
The success of your excavation project depends on the reliability of the rental firm you hire. When choosing a rental company in British Columbia, make sure to find one that:
- Provides a large variety of excavators and accessories that are in good condition.
- Offers leasing terms that can be adjusted to fit the schedule of your project.
- Has a solid reputation for customer service, which includes clear communication and dependable assistance.
- Can bring equipment to your work site whenever you need it.
- Is available 24/7 for customer support.
Throughout the Lower Mainland, Riverside Equipment Rentals is known for providing high-quality excavators and other construction equipment. Riverside can provide you with a compact excavator for a minor landscaping project or full-size equipment for a huge excavation, depending on what you need.
Final Thoughts
If your next project involves heavy excavating, building, or landscaping in British Columbia, renting an excavator is a more affordable option. You can guarantee a successful and easy rental experience by taking into account elements like the type of excavator, the length of the rental, maintenance duties, and insurance choices. By selecting a reputable company such as Riverside Equipment Rentals, you will have access to high-quality equipment that is well-maintained and exceptional customer service, which will help you keep your project on schedule.
Ready to get started? Contact Riverside Equipment Rentals today to find the perfect excavator for your project in British Columbia.