Not every job calls for the same equipment, and not every tool needs to be owned outright. For facilities maintenance and engineering managers, making smart rental decisions starts with an understanding of the task at hand. Several factors can affect which piece of equipment is the right fit.
In this manufacturer roundtable, Facility Maintenance Decisions spoke with industry experts to explain how to assess equipment needs, work effectively with rental providers and weigh the pros and cons of renting versus owning, all with the goal of boosting efficiency, safety and sustainability.
FMD: What steps can managers take to ensure they rent the most appropriate piece of equipment for the task?
“Maintenance and engineering managers can ensure they rent the right equipment by first assessing their specific needs, including the size of the space, environmental conditions and duration of use. They should identify power availability, ventilation requirements and any safety or regulatory considerations.
Consulting with rental providers for expert recommendations and reviewing equipment specifications helps match the unit to the application. Finally, planning for logistics like delivery, setup and maintenance ensures the equipment will perform effectively and without disruption during the rental period.”
— Jerry Stoll, general manager, Carrier Rentals and Spot Coolers
“Maintenance and engineering managers should start by clearly defining the project's scope to ensure they rent the most appropriate equipment. This includes understanding height requirements, load capacity, surface and terrain conditions, power needs and any relevant safety or training considerations. Partnering with a knowledgeable rental provider ensures that the equipment fits the task and supports efficiency and safety on the job.”
— Brant Williams, vice president of sales, remediation, restoration and maintenance, Sunbelt Rentals
FMD: How can managers evaluate whether renting or owning makes more sense for a given type of equipment?
“Maintenance and engineering managers can decide between renting or owning equipment by evaluating how often and how long it will be used, with frequent or long-term use influencing the choice. They should compare upfront purchase costs against ongoing rental fees, factoring in storage and maintenance expenses. Renting provides flexibility and access to the latest technology, which is beneficial for occasional or emergency needs. Additionally, managers should consider storage space and their capacity to handle equipment maintenance to determine the best option for their operational and budget requirements.”
— Jerry Stoll, general manager, Carrier Rentals and Spot Coolers
“When evaluating whether renting or owning equipment makes more sense, managers should consider how often the equipment will be used and the total cost of ownership, which includes storage, maintenance and repairs.
Equipment rental is often a better option for maintenance and engineering managers as it provides flexibility to match the right equipment to the right task. A key benefit of renting is that it is sustainable. It supports shared equipment use, reducing waste and promoting more efficient utilization. Rental also provides teams with access to the latest equipment and technology without long-term investment. So while ownership may make sense for consistently used equipment, rental gives managers the agility to scale up or pivot quickly as project needs change.”
— Brant Williams, vice president of sales, remediation, restoration and maintenance, Sunbelt Rentals
Jeff Wardon, Jr., is the assistant editor of the facilities market.
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