The rule of thumb is if you do not use a certain piece of equipment at least 60% to 70% of the time, it is best to consider construction equipment rental. The three factors that are considered are the utilization rate, volume or how many workers will be using this equipment, and technology requirements for optimum productivity.

For example, your company only uses lift equipment for 50% of the project, so it would make sense to opt for rental lifts. However, most states require that lift operators be certified. The factor of volume or how many workers need to be certified must be considered. Will the technology requirements be worth the time and expense? Since the certification is usually recognized by the state for several years, the answer may be yes.

Utilization will also look at the availability of the construction equipment. Rental may be the best option if you are working in an urban area. Rental lifts and other equipment are readily available and easy to access. However, a construction project in a mostly rural area may lead to a different utilization factor.

Volume needs on a project or how many rental lifts will be needed may be a factor in whether or not the construction company decides if they need to purchase some of the lifts needed. Since their workers have to be certified, it might make sense considering the volume needed to purchase a lift for each certified employee.

However, the technology of lift equipment is constantly changing and it might make more sense to forgo purchasing equipment that will be outdated in a few years. By using rental lifts you can be assured that the equipment on the site is the most technologically advanced available.

A fourth factor to consider is the cost of moving the equipment from one job site to another. For example, if a company based in Kansas City, MO accepts a job in St. Louis, MO the cost of moving all their equipment 300 miles may make the cost of rental lifts and construction equipment rental more affordable.