It's no secret that renting out heavy equipment is a budget-friendly way to complete construction projects without the commitment of buying the machine yourself. Companies all over the United States utilize equipment rentals to complete their projects on time and avoid the hefty prices of purchasing their own units. One of the common pieces of equipment that construction site project managers rent out is a compactor.

The objective of a compactor is to easily eliminate all air pockets on soil, dirt, or gravel surfaces. By putting immense pressure on the surface, a compactor prepares the area to withstand much heavier weights than before. According to Housing.com, a publication on real estate and home improvement, these helpful machines are used often in road construction, foundation laying, and deck building. Before you sign a contract to rent out your chosen machine, there are a few key things that you should talk to your compactor rental service about. Let's look into six of them.

1. Determine the Appropriate Size and Weight

When you work in construction, you can be confident that no two jobs are alike. Fortunately, compactor rental services often offer a wide variety of different tools to match your unique project needs. When you call your chosen business, be sure to ask for advice on what size compactor you should use. They may ask for measurements, depending on the nature of your project. The type of material you are compacting should also be a key consideration, whether it be dirt, soil, or gravel. Ask the professionals about what weight you need for your material.

2. Learn the Machine Capabilities

Each compactor has different strengths when it comes to applying pressure to a surface. Compactors can vary in weight and pressure capabilities, ranging from 100 pounds to 1,000 pounds according to our experts. Ask your contractor how much weight the machine can apply, and ensure that it aligns with your construction project needs.

3. See Which Services Are Included

In the world of industrial construction rentals, you shouldn't only be concerned with getting the right equipment. You need to take care of it, too. When you call your compactor rental service, be sure to ask about their other services, such as machine repair or maintenance. This will come in handy should the machine malfunction or be compromised during your project. This step is especially important if you're taking on a project scheduled to last several months or longer.

4. Discuss Rental Rates

Choosing to rent your equipment instead of buying it comes with the addition of daily and weekly rental rates. When you call your chosen rental service, you can ask upfront what the rates for your chosen machine are, allowing you to accurately budget and plan your construction project costs ahead of time. Often, the daily rate of a machine rental goes down as your rental period goes up. There are financial incentives to renting compactors for longer periods of time, so do your due diligence and chart your project as accurately as possible to save the most money.

5. Ask About the Chosen Machine's Condition

Once you have found the right machine for your project, it's crucial to ask some key questions about the particular unit. Ask about how old the machine is, what condition it's in, and how long it can run without maintenance. The last thing you want is a heavily used compactor that breaks down and stalls your construction work. While used machines can often still get the job done correctly and efficiently, it may still pay to choose a newer compactor when it's possible.

6. Gain Helpful Information

One of the most important reasons to call your compactor rental service before you sign a contract is to get a feel of their business. Ask any questions you have about the machine you're renting. Ask for advice on how to take great care of your compactor throughout your job. A team that provides friendly, helpful insight is a team that you can count on to provide excellent rental services.

Clearly, it pays to call your compactor rental service before signing a contract instead of solely committing to your rental online. Calling helps give you peace of mind that you chose an honest business, picked out the right rental, and had all of your questions answered. For local equipment rental services you can count on, contact our experienced team at Ferri Equipment today!