10 Things To Consider Before Renting a Compact Excavator

Are you thinking about renting a Compact Excavator? Ask yourself these 10 questions before you do so you can choose the right machine for the job.  Make sure you know all of the details about the jobsite and materials in question so you can understand the importance of each component of the equipment and communicate that with your rental coordinator

1) Specs

Different jobs have different requirements; dig depth, life capacity, etc.  Make sure you have an understanding of the work it will be doing, and communicate that with your rental coordinator so you get the machine you need to get the job done!

2) Lift Capacity

You need to know what materials need to be handled, and the weight.  Also find out where the materials need to end up, so you can choose a machine that has the capacity to not only move it but to  easily transport it.

3) Reach

Depending on the work that needs to be done, and the conditions of the jobsite, the most important specifications may change.  Be aware of the reach needed and discuss the options with your rental coodinator.

4) Dump Height

Will you need to dump into or load a dump truck? The height at which you need to dump the material you are moving is a key component of the requirements for the compact excavator you rent!

5) Width

Find out if there are any doorways or gates that you will have to pass through in order to get to the jobsite.  Without being aware of those sorts of obsticles, you may run into problems when you get to the site.

6) Weight Restrictions

This tip is not the most obvious.  Find out where the job is taking place?  Is it indoors?  Are there ground pressure restrictions due to underground irrigation or other systems?  Not knowing these things, could end in disaster.

7) Attachments

What attachments will you be using?  Do they require auxiliary hydraulic flow? Will you need a quick coupler to make quick changes between attachements?  Also, the type of material you are digging is key to choosing the correct bucket.

8) Tracks

Depending on the type of job, and the conditions the compact excavator will be operating in, you may need more than the rubber tracks that come standard on most.  Ask about steel tracks if you have concerns about the terrain.

9) Space

Consider the tail size necessary to manouver within the jobsite.  Are there any obstables or walls nearby?  Is it a tight space?  If so you may need a zero or minimal tail swing to be able to move around inside the space.

10) Transporting

Are you going to be transporting the machine yourself?  Does the rental company offer it?  Make sure if you are taking care of the transporting yourself that you understand what equipment you need to do so.