Many contractors and construction industry professionals find a lot of utility from the option of renting a skid steer. It’s certainly a cost-effective alternative to buying new, especially if you only need the machine for a one-off project, but it also helps keep your business up-to-date with useful equipment without the worry of maintenance. 

At Bobcat of Pittsburgh/Erie/Indiana County, we want our customers to know their options so they can get good deals and have the right skid steer for the job. That’s why we’ve put together this short guide with some tips to help you get the most out of your renting experience. Read on for more information, and if you want to check out some quality skid steer loaders for sale or rent, head into our dealership. We have multiple locations throughout Pennsylvania, and we also serve those in Indiana and Ohio.

Optimized for Your Requirements

Skid steer rentals allow you to pick the ideal machine for your specific project at hand. This is in contrast to the approach of buying new, wherein you get a general, all-purpose model that can handle a range of projects over the next several years. However, your purchase might be less efficient at tackling specific tasks. With a rental, you can choose the features and specs that best fit your short-term project. You'll end up with equipment that can most efficiently handle the given project, which can save you time and money.

Take Benefit of New Features

Another advantage of renting a skid steer loader is that you get access to the latest models with the newest features. If you buy one, you can only access this year's model for the first year of ownership. When you rent, you can get the newest model each time you need a skid steer.

Avoid the Hassle of Maintenance

Owning a skid steer involves plenty of responsibilities, such as keeping up with regular maintenance. It can be an added hassle to keep track of maintenance records and find the time to get repairs done. Even the highest quality models will encounter normal wear and tear that needs to be taken care of. Ownership not only costs more upfront, but it’s also a larger investment of time and money in the long run.

Picking the Right Model

When looking at skid steer rental options, you'll want to be selective like you would be if you were buying used equipment. Ask for copies of maintenance schedules and ensure the rental equipment is working well so it can tackle your project. You'll also want to be sure you are only paying for what you need. It's exciting to have access to the most recent models, but they aren't always worth the higher price when an older model can get the job done just fine.

Before you sign the rental agreement, make sure you know how to operate the skid steer! Some places offer training to teach you the basics. Sometimes they also offer on-site help in case something malfunctions. Be sure to look into logistics such as return policies, times for delivery and pickup, etc.

We hope you found this skid steer rental guide helpful! When you are ready to explore various options, visit Bobcat of Pittsburgh/Erie/Indiana County. We have dealerships throughout Pennsylvania, and we also proudly serve all those in Ohio and Indiana.