Upgrades and Safety Innovations to Heavy Construction Equipment

Skid Steer Rental Tips

11 April 2022

Veronica Leon

Skid steers are preferred due to their versatility and ease of operation. Most people opt to hire the equipment for short-term earthmoving and excavation projects. If you intend to rent the equipment, below are some valuable pointers.

Type Of Skid Steer

You need to examine the project specifications and site conditions to determine what type of skid steer you need. For example, the working area determines the size of the skid steer. Typically, smaller models suit constricted areas such as indoor excavation sites. If you intend to dig a trench, the skid steer should be wider than the trench. You should also examine the weights of the objects you intend to lift. It enables you to determine the minimum weight limit of the skid steer. The skid steer's engine capacity is a concern if you want to use attachments such as augers or breakers. If this is your case, go for larger engines since you need considerable power to drill the earth or break rocks.

If the site has a muddy or rocky terrain, the provided skid steer should have off-road tires, tracks, or high ground clearance. It enables you to navigate and work with ease. You could also consider comfort features such as an enclosed cabin, hydraulic seats, air conditioning, and radio if you will work in rainy weather or for extended hours. If you intend to use the skid steer at night, ensure it has LED lighting.

Skid Steer Attachments

The skid steer's versatility enables the equipment to support attachments such as breakers, trailers, augers, hammers, rippers and grapples. If you intend to use any of this equipment, check whether the skid steer's hitch is compatible with your preferred attachments. Moreover, check whether the controls allow you to use and change the new attachments easily.

Rental Terms

Interview the skid steer rental company or read the rental contract to determine the following:

What is the skid steer's condition? The company must guarantee that the equipment is well serviced and maintained. Moreover, they should be willing to provide inspection or service records to support their claims.
What are the company's restrictions? For example, they could prohibit you from sub-letting the equipment or moving it to a secondary location.
What are the client's obligations? In most cases, the company holds you liable for any damage caused by improper use of the skid steer or vandalism.
Ensure that the rental company transports the skid steer to your site and offers maintenance services for long-term rental clients.

When renting a skid steer, choose a suitable skid steer, check whether it supports the required attachments, and assess the rental terms.

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About Me

As a manager of a construction site, you have a lot of liability as well as a responsibility to your employees, and it's critical to take those matters seriously. Hi, my name is Marc, and I used to manage a construction company. A few years ago, I changed courses and starting working as a medical tech in an emergency department. Seeing a lot of injured people prompts me to think of the importance of safety, and in light of my previous experiences, I think a lot about the safety of construction work. I wanted to explore this topic through writing so I decided to start this blog. Here, I plan to focus on upgrades and innovations throughout the construction equipment industry and possibly provide a few extra safety tips as well. I hope you enjoy reading.