Snow Removal Machine Rentals vs. Ownership

An important part of prepping for the winter storm season and signing snow removal contracts is making sure you’ve got the equipment ready to do the job. The question is, how do you get that equipment? Are snow removal machine rentals your best option, or should you buy or lease? We compare your options.

The Pros and Cons of Snow Removal Machine Rentals

For many snow removal contractors, the summer months are the time where commercial contracts are signed and winter equipment needs are determined. Many commercial contracts have requirements about what equipment is involved, how many pieces of equipment are needed and whether there need to be machines left on the job site throughout the entire contract period.

Snow removal machine rentals based on commercial contract work is a good option to meet this demand, letting you fill out your fleet. It’s also helpful for snow and ice removal businesses that may be just getting started in commercial work because it can allow you to see whether that work is something you’d want to offer longer-term without the commitment of buying new equipment.

There is also the possibility of buying the rental snow removal equipment at the end of the season, which can help you build out your fleet without buying something new. In these cases, it’s best to talk to your local Cat^® dealer up front and see what your options are.

The downside of snow removal machine rentals is you must be proactive in getting rental contracts set up with your dealer as early as possible. If you wait too long, they may not have the snow removal equipment you need for the work you have planned. It’s a good idea to begin talks with your dealer as soon as you’ve signed contracts for any winter snow removal jobs.