Day: March 8, 2023

The Most Rented Construction Equipment

Blog Author By Kyle Clements
Published on

ANALYSIS UPDATED 3/8/2023

The construction industry is on the rise, making now a great time to open an industrial tool rental business. However, you still have to figure out exactly what kinds of equipment your customers want.

Online research can let you know the relative search frequencies for equipment, showing which are in the most demand. We used an online search tool called Ahrefs to find the numbers behind how many people are searching for common construction equipment each month, so we could help find what equipment has the highest demand in the construction equipment rental industry.

Our analysis compares data from 2023 and 2022. That way, you’ll have an up-to-date understanding of how equipment demands change within the rental industry.

Table Of Contents

  1. The Top 10 Most Popular General Tool Rentals
  2. The 10 Most Popular Heavy Equipment Rentals
  3. The 25 Most Popular Rental Equipment

General Tool Rentals Versus Heavy Equipment

While some rental businesses focus on general tools for smaller projects or homeowners, others might focus on heavy equipment rentals for contractors and construction teams. The following data represents each of these niches to provide deeper insight into how consumer behavior might impact your specific business.

The Top Ten Most Popular General Tool Equipment Rentals

Every year, more people perform DIY maintenance on their homes, especially as contractors charge higher prices. This might explain why we’re seeing such enormous growth in products like paint sprayers (+111%). However, consumers are also seeking outdoor equipment like log splitters (+46%) and sod cutters (+17%).

The greatest losses occur with products such as concrete mixers (-11%) and stump grinders (-3%), with no change in the search frequency of pressure washers or trenchers.

Most Rented Tools

The Top Ten Most Popular Heavy Equipment Rentals

Scissor lifts have seen the greatest increase in demand, with a 130% increase in search frequency in 2023 as compared to 2022. However, consumers are also increasing their searches for items like cranes (+70%), forklifts (+46%), and scaffolding (+33%).

At the same time, 2023 has seen a decline in searches for lifts (-18%) and bucket trucks (-14%). Boom lifts and excavators have held mostly steady, with only a 1% decrease in search frequency compared to last year.

Most Rented Heavy Equipment

Here is the full breakdown of the top 25 most popular equipment to rent for 2023.

1. Stump Grinder Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 33000

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 34000

Year Over Year Growth: -3%

Estimated Rental Price: $75 to $100 per hour

Stump grinders are one of the most efficient ways to remove tree stumps and prevent future tree growth. Most equipment rental businesses rent out this equipment by the hour, though some may choose to charge customers by the number of tree stumps.

2. Scaffolding Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 28000

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 21000

Year Over Year Growth:  +33%

Estimated Rental Price: $15 to $40 per day

Always in need of any type of exterior renovation and construction work, scaffolding is something that contractors need from time to time but can’t justify purchasing. Instead, this equipment is almost always rented.

3. Scissor Lift Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 23000

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 10000

Year Over Year Growth: +130%

Estimated Rental Price: $100 to $300 per day

Scissor lifts are available in electric, gas, and diesel configurations, providing access to high and narrow places that can come up in certain jobs. There are even rough terrain scissor lifts for outdoor environments.

4. Forklift Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 19000

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 13000

Year Over Year Growth: +46%

Estimated Rental Price: $225 to $750 per day

There are a wide variety of forklifts that are among the most rented equipment out there. For warehouses or rough terrain, forklifts are specialized equipment that companies with limited demand are sure to rent.

5. Pressure Washer Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 12000

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 12000

Year Over Year Growth: 0%

Estimated Rental Price: $40 to $100 per day

A pressure washer makes it fast and easy to remove grime from a home’s deck, patio, or siding. Since pressure washers can cost as much as $400, many consumers prefer to rent this equipment.

6. Trencher Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 12000

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 12000

Year Over Year Growth: 0%

Estimated Rental Price: $125 to $300 per day

Trenchers are tools that dig long, narrow trenches. They vary widely in size, from walk-behind models to ride-on trenchers. They see wide use for creating drainage or dealing with roots.


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7. Paint Sprayer Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 12000

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 5700

Year Over Year Growth: +111%

Estimated Rental Price: $40 to $100 per day

While brushes and rollers are effective for indoor use, a paint sprayer is ideal for large or outdoor applications, such as painting a backyard fence. Because it’s usually for one-time use, many homeowners will usually rent a sprayer rather than buy their own.

8. Mini-Excavator Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 12000

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 9500

Year Over Year Growth: +111%

Estimated Rental Price: $200 to $500 per day

These miniature excavators are perfect for landscaping and other small projects, often rented out to homeowners trying to handle projects on their own. They generally range from 1 to 5 tons, providing a versatile range of options.

9. Auger Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 11000

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 10000

Year Over Year Growth: +10%

Estimated Rental Price: $25 to $100 per day

Augers are important pieces of equipment for digging post holes or other narrow, medium-depth holes. They come in different blade widths, along with either two-person operation or trailer-mounted versions.

10. Sod Cutter Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 11000

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 9400

Year Over Year Growth: +17%

Estimated Rental Price: $75 to $125 per day

Gas-powered sod cutters come in a variety of cutting widths and cutting depths, giving homeowners and contractors the power they need to easily cut through the sod to prepare a lawn for re-sodding.

11. Floor Sander Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 10000

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 8600

Year Over Year Growth: +16%

Estimated Rental Price: $50 to $100 per day

Floor sanders are used in the refinishing of hardwood floors and other floor types, removing protective finish elements and smoothing the floor itself. There are different types for different flooring, and they are popular rental equipment during home improvements.

12. Backhoe Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 10000

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 8700

Year Over Year Growth: +15%

Estimated Rental Price: $150 to $500 per day

Backhoe rentals are used for all kinds of small to midsize renovation and landscaping projects and are often rented out by contractors for individual jobs. Larger companies can need rentals for specific contracts or emergency jobs.

13. Excavator Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 9300

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 9400

Year Over Year Growth: -1%

Estimated Rental Price: $225 to $750 per day

Excavators come in a wide range of sizes that are suitable for many different jobs. They’re an essential part of all kinds of industrial work, from working on pipes and cables to construction and foundation work.


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14. Log-Splitter Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 9200

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 6300

Year Over Year Growth: +46%

Estimated Rental Price: $50 to $100 per day

Anywhere that firewood is widely used for heat, you’ll have plenty of log-splitter rentals. These are typically gas-powered hydraulic splitters that apply powerful force to split logs without the trouble of swinging an ax for hours on end.

15. Lift Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 9000

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 11000

Year Over Year Growth: -18%

Estimated Rental Price: $100 to $400 per day

There are many different kinds of lifts out there for interior warehouse work, electrical line work, exterior repairs, and more. There are also many different types, ranging from articulated lifts to boom lifts and scissor lifts.

16. Ladder Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 8300

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 7500

Year Over Year Growth: +11%

Estimated Rental Price: $20 to $50 per day

Many homeowners don’t need regular access to a ladder, or they might not feel the need to own a 32’ or 40’ ladder. In any case, this is a low entry-point equipment category that will get plenty of rentals.

17. Crane Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 7800

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 4600

Year Over Year Growth: 70%

Estimated Rental Price: $200 to $1,000 per day

Crane rentals can vary widely in height, use, and size. These expensive pieces of equipment are rented out by construction companies and contractors for a wide variety of projects.

18. Boom Lift Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 6600

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 6700

Year Over Year Growth: -1%

Estimated Rental Price: $250 to $400 per day

Boom lifts provide versatile reach and height for construction, cleaning, repairs, and landscaping. There are both articulating and telescoping boom lifts, along with bucket trucks or cherry pickers.

19. Concrete Mixer Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 5700

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 6400

Year Over Year Growth: -11%

Estimated Rental Price: $40 to $200 per day

Concrete mixers can assist with projects such as creating a new walkway, building a backyard patio, or laying a small foundation. They come in several different sizes, and some are even portable which makes them an appealing rental for consumers and contractors.

20. Engine Hoist Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 5500

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 5200

Year Over Year Growth: +6%

Estimated Rental Price: $30 to $40 per day

Engine hoists have limited function, but they’re capable of hoisting as much as 1,500 pounds. Rental businesses typically rent these out by the day, though it’s not uncommon to charge a flat weekly rate for projects like extended car repairs.

21. Chainsaw Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 5200

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 4100

Year Over Year Growth: +27%

Estimated Rental Price: $70 to $90 per day

Chainsaws are invaluable for maintaining trees or clearing away fallen branches and debris. Rental costs can vary depending on the type of saw, blade length, and power type.

22. Lawn Mower Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 4700

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 4100

Year Over Year Growth: +15%

Estimated Rental Price: $30 to $100 per day

Both push and ride-on mowers see plenty of rental traffic. While they have relatively low purchase prices for rentals, maintenance can be a concern, and the rental season will vary based on your region

23. Bucket Truck Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 4200

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 4900

Year Over Year Growth: -15%

Estimated Rental Price: $650 to $950 per day

The Bucket Truck, also known as a Cherry Picker, is an essential tool for working on hard-to-reach areas common for installers & arborists.

24. Pallet Jack Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 3900

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 4700

Year Over Year Growth: -17%

Estimated Rental Price: $40 to $50 per day

A pallet jack can be a helpful piece of equipment when moving, and many can handle loads in the thousands of pounds. They can be either electric or manual, and it’s worth noting that rental businesses can make more revenue off of electric models.

25. Bulldozer Rental

2023 Average Monthly Search Volume: 3100

2022 Average Monthly Search Volume: 3300

Year Over Year Growth: -0.6%

Estimated Rental Price: $300 to $1,000 per day

Larger equipment rental businesses can also rent bulldozers, the price of which will depend on the size of the machine. Some rental businesses can charge additional fees by delivering the equipment to the job site.

A Rental Platform for All Kinds of Equipment

No matter what your most rented piece of equipment is, Quipli provides an all-in-one system that combines an innovative inventory management and reservation system, equipment rental website template, POS, and built-in reporting you need to make running your business that much easier.

Bonus equipment rental idea! Explore our how to start a trailer rental business guide for more information.


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The Most Expensive Construction Equipment: The 5 Priciest Items in 2023

Blog Author By Kyle Clements
Published on

As a rental business owner, you are probably aware that the most expensive construction equipment not only has a high initial purchase price — it’s expensive to maintain, too. 

For machines costing around $1 million to purchase, parts and labor can be costly as well.

Renting out equipment may be your bread and butter, but you also need to know what happens when that excavator comes back with malfunctioning hydraulics. What will it cost you to repair the problem? Will you still be able to make a profit? 

The Top 5 Most Expensive Types of Construction Equipment

The most expensive kinds of construction equipment to purchase and maintain are the following five:

  • Cranes
  • Excavators
  • Motor graders
  • Concrete mixing trucks
  • Wheel loaders

While the reasons for these high prices vary, the general rule is that the more expensive the equipment, the more expensive maintenance for that equipment will be.

Cranes: One of the Priciest Types of Construction Equipment

Cranes are one of the costliest pieces of construction equipment on the market. They can cost as little as $50,000 and as much as $5 million. Those figures do not include the expense of licensing and insurance. There are also different kinds of cranes for different jobs, which each carry their own price range:

  • Rough Terrain: Between $50,000 and $500k
  • All-Terrain Cranes: Between $100k and $1 million
  • Truck Cranes: Between $100k and $2 million
  • Crawler Cranes: Between $1 million and $5 million

Remember that cranes experience a lot of torque and pressure over their lives, so parts experience high amounts of stress. The more maintenance you do, the less you’ll have to worry about a part failure causing expensive damage. Pay attention to average repair costs for the size and brand of crane you want.

Construction equipment rental rates for cranes can bring in $200 per day for smaller models and $1,000 per day for larger ones. Crawler or tower cranes should be rented out by the month because they are generally not going to complete a job in a single day. Plan for about $15,000 for a month of rental time.

Excavators Are Often Surprisingly Expensive

To purchase a new excavator, you’ll need between $100k and $500k. They’re one of the more expensive pieces of machinery you can buy. 

Small excavators weigh between 10 and 15 tons and can cost $100k to $150k. Mid-sized models weighing anywhere from 15 and 20 tons will run closer to $200k. Once you’re to full-sized excavators, the cost of purchase can be anywhere from $200k to $500k.

Like cranes, excavators experience high stress and are under constant use. They can rack up thousands of hours quickly. Excavators are also complex machines that have to articulate in many directions. The more complex the machine, the more there is to break, and the more costly the result when something does. 

When renting out an excavator, you can charge about $500 daily for smaller models, and over $1,300 per day for larger ones. The more training your rental customers get, the better. Misuse will cause the quickest breakdowns.

Motor Graders

Motor graders have the advantage of being able to last for 10 to 15 years. This advantage does come at a price; full-sized models can cost between $200k and $500k to purchase. 130hp graders will run on the low side of that spectrum, while 250hp machines are typically on the high end. 

Fortunately, motor graders don’t usually need as much maintenance as cranes or excavators because they are performing low-impact work. However, when something does wear out or break, replacing the part is not cheap. A set of tires alone can cost $7,500 or more, especially if you choose radials over bias-ply tires.

Renting out your motor grader can bring in between $1,000 and $1,500 per day. This is because graders are rarer, more specialized pieces of equipment that not too many construction crews need very often.

Concrete Mixing Trucks

Concrete is in high demand as new construction begins again in earnest. This means that concrete mixer trucks will be in high demand, too. 

To purchase one, expect to spend between $100k and $150k. These are massive vehicles, weighing over 26,000 pounds on their own, and over 40,000 with a full load of concrete. The truck you buy needs to be kept in tip-top shape to handle the pressure.

Because of this, maintenance costs can be high. The trucks will need mandatory regular inspections, and there are plenty of moving parts to consider. 

Not only does the vehicle itself need maintenance, from engine components to suspension to chassis and frame parts, but the concrete mixing apparatus also needs attention. Without regular attention, parts can fail quickly.

Most people tend to rent a trailer-mounted mixer for about $120 per day. Renting an entire concrete mixing truck would be considerably more expensive and unnecessary for homeowner projects. 

However, if you’re renting to a construction crew, you can charge somewhere between $500 and $800 daily.

Wheel Loaders

A common sight during construction, wheel loaders are available in a staggering variety of sizes. Smaller models with about 110hp come at about $40,000, up to $130k. 180hp models range between $120k and $180k. 350hp models are between $150k and $500k. Once you’re up to 500hp, you’re looking at a cool million dollars.

Maintenance costs will be proportional to the cost of the machine. Set aside around $4,000 for an average-sized wheel loader’s maintenance and repair every year. If you’re using a large, name-brand wheel loader, $10,000 would be best.

To rent a wheel loader, your customers should be paying between $400 and $1,000 per day, depending on size.

Have more questions about construction rentals? Check our our guide for the most popular rental equipment and which construction rental equipment is trending.

Quipli Is Improving the Construction Equipment Rental Experience

Just because owning and maintaining construction equipment is expensive doesn’t mean renting it has to be. Quipli simplifies the construction equipment rental process. Our rental software embeds easily into any website, allowing customers to enjoy a smooth rental experience without the traditional headaches. 

Explore Quipli for information ranging from starting a equipment rental business plan to boosting your business’s revenue with construction equipment rental business ideas and rental market statistics.

If you’re ready to simplify how you rent, we’re ready to show you how we do it. Contact Quipli today!


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