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.
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.
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.
The 25 Most Popular Rental 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
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.
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.
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
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.
