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.
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.
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.
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.
Here is the full breakdown of the top 25 most popular equipment to rent for 2023.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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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John Luis
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Nov 14, 2023
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Have you ever wondered how to make money with heavy equipment like excavators, bulldozers and other machinery? Operating heavy equipment is a great way to make money in a hands-on role, with demand for operators on the rise. This article will explore the best ways to make money with heavy equipment, the types of machinery that offer opportunity, and what it takes to be a heavy equipment operator. Keep reading to learn how you can make money with bulldozers, excavators, loaders, dump trucks and more!
Photo by Troy Mortier on UnsplashThe heavy equipment industry is growing rapidly as infrastructure and construction projects ramp up worldwide. Operating machinery like excavators, bulldozers, loaders and dump trucks is an excellent hands-on role that can be extremely lucrative for the right person.
With major construction and earthmoving projects underway, and a large wave of older operators retiring, there is increasing demand for heavy equipment operators in roles from construction to landscaping, mines and more. However, it takes skill and experience to operate heavy machinery safely and efficiently.
If you have the right license and experience and own (or can finance) some equipment, you have major earning potential. Even starting out, operators can make $40k-$50k, with experienced owners/operators earning over $100k.
So if you love hands-on work, are detail-oriented and want to earn solid pay operating machinery, read on to learn more about making money with heavy equipment.
There are many types of heavy equipment, each suited to different tasks. Some top options for making money include:
Excavators, particularly mini excavators, are one of the most versatile and lucrative pieces of heavy equipment for making money. Mini excavators range from 1–10 tons and can access tight spaces on construction sites.
Photo by Gerold Hinzen on UnsplashThey can dig trenches, move heavy materials like dirt and rock, demolish structures, load dump trucks and more. Excavator operators or owners can make $25-$50/hour or more. Renting your mini excavator to construction companies when not in use can also generate major income.
Owning and operating a bulldozer is another potentially profitable heavy equipment business. Bulldozers excel at clearing and flattening land, digging trenches and holes, pushing soil and rubble, forestry work and more.
Photo by Mateo Rojas Echeverri on UnsplashExperienced dozer operators can earn $35-$100+/hour. Rates vary by job and location, but having your own dozer and marketing your services to construction firms, developers and government agencies can be lucrative.
Loaders, sometimes called front-end loaders, are used on almost any major construction site. Their bucket on the front can scoop, lift and move everything from dirt to bricks and lumber.
Skilled loader operators can make $25-$40+/hour, with the versatility to find work on all types of projects. Owning your own loader opens more income potential.
Photo by Tungsten Rising on UnsplashOperating a dump truck is straightforward work that can earn decent pay. Dump truck operators transport and dump/spread materials like dirt, gravel, asphalt and more around construction sites.
Average pay is around $20-$30/hour but can be higher with experience. Owning your own truck (as opposed to working for a company) allows you to earn even more per job.
Photo by shraga kopstein on UnsplashOperating heavy machinery is skilled trade work. Here are some key steps to start your heavy equipment career:
Get licensed — All operators need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to drive/operate heavy equipment on roadways. Requirements vary by state. Many employers also want to see Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification.
Attend operator training — Hands-on programs at trade schools, community colleges and private operators schools can teach you how to safely operate equipment. Programs run from a few weeks to a year.
Consider an apprenticeship — Paid apprenticeships let you earn as you learn on the job from experienced operators. Apprentices often take operator training too.
Gain experience — Build up hours operating equipment on job sites. Many employers require 1–3 years experience before hiring. Gain experience any way you can.
Invest in equipment — If you want to own/operate your own machinery, you need to invest in buying equipment. Finance options are available, although interest rates are often high.
Market your services — Once licensed and experienced, market yourself to local construction companies, developers and landscapers to start earning.
Starting your own heavy equipment business takes time and effort but can pay off over the long run.
To maximize your earning potential in this field, keep these tips in mind:
Specialize — Pick one type of equipment like excavators and become an expert operator. Specializing makes you more valued.
Go independent — Work for yourself as an owner-operator instead of a company employee. This allows you to earn more per job and project.
Buy used — Buying used machinery saves huge amounts over new equipment. Used excavators, dozers, etc. still have plenty of life left.
Rent out idle equipment — Rent out your machinery during slow periods to bring in cashflow. Construction companies often rent for short-term jobs.
Market aggressively — Reach out regularly to general contractors, developers, landscapers and relevant firms to stay busy year-round.
Travel for work — If possible, travel for higher-paying jobs in more construction-heavy regions. Some operators work in mining, oil or gas booms.
Stay safe — Your safety record is critical to earning the top jobs. Keep your equipment properly maintained and stay alert on the job.
By using these strategies and gaining the proper training and experience, you can earn an excellent income operating heavy machinery. It provides an in-demand, hands-on skillset.
To give you an idea of running a heavy equipment business, here is an example business plan:
John’s Heavy Equipment is a new excavation contractor service owned by John Smith in Harrisburg, PA. John will operate a mini excavator and backhoe to provide excavation and trenching services to local construction companies and landscapers.
Owner John Smith will operate the equipment. He has 10 years experience as a heavy equipment operator at ABC Construction. He recently attained his CDL license and OSHA 10 certification.
John will purchase a used 3 ton mini excavator as well as a used backhoe. He chose versatile, medium-duty equipment to access a broad range of excavation jobs.
John’s Heavy Equipment will provide trenching, foundation excavation, hole digging and related services for construction and landscaping companies. His target customers include general contractors, home builders, landscapers and government agencies.
John will market his services through industry contacts, cold calling, social media and search ads. Competitive per job rates will attract local small businesses.
Equipment purchase (used mini excavator & used backhoe) — $75,000 Insurance policy — $4,000/year Fuel — $3,500/year Maintenance — $1,500/year *Marketing — $500/year startup; $250/year ongoing
John has invested $15,000 cash. He secured an SBA loan of $60,000 for equipment purchase.
Year 1 Revenue — $95,000 Expenses — $84,750 Profit — $10,250
Year 2 Revenue — $125,000 Expenses — $87,000 Profit — $38,000
By Year 3 the business is projected to produce $55,000 in profit.
This example outlines just one simplified way to launch and run a profitable heavy equipment operation. Use it as a model but tailor your own plan.
Operating heavy machinery takes skill and preparation but offers high earning potential. With so many types of heavy equipment in demand for major construction and earthmoving projects, the future looks bright if you have the drive to succeed.
Remember to choose equipment you are passionate about operating, get all necessary training and licenses, gain experience however possible, and continually market yourself to local firms. Building up your own collection of machinery will also maximize income over the long-term.
It’s not easy work, but with grit and smart choices the financial rewards of operating heavy equipment can absolutely make it worth your while. So consider learning to run an excavator, dozer, loader or other amazing machine — it could be your ticket to an exciting, high-paying career!
In summary, key points:
Heavy equipment operation is a skilled, high-demand roleExcavators, bulldozers, loaders and dump trucks offer great income potential
Get licensed, train extensively, gain experience and invest in equipment