Renting an excavator

[Srgnt Billko]

Anybody had any experience renting a mini or compact excavator ? What to look out for contract wise ? Thinking about renting for a week.

[Pat]

You give them some money and take it home. You have to agree to their terms or you don't get the machine. If something happens you will probably have to pay for the damage. The last time they offered damage waiver insurance for $50 or so a day. I paid it. Didn't cover some of the really stupid things an operator can do to damage the machine like trying to dig thru the tracks. I hauled mine which probably increases the ways it can be damaged.

[Srgnt Billko]

Thanks. I had a guy bring one in 2 years ago for a couple days and I got to play with it for an hour or so. He had it for another job he was doing so I didn't get involved in the renting part. My son has a 5,000 # trailer but he is a half hour away and busy so I might just pay the rental place to move it. I don't plan to do anything exotic (no deep holes) just level off a spot, fill a ditch, pull out a couple small stumps, widen a drainage ditch, and modify an old existing foundation.

[Dave]

In my case, they give it to you fueled. Have to give it back that way, or they charge for refueling. It was delivered by the rental facility by trailer, and picked up. They called it a "Bobcat". Don't remember the specifics of the rental contract. Used it for light clearing, and moving soil/rocks. Excavating around and pulled some small tree stumps. Make ready site use for home builder. "Bobcat" is topheavy. Stay away from inclines unless heading directly at or away from incline. Dave

[Srgnt Billko]

Thanks - I hadn't thought about the fuel.