Renting Equipment

Survey:  How many of you own tractors and implements?  How many of you plant or want to plant food plots?  What about mowing and grading roads?  For those with equipment, these things are a simple matter.  So what do the rest of us do? 

I rent equipment on a regular basis for my personal and business use.  I have operated a number of types, brands and sizes with varying results, and I have learned that the cheapest rate usually doesn’t save me money and the longer the rental the better the deal.  I try and line up as much work as I can schedule in the shortest time span possible.  This way I can get the most economical bargain.  More often than not, a person can rent a tractor for seven days at the same rate as three days.  If I have four to seven days worth of work, it behooves me to cram it into one, week long, rental period rather than two or three one or two day rentals.  This is more cost effective and it gives me time to do the job properly without getting into a hurry.

It is important to shop for the best price for the best piece of equipment.  You may find you can save $50 by renting an off-brand tractor, but it may take you a full day longer to complete the work, or you may end up losing time to repairs and maintenance.  I have had this experience on more than one occasion.  The name brand equipment will cost a few dollars more per day, but you will find in most cases that it works harder and faster.  I have also found that the big name tractors are weighted better for food plot work.  I also recommend a 40hp tractor or as close to it as possible.  Time is money and you want to finish the job as quickly as possible.  I can pull a 40hp tractor and implements with my ½ ton pickup truck.  Anything larger than that and you really should use a ¾ ton or larger.  Remember to check the oil daily and keep the air filter clean.

Implements are tricky when it comes to rentals.  Most rental companies have a brushhog and a box blade, but finding a disc is becoming more and more difficult.  The ones that you do come across tend to be light duty discs made with angle iron and 14” discs.  If you can find a heavy disc with at least 18” discs you have struck the jack pot.  I recommend taking pictures or noting any damage or defects to equipment when you pick it up.  This way you will not be required to pay for damages you did not cause.

Other types of equipment you may find valuable are bulldozers, skid-steers, hoppers, loaders, and many other toys that will keep you entertained for a day or two.  My local Co-op leases a hopper for $25 a day.  If I call in advance with an order they will have it loaded and ready to go.  A dozer will make a large job much simpler, but be cautious of soil moisture.  You can easily cause more harm than good.

My last bit of advice is to haggle.  A dealer will work with you; make an offer.  If you rent from the same place often enough and take care of the equipment, they will be more willing to take care of you. 

TalkHunting Pro Staffer Brent "Cobrican" Sawyer