When equipment rental pays off and when it doesn't

Rule of thumb: if you use a machine fewer than 80-100 days/year, renting is cheaper. Total cost of ownership includes depreciation, insurance, maintenance, storage, MOT and operator — for a 20t excavator that exceeds €50,000/year.

Rental advantages: zero CAPEX, on-site delivery included, instant swap if it breaks, certified operator optional. 2026 typical rates: 20t excavator = €450/day, JCB 3CX = €290/day, Bobcat mini-loader = €180/day.

For projects under 3 months or occasional intervention, rental is almost always the right call. For continuous construction (5+ projects/year), buying small equipment (mini-loader, plate compactor) starts to make sense.