Typically when you’re looking to rent a combination sewer cleaner, you are in a bind and need the equipment right away. Renting a combination sewer cleaner may seem like an intimidating task for some, but with the right support and guidance, the process can be smooth, easy and very advantageous.

An initial phone consultation with a rental professional is the best first step when considering an equipment rental. The rental professional can help you identify the right equipment for the job. 

The application
The first thing to determine when considering a combination sewer cleaner rental is the specific application for which the equipment will be used. There are many different equipment configurations and styles that come into play, depending on the job at hand. For example, if the machine will be doing a considerable amount of flushing, you will benefit from renting a combination sewer cleaner with greater water capacity and a powerful water pump. 

Location, environment and season
It’s important to know the location and the type of environment the machine will be working in. Depending on where the machine will be working, the equipment supplier can also help determine which local road regulations and weight restrictions might come into play.

Seasonal issues are also worth considering when renting a combination sewer cleaner at certain times of the year. Once the first frost hits the ground, the demand for combination sewer cleaners with hot water on board and other winterized options increases significantly. The spring season brings heavy flooding and overflowing sewers, while autumn brings falling leaves — these factors can create sudden demand for combination sewer cleaner rentals. Any time severe weather hits throughout the year, demand for rental units increases. 

Operator experience
Rental equipment doesn’t come with a trained operator, so you need to determine if you have an operator with experience using the machine on the job. The rental equipment supplier should provide the training required to properly and safely operate the combination sewer cleaner. 

Project length
Figure out your anticipated period of use for the equipment. This will help determine terms for the equipment rental — which could range from daily, weekly and monthly rates. Renting makes great sense for short-term projects or when a specialized piece of equipment is needed. A short-term rental is typically anything less than a month. Anything longer than 30 days could be considered a long-term rental.

Even with a properly scoped project, you should allow for some extra rental time in case of unforeseen delays or additional requirements. An experienced rental professional can provide valuable consultation to ensure you have the right equipment for the right amount of time. 

Benefits of renting
There are many benefits of renting that appeal to customers, including:

• A lower initial investment that helps conserve capital
• Reduced risk and financial exposure
• Access to a broader range of equipment, including multiple configurations and the latest product innovations
• Lower maintenance burden
• No long-term commitment

If you are considering a new venture or growth opportunity for your business, instead of buying you might first want to test the market with a rental unit. Renting is also a great option if you are waiting for delivery of a new unit, but have an immediate need for a machine. 

Try before you buy
If you want to try new equipment or to explore new technology, the equipment supplier provides flexible options — such as a water recycler, new boom technology, chassis, or a different vacuum system, like a fan or PD configuration — and even some peace of mind. Most rental units are less than two years old, which is a significant competitive advantage when you wish to convey a professional image and win customer confidence by operating newer and well-maintained equipment.

Trying a new machine for a certain period of time allows you to generate feedback from your operators and helps you determine whether to make a larger investment in an equipment purchase. The “try before you buy” scenario helps you gain helpful market insights, while also giving your equipment operators some valuable time on the machine. 

RPOs/RPAs
Many contractors will rent first, allowing them to build up capital as a downstroke. Smaller companies in particular use a rental purchase option (RPO) or rental purchase agreement (RPA) that allows them to apply a portion of their monthly rental payment toward the purchase of new or used equipment. RPOs and RPAs combine the convenience and flexibility of a rental with the ability to acquire the equipment at any time. They are great options for customers who don’t want to purchase equipment outright due to limited cash flow, indefinite project periods or other reasons. 

Steady growth in rental business
The rental business in North America is growing with contractor customers in particular. Instead of making an important investment without a long-term plan, renting a combination sewer cleaner allows you to bid work smartly and along the way conserve capital that you can use for other parts of your business. 

---

About Joe Johnson Equipment A subsidiary of Federal Signal Corporation, Joe Johnson Equipment is Canada’s largest supplier of sewer cleaning, hydroexcavation equipment, and ancillary equipment to municipalities and contractors. With nine locations in Canada, the company also provides refuse equipment, street sweepers and snow equipment. 

---

For information on renting Vactor combination sewer cleaners available from our dealer partners across North America, please visit www.vactor.com.