Should You Rent or Purchase Your Next Generator?

Posted by rlnenergyservices on October 13th, 2015

Construction, demolition, forestry and mining industries are just a few examples of situations where portable powered is a must-have. Deciding to purchase or torent a power generator becomes one of the decisions that can greatly affect the profitability of any given project, in Alberta or elsewhere.

While the decision to rent or buy will depend upon your unique needs, there are ways to decide how you should invest in acquiring a generator for your needs.

Understanding Your Needs

The first thing you should understand are the unique needs for your projects. This will help establish a base line for your generator use.

If you regularly need a portable generator, then it's more likely that purchasing a generator will benefit you more. The maintenance costs tend to be less for a new generator than the rental costs over a prolonged period.

The last major variable in the rent-or-buy equation revolves around what your generator will power. If it is a primary generator that is vital to your business, then purchasing may be in your best interest especially if your business will be able to use it on a long term basis or for many consecutive projects. If you need the generator to produce extra electricity for just one or two jobs, then renting may be considerably more feasible.

Evaluating Maintenance Fees

One major advantage renting has over purchasing is that maintenance will rarely need to be done on rented generators. The company that owns the generator will often maintain them.

The cost of maintaining a generator rises substantially the less you use it. Fluid congeals, gas breaks down, and various seals must be replaced. That's why it tends to be best to rent your generator when you require it infrequently.

If you use your generator every day, then it makes more sense to purchase it. While you will need to maintain it, the cost drops substantially, and the return on investment increases over time. You will not have to deal with old fuel, batteries will receive daily usage, and components like air filters can be purchased in bulk to reduce costs.

Other Costs to Consider

When renting a generator, you must pay certain fees. These may include pickup and delivery charges, repair fees and other costs that may be hidden upon first glance.

When purchasing a generator, similar fees exist. Generators will depreciate in value, require labor and parts, and need certain components such as lube and tires, regularly replaced to ensure optimal operating conditions.

If you have the capital, which includes an on-site mechanic and the parts, to maintain your generator, then it is generally in your best interest to purchase a reliable industrial generator.

These will often pay for themselves when you regularly use them and have the ability to maintain them. This becomes more of the case when your business requires multiple generators at once.

If you only use a generator sparingly or need a certain type of high-capacity generator, then it tends to be best for you to rent your generator.

About the Author:

RLN Energy Services is an Edmonton, Alberta based company that specializes in the sale and resale of heavy power equipment. It is a privately held corporation with a team of highly experienced & skilled technicians in mechanical and electrical industries. RLN Energy Services provides sales of various power system equipment that includes natural gas equipment, portable power plants, diesel generator sets, turbine powered equipment & more. Along with the sale of power equipment, they also focus on training specific services for the maintenance, safety, switching operations & associated tools in the industry.