Rental Solution: Mini-trenchers measure up
 |
| Customers looking for a trenching solution to install sprinkler systems, low-voltage wiring or lines for satellite dish, cable or phones can look to mini-trenchers to complete the job with minimal site disturbance. |
Small trenchers lead to big profits for rental centers
by Mike Hale
Mini-trenchers offer rental centers an effective solution to dig up new business and provide customers the right equipment for their project.
While large trenchers are standard fare on any rental yard, the value and opportunity of a mini-trencher is often overlooked. Just as the trenching applications vary by depth and width, so do the solutions to efficiently tackle those applications.
Rental centers that carry small trenchers offer their customers – ranging from homeowners to landscape contractors – easy handling and operation over manual digging or using a large trencher. And, rental centers save almost 10 times as much by purchasing a mini-trencher compared to the cost of a large chain-driven trencher.
At a fraction of the cost and with the ability to handle a large variety of applications, mini-trenchers add increased utilization and ROI to a balanced equipment rental fleet. Versatility is the key to success, and with mini-trenchers the variety of applications and opportunities for rental are nearly endless.
Mini applications
Rental centers find high utilization with mini-trenchers because of the equipment’s many applications. This gives rental centers the opportunity to attract new customers and to reach more markets with versatile equipment. For example, the need for a mini-trencher
can attract a variety of customers — including homeowners, contractors, golf course superintendents and public works managers — to the rental yard, especially in the southern states where frigid temperatures aren’t as common.
Shallow-depth trenching, about 12-inches deep and 2-inches wide, is ideal for a variety of applications from sprinkler systems to electric underground dog fences to cutting trenches for propane. It also works well for surface root pruning and installing plumbing and drainage lines, as well as low-voltage wiring, such as satellite dish, cable or phone lines, or landscape lighting wires. Many opportunities — in terms of high utilization rates and fast ROI — lie ahead for rental centers that meet customers’ needs with compact trenching equipment
Speedy ROI
Mini-trenchers offer easy handling, fast cutting speeds and clean cuts that reduce worksite damage. These benefits not only are good for rental customers but also for rental centers. If a piece of equipment gets used quickly and works successfully, it keeps the customers happy and coming back. It also means the mini-trencher can get used more frequently, resulting in steady rental rates.
Safety and simplicity further impact efficiency for customers. Mini-trenchers that allow operators to push the unit by walking forward rather than backward give users full control and enhance safety by enabling consistent sight of their travel path. Some forward walking units cut as fast as 30 feet per minute, which helps customers accomplish tasks quickly, especially when compared to larger chain-driven trenchers. Using a mini-trencher saves time and trenches 20 percent faster than chain-driven units that are cumbersome to move and expensive to rent.
Preventing damage to the work area is another major selling point for customers. Consider mini-trenchers that feature pneumatic tires that don’t affect turf and that pile dirt neatly to one side for easy backfilling and cleanup. This benefits customers because they won’t have to spend extra time repairing damaged turf caused by tracked machines, skid steers or other self-propelled units like chain-driven trenchers.
Beyond turf damage, large trenchers can damage a rental center’s pocketbook as a long-term investment with a lower utilization rate. It comes down to finding the right balance of equipment for the rental centers’ customers and region.
Long-lasting value
Each rental center should consider the region it serves and the most frequent trenching needs before making an equipment investment.
Mini-trenchers that feature replaceable blades and teeth give customers more options for different soils. A mini-trencher with heavy-duty rock teeth easily handles tough, rocky soil areas and even cuts through asphalt. The same mini-trenchers also come equipped with a cutting blade option more suited for loose, sandy soil types.
Required maintenance also impacts overall value and ROI for rental centers. The routine maintenance needs and overall equipment durability will determine how the machine stands up to user and application abuse. So, a tough machine with simple maintenance pays off in the long run because it spends less time in the repair shop and more time getting used by customers.
Mini-trenchers that incorporate a built-in slip clutch guard the drive train from shock if the trencher hits a rock or obstacle by stopping the blade from turning, protecting the equipment. It also protects the cutter teeth and belt from excessive wear and damage. Rental centers should look for models that feature bolt-on blades or cutting teeth so replacement will be simple and inexpensive. Some models weld teeth directly on the cutting wheel, causing the entire wheel to need replacement when a single tooth is damaged.
Final cut
Mini-trenchers are a versatile and valuable tool to have in a rental center’s inventory. These units work for a wide range of applications, making them more attractive to
customers and to rental centers for high utilization.Just because they are mini doesn’t mean rental centers will see a small return on their trencher investment.
Mike Hale is sales manager at Little Beaver Inc. He offers expertise on fencing and hole digging. If you have questions or comments, contact Mike at mikeh@littlebeaver.com or call (800) 227-7515.
PRO CONTRACTOR RENTALS MAGAZINE
Pro Contractor Rentals provides information of value to rental centers who focus time, resources and attention on meeting the demands of construction contractors and other equipment rental customers.
