What to Look for When Renting Concrete, Grout and Screed Equipment in Australia

If you’re seeking to acquire mixing or pumping equipment for your business or project, there are key factors to consider prior to purchasing. These include equipment quality, equipment specifications, output volume and quality, ease of operation, safety, availability and cost (we explore these factors across our article posts which can be found here).
Another consideration is whether to rent or buy the equipment. In some circumstances, renting equipment can provide advantages over purchasing and can deliver superior outcomes. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential factors to consider before deciding whether to rent or purchase your equipment.
Why Rent Concrete, Grout or Screed Equipment?
The choice to rent or buy concrete equipment depends on numerous factors including your specific needs, budget, timeline and operator experience.
Needs of your Business or Project
Many of our customers undertake a diverse array of project work, requiring very specific equipment or tools. Renting allows you to select equipment tailored to specific project needs, including concrete mixers and pumps, without committing to purchasing every piece of equipment. This approach saves money while maintaining efficiency and delivering high-quality results.
Budget
Concrete, grout and screed equipment can require a significant upfront capital investment. This may restrict some businesses from obtaining the equipment they require. Renting is an option that allows you to access high-quality equipment without the significant upfront costs associated with buying. This frees up funds for other aspects of your project or business.
Further, when renting equipment, you will not incur the ongoing costs associated with ownership such as maintenance, storage, registration, insurance and finance.
In the right circumstances, renting equipment can be much more cost-effective than purchasing the equipment.
Project Timeline
Renting can also make more sense if a project is short-term or the type of work is a one-off. The upfront capital costs of equipment can make purchasing uneconomical if the equipment is only used for a short period. Further, if the equipment is required for a once-off project, not typically undertaken by your business, there is the risk it may not be used again.
Renting enables you to gain access to the required equipment for a short period of time in a cost-effective manner, maximising the returns on your investment.
Flexibility
Renting also allows you to ‘try before you buy’, allowing you to confirm the equipment is right for your business before making any purchasing decision. It also enables you to test multiple pieces of equipment to determine which is most appropriate.
Factors to Consider When Renting Concrete Equipment
Needs of your Business or Project
The first thing to consider when choosing which concrete equipment to rent is the specific needs of your project and matching this with the equipment best suited to your needs. This includes volume and speed of output, delivery distances, material specification, job site access, experience of operators etc.
CGS strongly recommends seeking professional advice from a reputable industry expert to provide you with advice in this regard. CGS can provide you with a recommendation of suitable equipment based on your needs, delivering you confidence that you have the right tools for the job.
Operator experience
This is a critical consideration prior to renting any equipment. Proper operator training and knowledge are essential to the successful delivery of your project. If your operator is unfamiliar with the equipment, ensure that a detailed training session is provided before using the equipment.
It is also important that the operator has the capability to properly transport, clean, maintain and safely operate the equipment. This will mitigate the potential for any excess cleaning or damage fees.
Cost and Budgeting
Cost and budgeting are critical when renting concrete equipment. Renting can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing equipment if your project has been properly planned. Ensure you have considered all fees such as accessories required, transport charges, insurance and deposits. Also, allow for unforeseen delays in the project to understand the potential costs involved in extending the rental period.
The operator must be suitably experienced in the proper use of the equipment to avoid any unplanned costs like excess cleaning fees, repair work or penalties for late returns.
Availability and Delivery Options
Another important consideration is to ensure the availability of the required equipment, especially during peak construction periods when demand is high. As such, you will want to enquire and book in advance to secure the tools you need and avoid delays.
Also, ask about delivery and pickup options when enquiring ahead of time. Many rental providers will not offer transport services, particularly interstate.
Project Timeline
The length of time the equipment is required will influence the economics of hiring. Daily rates might be cost-effective for smaller jobs, but long-term pricing often offers better value for extended projects. Comparing options based on your project timeline can help you save money.
Safety Features and Maintenance
Before renting concrete equipment, always inspect it first. Ask about the equipment’s condition and check it’s well-maintained and fully functional. If the machinery has a lot of wear and tear, and any signs of loose parts or malfunction, consider any compromise on safety or performance.
The equipment also needs to comply with Australian safety standards. Rental providers must meet all necessary regulations and provide warranty and insurance, but it still doesn’t hurt to double-check.
Reputable Providers
Finding a reputable rental company is essential. This does not mean selecting a big brand name, it means asking questions of your equipment provider to ensure they are giving you the best product and service. If your equipment provider isn’t delivering you the items below (at a minimum), you should seek an alternative.
The equipment provider must properly and fully understand the needs and requirements of your business or project. They must provide you with a recommendation that suits your specific requirements, and clearly explain to you why this solution is best.
Their equipment range on offer should hold a reputation for high quality and reliability—beware of cheap products that are too good to be true. They must also offer properly maintained equipment that is compliant with relevant standards.
They must provide you with an inspection report on the dispatch of the equipment from their premises and the return of the equipment at the end of the rental agreement. This provides you with full transparency over the condition of the equipment and any potential repair charges required upon completion of the rental period. It also evidences whether the equipment provider is properly maintaining its fleet.
Customer reviews and testimonials are valuable in assessing a provider’s reliability and service quality. Positive feedback from past clients provides insight into the company’s professionalism, equipment quality, and overall customer support satisfaction.
Make the Right Choice for Your Equipment Rental
Renting concrete, grout or screed equipment can save you time and money by giving you access to high-quality machines without the significant upfront cost. However, it is important to be properly prepared. Partnering with a knowledgeable and reputable equipment provider is critical to ensure your business is best placed to deliver high-quality output and maximise its return on investment. Your equipment provider should offer you expert advice that takes into account all of your needs and requirements.
At CGS Equipment, we exclusively supply a huge range of concrete, grout and screed equipment, which is also available for hire. This includes
Concrete Mixers (including pan mixers and mobile mixers): Ideal for preparing consistent, high-quality concrete for pouring foundations, slabs, or other large-scale applications.
- Concrete Pumps: Essential for transporting concrete efficiently to hard-to-reach areas, such as multi-story builds or large sites.
- Gunite and Shotcrete Pumps: Used for spraying concrete or mortar, particularly in pool construction or repairs, retaining walls, and slope stabilisation.
- Grout Mixers and Pumps: Designed for precise mixing and application of grout, especially for sealing, reinforcement or injecting tasks.
- Plaster Mixers and Pumps: Designed for precise mixing and application of plasters, especially for fireproofing and finishing.
- Dust Extractors: Crucial for maintaining a clean, safe worksite by controlling airborne particles during mixing, grinding or cutting.
- Volumetric Concrete Mixers: Perfect for large projects, allowing you to mix and control quantities of concrete on demand.
- Automatic Screed Machines: Flexible mounting options including onto a rigid truck or a trailer, allowing you to mix and control quantities of concrete on demand.
Contact our expert team today for more information and advice.