Renting A Bobcat® Excavator

Renting an excavator can ease some of the financial constraints of a project. This is even truer in cases where you’ll need an excavator for only a short amount of time. It’s also a good option for those who can’t fit buying an excavator into their budget. Before you rent an excavator, you need to know how to select one to ensure you’re getting the right machine. 

At Bobcat of York/Fredrick/Hagerstown/Adams County, we know that renting can make people nervous, but we want you to know that you can get a great deal if you know what you’re doing. Read on to learn more about excavator rentals. If you want to see some quality Bobcat excavators for rent, visit us at our locations in Pennsylvania and Maryland. We welcome all our friends from Lancaster, PA, and Baltimore, MD. 

Thorough Inspection

You know that you should thoroughly inspect any machine you’re going to rent to avoid ending up with a lemon. Looking it over carefully will let you know if the excavator will give you more work or more trouble. 

There’s another reason behind the thorough inspection when you look at excavator rentals—you don’t want to end up paying for damages you didn’t cause. Small dings and a few scratches aren’t any reason to overlook a machine, but you don’t want to be held responsible for them when you return the excavator rental. Take notes and pictures and keep them safe. They’ll come in handy if you have to prove you didn't cause the dings and scratches. 

Frame

When you get down to the actual inspection, start from the top and work your way down. Inspect the excavator rental carefully, covering every inch. Check the amount of wear the machine has and note down any part that seems uneven. This is sometimes caused by a structural issue that makes the frame tilt to one side. Also note cracks, scratches, and dents, no matter how little they may be.

Hydraulic Arm

As the defining feature that is necessary for any productivity with the machine, the hydraulic arm holds a whole lot of power. Because of this, you need to pay special attention to the arm. Inspect the structural integrity of the machine, as well as the hydraulic system. Test it out if possible. Also, check the cylinders and even the attachment that comes with the rental.

Engine

There are a number of moving parts in an excavator engine but you still have to examine it to look for anything out of place. Make sure to check the fluid levels and conditions, including both coolant and oil. Inspect all the filters and see if any of the hoses have cracks or holes. Check to ensure there aren’t any bent fins in the radiator. If you find anything that’s out of the ordinary, be sure to ask the renter about it so it can be addressed right away. 

We hope this guide helps you make the right excavator rental decision. If you’d like any more information, come to Bobcat of York/Fredrick/Hagerstown/Adams County in Pennsylvania and Maryland and have a chat with our friendly staff. We also have a wide selection of excavators for rent and sale! We’re proud to serve the people of Lancaster, PA, and Baltimore, MD.