Quick Decision Guide
Buy if: You need the machine 4+ weeks per year, want to build equity, or need it available on-demand.
Rent if: You need it less than 4 weeks per year, want to try before buying, or need different sizes for different jobs.
Cost Comparison
| 1-Ton | 2-Ton | 4-Ton | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $10,000 | $20,000 | $35,000 |
| Daily Rental | $200-300 | $300-400 | $400-600 |
| Weekly Rental | $600-800 | $800-1,200 | $1,200-1,800 |
| Monthly Rental | $1,800-2,500 | $2,500-3,500 | $3,500-5,000 |
Break-Even Analysis
How many rental days until buying makes sense?
- 1-Ton ($10,000): 35-50 rental days (7-10 weeks)
- 2-Ton ($20,000): 50-65 rental days (10-13 weeks)
- 4-Ton ($35,000): 60-90 rental days (12-18 weeks)
Hidden Costs of Ownership
- Maintenance: $500-1,500/year
- Insurance: $500-1,500/year
- Storage: $0-200/month
- Transport: Trailer + tow vehicle
- Depreciation: 10-15% per year
Hidden Costs of Renting
- Delivery/pickup: $50-150 each way
- Damage waiver: 10-15% of rental
- Fuel: Usually not included
- Cleaning fee: If returned dirty
- Availability: May need advance booking
When to Rent
- One-time project under 2 weeks
- Testing a machine before purchase
- Need a different size than you own
- Your machine is in the shop
When to Buy
- Regular use (4+ weeks/year)
- Need immediate availability
- Want to customize with attachments
- Building business assets