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The smart way to access powerful, compact machinery

Oct 27, 2025

Power Up Your Project: The Ultimate Compact Equipment Rental Handbook

Compact power equipment rental gives you instant access to the right machines for any job without the high upfront investment or storage headaches. Renting allows you to match the perfect machine to each specific task, giving you access to the newest technology and multiple machine types without worrying about maintenance or storage. This flexibility is key for contractors managing diverse projects across Wisconsin, from Milwaukee to Green Bay.

Most Popular Compact Equipment for Rent:

  • Takeuchi Compact Excavators: Perfect for tight spaces and precision work.
  • New Holland Skid Steer Loaders: Versatile material handling and site prep.
  • Hitachi Compact Excavators: Reliable earthmoving for small to medium projects.
  • New Holland Mini Excavators: Ideal for utility work and landscaping.
  • Link-Belt Excavators: Heavy-duty digging and demolition tasks.

The challenge isn’t just finding equipment; it’s finding a rental partner who understands Wisconsin contractors and delivers reliable machines. I’m Jeffrey J. Miller, President of Kelbe Brothers Equipment. For decades, we’ve helped local contractors steer the compact power equipment rental market, providing solutions that keep projects moving and help businesses scale efficiently.

Welcome to our guide for empowering your projects. Whether you’re in Madison or De Pere, every job demands the right tools and a reliable partner. This guide covers compact power equipment rental from selection and safe operation to choosing a partner who will maximize your productivity. With the right knowledge, you can turn challenges into triumphs.

Having access to a diverse fleet makes all the difference. Compact power equipment rental gives you the freedom to match the perfect tool to your specific task. At Kelbe Brothers Equipment, our rental fleet is built so you never have to compromise. These are well-maintained, working machines ready for your toughest projects.

Our earthmoving equipment offers precision and power for any ground condition.

  • Takeuchi Compact Excavators: These are the workhorses for tight-space construction, delivering power without bulk. Takeuchi Zero Swing Excavators are ideal for working against foundations, as the rear swing stays within the tracks.
  • New Holland Mini Excavators: Versatile and stable, these machines excel at utility work and landscaping and are easy to transport between job sites.
  • Link-Belt Excavators: As a Link Belt dealer, we know these machines provide the serious power needed for demanding excavation and demolition projects.
  • Hitachi Compact Excavators and Hitachi Excavators: As an authorized Hitachi excavator dealer, we can attest to their smooth operation and efficient hydraulics, which boost productivity on long days.
  • New Holland Tractor Loader Backhoes: The ultimate multitaskers, these machines combine digging and loading capabilities, perfect for handling various jobs with a single unit.
  • New Holland Crawler Dozers: These provide the stability and power for serious grading and site preparation, with excellent traction on diverse terrains.

More info about our New Equipment

Move materials efficiently to keep your project on schedule with our range of loaders.

  • Takeuchi Compact Track Loaders: Offering excellent traction and stability, their rubber tracks provide superior flotation for work on sensitive surfaces like landscaping projects.
  • New Holland Skid Steer Loaders: 200 Series: These job site favorites turn within their own footprint, making them highly effective in confined spaces and adaptable with various attachments.
  • New Holland Compact Track Loaders: 200 Series: Adding to the versatility of skid steers, these offer improved stability and traction on soft or uneven ground.
  • Hitachi Wheel Loaders: Built for high-volume material handling, these robust machines excel at moving aggregates and loading trucks with excellent operator comfort.
  • New Holland Compact Wheel Loaders and New Holland Wheel Loaders: We offer multiple options for various material handling capacities, featuring powerful hydraulics for smooth, economical operation.
  • Link-Belt Material Handlers: These bring specialized capability for projects involving scrap, waste, or bulk materials, providing necessary reach and lift capacity.
  • Takeuchi Compact Wheel Loaders: These machines offer compact versatility without sacrificing performance.

View our Used Equipment inventory

Compact power equipment rental provides access to a modern fleet of Takeuchi Excavators, New Holland Skid Steer Loaders, and Hitachi Wheel Loaders without the headaches of ownership. With rental, there are no storage hassles or maintenance responsibilities. Our team ensures every Link-Belt Excavator is in top condition, and if an issue arises, we handle the repairs.

Rental offers project-specific solutions, leading to increased job site efficiency. You can get a Takeuchi Zero Swing Excavator for tight residential work one week and a New Holland Crawler Dozer for site prep the next. This flexibility for business growth allows you to scale your fleet up or down as needed, taking on larger projects without the long-term commitment.

  • Match the right machine to the task: A Takeuchi Compact Excavator is perfect for precision work, while a Hitachi Wheel Loader moves large volumes of material quickly.
  • Use specialized attachments: Turn one machine, like a New Holland Compact Track Loader, into a multi-purpose tool for grading, clearing, and material handling.
  • Complete jobs in tight spaces: Our New Holland Mini Excavators and Takeuchi Zero Swing Excavators can access areas where larger equipment cannot, preventing property damage.
  • Reduce manual labor: A New Holland Tractor Loader Backhoe can do the work of several people, accelerating project timelines.
  • Avoid large capital outlay: Keep your cash flow healthy by renting a Link-Belt Excavator only when you need it.
  • Access the latest technology: Work with modern, efficient machines like our Hitachi Excavators and New Holland Wheel Loaders that feature better fuel efficiency and smoother hydraulics.
  • Try equipment before buying: Rent a New Holland Compact Wheel Loader to test its performance on your jobs before committing to a purchase.
  • Scale your fleet as needed: Easily handle a big project in Green Bay with multiple Takeuchi Compact Track Loaders without being burdened by idle equipment during slower periods.

When you’re ready to explore ownership, we can help. Learn about our flexible Finance options

Choosing the right rental partner is as important as selecting the right equipment. A good partner ensures a smooth project, while the wrong one can cause headaches. This section guides you through choosing a reliable provider and understanding the rental process for a truly exceptional compact power equipment rental experience.

When evaluating rental partners, consider these key factors:

  • Equipment Availability: A reliable partner maintains a diverse fleet, from Takeuchi Compact Excavators to Hitachi Wheel Loaders, ensuring the machine you need is available.
  • Fleet Condition: Well-maintained machines, like our Link-Belt Excavators and New Holland Skid Steer Loaders, run better and keep your project on schedule.
  • Delivery and Pickup: Punctual delivery of your Takeuchi Compact Track Loader to your Milwaukee or Green Bay job site is critical to your timeline.
  • Operator Support: Familiarization with machine controls and features is crucial for productivity and safety, even for experienced operators.
  • 24/7 Emergency Service: You need a partner who provides immediate help when equipment has issues, day or night.
  • Knowledgeable Staff: Work with experts who understand which machine, like a New Holland Compact Wheel Loader or a New Holland Wheel Loader, will best solve your problem.

The Streamlined Process of Compact Power Equipment Rental

Our proven process eliminates surprises and keeps your project moving forward:

  1. Initial Inquiry and Project Assessment: We listen to your project needs, whether in Madison or De Pere, to recommend the right solution.
  2. Equipment Selection with Expert Advice: We help you choose between a Hitachi Compact Excavator and a New Holland Mini Excavator based on your specific job site conditions.
  3. Reservation and Scheduling: We provide straightforward scheduling to lock in your dates and align with your project timeline.
  4. On-site Delivery and Inspection: We deliver your Takeuchi Zero Swing Excavator or New Holland Tractor Loader Backhoe, conduct a joint inspection, and ensure your crew is familiar with its operation.
  5. Operational Support During Rental: We’re just a phone call away for any questions or issues that arise during the rental period.
  6. Hassle-Free Return Process: A simple call arranges pickup, and we handle the details, letting you focus on your next project.

Proper use and safety are paramount for a successful project. A safe job site runs smoother and faster. With proper planning and attention to safety, your rented compact power equipment becomes a powerful ally that tackles tough jobs with precision while keeping your crew safe.

Matching the right machine to the challenge is where compact power equipment shines. These are purpose-built problem solvers for situations where larger equipment won’t work.

  • Landscaping Tasks: A New Holland Mini Excavator can dig a pond in a tight Milwaukee backyard, while a New Holland Skid Steer Loader: 200 Series spreads topsoil with precision.
  • Tight-Space Construction: Urban renovations and basement dig-outs demand the nimble footprint of a Takeuchi Zero Swing Excavator, which can work right up against walls without its rear end swinging into obstacles.
  • Utility Trenching: For installing water lines or fiber optics, Takeuchi Compact Excavators and New Holland Tractor Loader Backhoes excel at digging narrow, accurate trenches with minimal disturbance.
  • Grading and Site Prep: A New Holland Compact Track Loader: 200 Series offers fine control for smooth surfaces, while New Holland Crawler Dozers provide power for larger grading jobs.
  • Demolition Work: Paired with the right attachments, machines like Link-Belt Excavators or Hitachi Excavators can make quick work of concrete and old foundations.
  • Foundation Digging: Our range of excavators provides the precision control needed to keep foundations for a new Green Bay home or commercial building perfectly square and sized.

Good safety habits make you more efficient and ensure everyone goes home in one piece. Always prioritize these steps:

  • Pre-Operation Walk-Around Inspection: Before starting a Hitachi Wheel Loader or Takeuchi Compact Track Loader, check fluid levels, hoses, and safety guards. If something looks wrong, it probably is.
  • Understand the Machine’s Controls: Spend a few minutes familiarizing yourself with the specific controls of your rental, as the layout on a Hitachi Compact Excavator may differ from other models.
  • Assess the Job Site for Hazards: Walk the site to identify potential problems like overhead power lines, underground utilities, or unstable ground before you begin work.
  • Ensure Clear Communication: On busy sites, use hand signals or radios to ensure everyone knows the location and movement of equipment like a New Holland Wheel Loader.
  • Follow Proper Shutdown Procedures: Protect the equipment and future users by lowering attachments, engaging brakes, and following the manufacturer’s shutdown sequence.

For comprehensive safety guidance, especially for trenching, consult the official Authoritative guidance on Trenching and Excavation Safety from OSHA. Smart safety practices combined with the right compact power equipment rental are the recipe for project success.

We’ve helped Wisconsin contractors for generations and have answered many questions about compact power equipment rental. Here are straight answers to some of the most common ones.

Even the best-maintained Takeuchi Compact Excavators or New Holland Skid Steer Loaders can have issues. Our commitment is to get you back to work fast. We offer 24/7 emergency support with a rapid response commitment. Our expert mechanics, who know our Hitachi Excavators and Link-Belt Excavators inside and out, are dispatched to your site quickly. If a repair will cause significant delays, we’ll bring you a replacement machine. Your project stays on schedule, whether your New Holland Mini Excavator has an issue at 2 PM on a Tuesday or 2 AM on a Saturday.

Requirements can vary by machine and job type. While most of our compact power equipment rental fleet, like New Holland Compact Track Loaders, doesn’t require special state certifications for general work, the operator must be trained and competent. When we deliver your Hitachi Wheel Loaders or New Holland Tractor Loader Backhoes, we provide on-site equipment familiarization. We strongly recommend discussing your operator’s experience with our team during reservation so we can guide you to any necessary resources. Safety is non-negotiable.

Choosing the right size is crucial—too big is inefficient, and too small is unproductive. This is where our decades of experience helping Wisconsin contractors comes in. When you call, we’ll ask about your job site (a tight Milwaukee backyard or an open Green Bay field?), the materials you’re handling, and your goals. Based on your answers, we can recommend a Takeuchi Zero Swing Excavator for a tight space or a Hitachi Wheel Loader for moving large volumes. Our goal is to be your problem-solving partner, not just an order-taker, ensuring you get the most efficient machine for your job.

Compact power equipment rental offers the best of both worlds: professional-grade machinery without the headaches of ownership. You gain flexibility to tackle a wider range of projects, from needing a Hitachi Wheel Loader one month to a New Holland Tractor Loader Backhoe the next, all without tying up capital.

However, not all rental partnerships are equal. You need a partner with a well-maintained fleet, deep expertise, and a true understanding of your challenges. For contractors across Wisconsin—from Milwaukee to Green Bay and Madison—that partner is Kelbe Brothers Equipment. As a fourth-generation, family-owned company, our commitment is to make your job easier.

What sets us apart is our dedication to getting you back to work quickly. Our 24/7 emergency support for your Hitachi Compact Excavator and rapid turnaround for a New Holland Skid Steer Loader delivery are promises we keep. We provide complete construction solutions, leveraging our experience to match you with the right machine, whether it’s a Takeuchi Compact Track Loader or a heavy-duty New Holland Crawler Dozer.

Your next project deserves the right machine, delivered on time and backed by a team invested in your success. Don’t let equipment limitations hold you back.

  • Explore our extensive fleet, from nimble Takeuchi Compact Excavators to powerful New Holland Wheel Loaders.
  • Get the expert advice you deserve to match the perfect machine, like a Hitachi Excavator, to your project needs.
  • Power your next project with confidence by partnering with Kelbe Brothers Equipment.

Browse our full Rental Equipment catalog today!