Excavator rental offers construction managers the flexibility to access the right equipment for any project without the burdens of ownership. Whether you need a compact machine for tight spaces or a heavy-duty excavator for large-scale earthmoving, renting provides immediate access to modern, well-maintained equipment.
Key Benefits of Excavator Rentals:
- Immediate availability – Get the right machine when you need it.
- No maintenance responsibilities – Equipment comes serviced and ready to work.
- Flexible terms – Rent daily, weekly, or monthly based on project needs.
- Access to latest technology – Use modern machines without a large capital investment.
- Try before you buy – Test equipment performance before purchasing.
The construction equipment rental market has grown significantly, with excavators ranging from compact 1.5-ton mini excavators for residential work to powerful 36-ton machines for major earthmoving projects. Popular options include Hitachi Compact Excavators for versatile performance, New Holland Mini Excavators for tight-access jobsites, Takeuchi Compact Excavators known for reliability, and Link-Belt Excavators for heavy-duty applications. Renting eliminates storage needs and provides access to specialized machines exactly when projects demand them, keeping your operations efficient.
I’m Jeffrey J. Miller, President of Kelbe Brothers Equipment, where I’ve guided our company through the evolving construction landscape for years, helping Wisconsin contractors access reliable excavator rental solutions. My experience has shown me that the right equipment partnership can make the difference between project delays and successful completion.
THE SMART CHOICE: WHY AN EXCAVATOR RENTAL MAKES SENSE
When planning your next construction project, the question of buying versus renting equipment always arises. After four generations in this business, I can tell you that excavator rental is often the most sensible choice for Wisconsin contractors.
Financial flexibility is a primary reason our customers rent. Instead of a significant capital outlay for equipment, renting allows you to allocate resources to other business needs, promoting healthier cash flow and enabling you to take on more projects.
You also gain access to modern technology without the large investment. Manufacturers like Hitachi, New Holland, and Takeuchi constantly improve their machines. When you rent, you work with the latest equipment, featuring improved fuel efficiency and operator comfort.
Another major advantage is having no maintenance or storage responsibilities. When you own equipment, you handle all repairs and storage. With an excavator rental, we manage all of that. Your machine arrives serviced and ready to work, and we take it back when the job is done.
Renting provides a perfect “try before you buy” opportunity. If you’re curious how a Takeuchi excavator performs or want to test a newer Hitachi model, renting lets you use it on your actual job site. If you like it, we can help you explore our New Equipment or quality Used Equipment options.
Every project is unique, and excavator rental offers project-specific solutions. Whether you need a compact New Holland mini excavator for tight residential work or a large Link-Belt excavator for a major commercial site, we have you covered. This flexibility ensures you always have the right machine for the job. This approach helps optimize your fleet, ensuring you have the right machine for every job without the burden of underused assets.
RENTING FOR SHORT-TERM PROJECTS
For some jobs, renting is a clear choice. This includes weekend projects, specific phases of larger jobs, or when you need an emergency equipment replacement.
Contractors use our rental fleet for everything from landscaping to utility work. Mini excavators are especially popular for these shorter-term needs, as they are perfect for digging small foundations, trenching, or even interior demolition where access is limited. The key benefit is avoiding long-term commitment; you get what you need for as long as you need it.
RENTING FOR LONG-TERM EFFICIENCY
Renting is also a smart strategy for long-term efficiency. Many customers rent to supplement their fleet during busy seasons or for projects that require more capacity than they own.
Renting provides access to specialized machines you might not use often enough to justify purchasing, such as a Link-Belt excavator with specific capabilities. This approach helps you manage your fleet more effectively. Instead of having equipment sit idle, you can deploy resources where they will do the most good. Should you decide ownership makes sense later, we offer flexible Finance options.
SIZING UP THE JOB: TYPES OF EXCAVATORS AND THEIR USES
Understanding the different types of excavators is key to project success. For an excavator rental, we match specific capabilities to your needs, considering factors like operating weight, digging depth, reach, and horsepower. These specs determine a machine’s suitability for your jobsite.
The excavator family ranges from compact one-ton machines to massive 90-ton trackhoes. This variety ensures a perfect match for any project, from small residential tasks to large commercial developments. The goal is to find the right combination of power, precision, and practicality.
COMPACT & MINI EXCAVATORS
When space is tight, New Holland Mini Excavators, Takeuchi Compact Excavators, and Hitachi Compact Excavators are ideal. These nimble machines excel on tight access jobsites, such as backyards or busy urban areas. They are perfect for landscaping, utility trenching, and even interior demolition.
Takeuchi Zero Swing Excavators are especially valuable for indoor work, as their tail stays within the track width, preventing collisions in confined spaces. Many compact models feature rubber tracks, which protect finished surfaces like concrete or asphalt. Despite their size, they offer impressive digging depths, from 6 to over 15 feet.
STANDARD & LARGE EXCAVATORS
For serious earth-moving, Hitachi Excavators and Link-Belt Excavators provide the necessary power. These machines are built for bulk earthmoving, heavy-duty digging, and large-scale commercial construction projects like foundation work and road building.
These larger excavators are essential for high-productivity jobs, handling tough conditions and demanding schedules with powerful hydraulic systems. They excel at site preparation for major developments, offering the volume and depth capabilities smaller machines lack, with digging depths that can exceed 26 feet. Our excavator rental approach allows you to match the machine to the project without being locked into equipment that may not always be the right fit.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MACHINE: FACTORS TO CONSIDER
Selecting the ideal excavator rental requires matching the machine’s capabilities to your specific needs.
First, consider the project scope: Are you digging trenches, excavating a foundation, or clearing land? The work’s scale dictates the excavator type. Next, evaluate jobsite conditions. Firm or soft ground, and confined or open spaces, will influence your choice. Muddy terrain might require machines with rubber tracks.
Lift capacity is crucial for moving heavy objects like pipes or concrete slabs. The required dig depth and reach are also key; ensure the machine’s maximums align with your project’s needs. Finally, consider transportation logistics. We handle the delivery, ensuring your equipment arrives on site when you need it.
| Excavator Class | Typical Operating Weight Range | Typical Max Dig Depth | Typical Max Bucket Capacity |
| Compact/Mini | 1.5 – 9 Tons (3,000 – 18,000 lbs) | 6 – 15 feet | 0.05 – 0.3 cubic yards |
| Standard/Medium | 20 – 35 Tons (40,000 – 70,000 lbs) | 18 – 22 feet | 0.8 – 2.0 cubic yards |
| Large | 36 – 90 Tons (72,000 – 180,000 lbs) | 20 – 28+ feet | 2.0 – 5.0+ cubic yards |
MATCHING THE MACHINE TO THE MISSION: A GUIDE TO EXCAVATOR RENTAL
A thorough site access evaluation is paramount. Measure gates, driveways, and check for overhead obstructions. A Takeuchi Compact Excavator or New Holland Mini Excavator fits tight spaces, while a larger Link-Belt Excavator needs more room.
Soil type also impacts performance. Dense clay or rocky terrain requires more horsepower, a strength of our Hitachi Excavators. The required power correlates with the task; breaking concrete needs more hydraulic force than simple trenching. Also, consider ground pressure on sensitive surfaces.
Beyond excavators, we offer related equipment like Hitachi Wheel Loaders, New Holland Wheel Loaders, and Takeuchi Compact Wheel Loaders for loading material and site cleanup.
EXPANDING CAPABILITIES WITH ATTACHMENTS
The versatility of an excavator’s rental is improved by attachments, which turn a digging machine into a multi-functional tool.
Here are some common attachments:
- Buckets: Available in various sizes, including standard digging buckets and wider grading buckets for finishing work.
- Thumbs (Hydraulic/Manual): Works with the bucket to grasp irregular objects like rocks, logs, or debris. Hydraulic thumbs offer precise control.
- Augers: Drills precise holes for posts, piers, or planting, available in various diameters.
- Breakers (Hammers): Powerful hydraulic hammers for breaking concrete, rock, or asphalt during demolition or site prep.
- Rippers: A sharp tooth used to break up hard-packed or frozen ground before excavation.
Having the right attachments increases efficiency. We maintain a comprehensive inventory of Parts and attachments to ensure you have what you need.
OPERATING SAFELY: BEST PRACTICES FOR YOUR RENTAL
With any excavator rental, safety is paramount. Proper preparation and awareness are essential for a successful project where everyone goes home safe.
Before starting, conduct a thorough pre-operation inspection. Walk around the machine to check for damage, leaks, loose components, proper fluid levels, and track condition. This simple routine helps prevent breakdowns and improves safety. Next, perform a site hazard assessment. Identify and mark underground utilities and overhead power lines, and note any unstable ground or obstacles before digging to prevent accidents.
Understand the controls. Even if you are experienced, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the specific model’s joystick, pedal, and emergency stop functions. This ensures the precise, safe operation of our Hitachi Excavators and New Holland Mini Excavators.
Always maintain 360-degree swing awareness, especially with larger machines like our Link-Belt Excavators. The excavator’s house can swing in a full circle, so constantly check your surroundings and maintain a safe distance from people and obstacles.
Follow safe digging practices. Never undermine existing structures, place spoil piles in stable locations, and keep the digging area clear of personnel. For comprehensive guidance, we recommend the OSHA excavation safety guidelines. Our team can also provide operational support through our Services, as we believe proper operator training is the foundation of safe project execution.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS FOR YOUR EXCAVATOR RENTAL
Understanding these key specifications helps ensure you get the right machine for your job.
- Operating weight: The total machine weight, which affects stability, transport requirements, and ground pressure.
- Horsepower: Indicates the machine’s power for digging and lifting, which is crucial for tough conditions. Our Takeuchi Compact Excavators and Hitachi Compact Excavators deliver impressive power for their size.
- Maximum digging depth: The deepest the machine can excavate, essential for trenching and foundation work.
- Maximum reach at ground level: The horizontal distance the arm can extend, important for loading trucks or reaching over obstacles.
- Bucket capacity: The volume of material the bucket holds. Matching bucket size to material type maximizes efficiency.
- Tail swing radius: The clearance needed for the rear of the excavator when it rotates. Our Takeuchi Zero Swing Excavators are ideal for working in confined spaces.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EXCAVATOR RENTALS
When you’re considering excavator rental for your Wisconsin project, you probably have questions. Here are the answers to the most common questions we get at Kelbe Brothers Equipment.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MINI EXCAVATOR AND A STANDARD EXCAVATOR?
The primary differences are size, weight, and power. Mini excavators, like our Takeuchi Compact or New Holland models, are ideal for smaller, confined spaces and sensitive surfaces. Standard excavators, such as larger Hitachi or Link-Belt models, are built for large-scale earthmoving and heavy-duty construction.
WHAT SHOULD I CHECK BEFORE ACCEPTING A RENTAL EXCAVATOR?
Perform a thorough walk-around inspection. Check for any visible damage, leaks, and the condition of tracks and attachments. Ensure all safety features, like lights and alarms, are functional, and verify that the controls operate smoothly.
CAN I GET ATTACHMENTS WITH MY EXCAVATOR RENTAL?
Yes, a wide range of attachments is available to improve the versatility of your rental. Common options include various bucket sizes, hydraulic thumbs for struggling, augers for drilling, and breakers for demolition. We can help you determine which attachments will work best for your project.
CONCLUSION
Choosing the right excavator rental is more than just picking a machine – it’s about finding a partner who understands your project needs and stands behind their equipment. At Kelbe Brothers Equipment, we’ve been serving Wisconsin’s construction community for four generations, and we know that success comes from having the right tools at the right time.
When you work with us, you’re not just getting access to top-quality machines like Takeuchi Compact Excavators for precision work in tight spaces, New Holland Mini Excavators for versatile jobsite performance, or powerful Link-Belt Excavators for heavy-duty earthmoving. You’re getting the peace of mind that comes from partnering with experienced professionals who genuinely care about your project’s success.
Our approach is simple: provide reliable equipment with hassle-free service and rapid response when you need it most. We understand that downtime is frustrating and disruptive. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency support and maintain our equipment to the highest standards, ensuring your rental arrives ready to work.
Whether you need a Hitachi Excavator for commercial construction, a compact machine for residential landscaping, or specialized attachments to tackle unique challenges, our experienced team will help you find exactly what you need. As your trusted Takeuchi dealer and Link-Belt dealer, we’re committed to keeping your projects moving forward smoothly.
The construction industry moves fast, but you don’t have to steer it alone. Let our family help your business dig deeper, build stronger, and reach new heights of success.
Explore our rental equipment inventory and find out how the right excavator rental can transform your next project from challenging to successful.