HomePeople InterestGenerator Hire vs. Purchase: Which Is Smarter for Short-Term Use?

Generator Hire vs. Purchase: Which Is Smarter for Short-Term Use?

If you’re looking into temporary power solutions, chances are you’ve come across the entire generator hire vs. purchase debate. 

While there are varying opinions, it all comes down to one thing: Your specific needs. Purchasing a generator looks like a one-and-done deal, but it is not suitable for short-term usage. Here’s a closer look at why renting a generator is better than buying one.

Use Cases of Generators

First, let’s take a look at some use cases where hiring a generator makes sense:

  • Construction sites
  • Entertainment events
  • Temporary medical camps
  • Mining operations
  • Retail stores
  • Movie sets

Why Renting a Generator is Better

The advantages of generator hire include:

No Upfront Cost

Purchasing a commercial or industrial generator is a hefty financial investment. The upfront cost alone can go up thousands of dollars. And keep in mind that this initial cost doesn’t include additional expenses, such as delivery, installation, and maintenance. 

In comparison, a generator hire incurs no such costs. Most hiring solutions charge a fixed payment, while others charge you for what you’ve used. Both cases ensure financial flexibility, allowing you to fund other parts of the project.

Access to Latest Technology

Generator hiring companies offer a range of options, including diesel, gas, and hybrid generators. The power ranges from 20 kVA all the way up to 1,500 kVA. Newer generator models have advanced features, such as:

  • Compact design 
  • Load sharing capabilities
  • Noise reduction
  • Trailer-mounting
  • Fuel efficiency

By renting a generator, you can access all of these features without paying hefty costs.

Skip the Hassle of Maintenance

Like all power solutions, generators require continuous maintenance to keep your operations running smoothly. When you buy an industrial-grade generator, you also sign up for the headache of frequent maintenance. In comparison, a rental generator is fully maintained by the rental company. Moreover, you’ll have a team of technicians to install the equipment and periodically check it for inefficiencies. 

Space Saving

As a construction contractor working on numerous short-term projects, storing a commercial generator is pretty difficult. Choose rental generators, which can be transported to any site. Moreover, you don’t have to pay for a generator that sits idle during off-peak times.

With rental generators, you can immediately switch to an option better suited for the size and scope of your project. 

Safety Compliance

Not all generators are created equal. By buying a generator from an unreliable and non-compliant provider, you can put the entire project at risk. 

Warranty and Insurance Coverage

Generators, especially on construction sites, can be prone to theft or damage. When you buy a generator, you would have to pay for its warranty and insurance. This leads to a mountain of paperwork and unexpected costs. 

In comparison, most rental generators come with insurance. It covers theft, damage, and general malfunctioning, ensuring peace of mind.

24/7 Support

Most generator hire companies offer 24/7 technical support to resolve problems. This will ensure minimal downtime, quick adoption, and operational efficiency. 

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