Should You Rent or Buy a Commercial Generator?

When contemplating whether to rent or buy a commercial generator, there are many factors to consider to make the right decision for your operation. That’s why we’ve broken down the pros and cons of both options to make it easier for your business. Explore everything you need to know before you buy or rent a generator.

Cost Comparison of Renting vs. Buying

Cost is an important element to consider when choosing between renting and buying equipment.

• How much does it cost to rent a generator? Commercial generator rental prices are typically a fraction of the cost of what’d it be to buy the equipment. If your business needs a generator for an upcoming project, renting can be less expensive. The specific expenses will depend on a few factors, such as the brand, age, hours of use and technology.
• What is the cost of a commercial generator? The expense will depend on the specific type of generator and its size, though most will cost at least a few thousand dollars. However, this investment can pay for itself if you plan to use the generator regularly. If you anticipate needing the generator for a series of jobs in the future, buying may be the right financial choice for your organization.

Overall, it’s best to analyze your budget and needs so that you can select the option that makes the most financial sense for your organization.

Considering Your Long-Term vs. Short-Term Needs

Should you buy or rent a commercial generator? The answer will depend on whether you need the equipment for the long term or the short term.

Analyze your operation’s specific needs. If you find your business requires generator power for the foreseeable future, it’s beneficial to invest in your own generator. Businesses that purchase a commercial generator and use it on a regular basis can actually save money when compared to renting long-term.

However, those who don’t utilize this equipment for most of their projects will likely find renting more advantageous. When your organization needs specific pieces of machinery for a short-term project, like cleaning up after a disaster, it can forgo the upfront investment associated with buying and save some capital.

Advantages of Renting a Commercial Generator

Renting a commercial generator can have many advantages for businesses: 

• Cost-effective for short-term needs: Instead of investing in a generator your operation needs for only a few weeks, you can save money by turning to a rental to finish the job. 
• Portable: Most commercial generator rentals are portable and convenient for getting electricity when and where you need it. Portability is especially important for projects in remote or challenging locations.
• Ability to forego the initial investment: By choosing to rent, your business can forgo the initial investment associated with purchasing equipment that could tie up important capital and limit projects you could take on in the meantime.
• No need to pay for maintenance and repairs: One of the greatest benefits of renting a commercial generator is you aren’t responsible for equipment maintenance and repairs. Instead, the company you rent the equipment from will cover those costs.

Disadvantages of Renting a Commercial Generator

Along with the many advantages, there are a few cons to renting equipment that businesses should be aware of, such as:

• No immediate access: When you don’t own your commercial generator, you run the risk of downtime if your job site experiences a power outage unexpectedly. Your business will have to wait for machine availability and delivery when you rent.
• Usage limits: Some rental agreements limit your usage of a commercial generator. If you need your rental around the clock, your organization will typically face higher costs.

Advantages of Buying a Commercial Generator

It’s a good investment to buy a generator for the following reasons:

• Full ownership: One of the greatest benefits of purchasing a generator is machine ownership. You’ll be able to utilize your generator however you like and make any upgrades you want without worrying about a contract. You can also sell your generator in the future and enjoy a good return on investment. This can help when you want to put some money toward a new model.
• Long-term savings: If your operation requires a commercial generator for a long-term project or series of projects, buying is a cost-effective solution that will allow you to have your machine whenever you need it. The one-time purchase will likely pay for itself over the course of your projects.
• Constant availability: When you own your equipment, you never have to wait for rental availability or delivery. Instead, your machine is always available and you can effectively minimize project downtime.

Disadvantages of Buying a Commercial Generator

Learn about the disadvantages of buying your equipment rather than renting:

• Upfront investment: If you buy instead of rent equipment, you’ll be tying up capital you could use for other areas of your business. For organizations that don’t have the money to invest in a machine, renting may be your only option. 
• Maintenance and repair costs: When you own your equipment, you’re responsible for all the costs and labor associated with maintenance and repairs. Those who rent have the benefit of turning to the rental company for these needs.
• Portability: Commercial generators aren’t always portable. If you purchase a stationary model, your operation will have to deal with the complicated logistics of moving it from one site to another.

Turn to Mustang Cat^® for Your Generator Needs

Whether you decide that renting or owning is best for your business, Mustang Cat® is your one-stop shop for power equipment in southeast Texas.

We have a huge variety of job-specific machines from trusted brands. Our equipment is well-maintained and available around the clock, and you can enjoy the latest technology with the benefit of hometown service. With locations all over Houston and the surrounding area, we’re always close by to help you with your heavy machinery needs.

If you need to rent or buy a commercial generator, look no further. Find a location near you or contact us to learn more today!