Top 10 Most Rented Equipment for Rental Businesses

“Tool & equipment rentals are expected to grow from $54.7 billion to $82.5 billion by 2033.”

– FactMR

What are the most rented pieces of construction equipment? For tool and equipment rental businesses just getting started, it’s an essential question to answer before making your first big purchases. Focusing on the most rented equipment is the best way to get the most bang for your buck early on. 

The right mix of high-demand, high-margin items can mean the difference between steady cash flow and constant overhead headaches. In this blog, we’ll break down the top 10 most profitable and rented pieces of equipment that consistently deliver so you can invest with confidence.

• Quick Summary
• Top 10 Most Rented & Profitable Construction Equipment
• How to Track Equipment for Maximum ROI

Quick Look: What Does Equipment Rent Out For?

Before we dive into each item in detail, here’s a quick look at how each of the items on our list performs for most rental fleets.

Top 10 Most Rented & Profitable Construction Equipment

The most successful rental businesses focus on gear with consistent demand, low upkeep, and repeatability. That’s the formula for strong, sustainable growth.

In our rankings, we considered:

• How often does it get rented?
• How quickly does it pay for itself?
• Is it expensive or time-consuming to maintain?
• Can it be used for different types of jobs?
• Does it hold up well over time?

These questions help separate the shiny showpieces from the true workhorses. With that in mind, let’s look at the top 10 most rented — and most profitable — pieces of equipment in the industry.

10. Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts are a reliable staple in most rental fleets, especially for jobs in warehousing, maintenance, and light construction. The aerial work platform rental market, which includes scissor lifts, was valued at around $8.5 billion in 2024, with continued growth expected through 2032.

They rent often and serve a wide range of indoor and outdoor use cases. But from a profitability standpoint, they’re not likely to be your top performer. Daily rates typically fall between $100–$250, and with market saturation high, it’s tough to command premium pricing.

They also require consistent servicing and compliance checks, especially for rough-terrain models—so overhead can add up. Combine that with growing competition from scaffolding and other access tools, and scissor lifts often function better as a supporting player than a core revenue driver.

That said, we still recommend including them in your fleet. Their versatility and steady demand make them a dependable asset, just not the one you’ll build your business around.

9. Trenchers 

Trenchers may not be the flashiest tool in your lineup, but they deliver above-average profitability. They’re essential for utility line installation, irrigation, and drainage, especially in the spring and fall when demand tends to spike. Globally, the trencher rental market was valued at approximately US $136 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a steady 3.8% CAGR through the end of 2033

The ROI timeline is typically fast for walk-behind or compact models, since upfront costs are relatively low, and daily rates often range between $75–$250/day depending on the type and region (as noted in your earlier groundwork). Maintenance is modest: many modern trenchers feature sealed bearings and hardened components that minimize service downtime and repair costs.

In terms of versatility, trenchers are specialized tools. They excel in narrow, deep excavation for cables, pipes, and landscaping but won’t be in demand across general-purpose projects. Due to this specialization, overall rental volume is limited compared to multipurpose equipment.

8. Boom Lifts (Articulating & Telescopic)

Boom lifts provide access to high or awkward spaces that other equipment can’t reach, making them a reliable choice for tasks such as siding, roofing, industrial maintenance, and utility work. They typically rent for $250–$800/day.

They also tend to stay on rent longer than other types of equipment—especially on commercial projects—making them a valuable option for businesses pursuing multi-day or multi-week contracts. However, they do come with heavier maintenance requirements. Hydraulics, control systems, and electrical components need regular attention, and owners report common failures if the machines aren’t well maintained

Industry estimates suggest you should budget around 2–3% of the purchase price annually for preventive maintenance. For an $80,000 lift, that’s $1,600–$2,400 per year, not including wear-and-tear repairs or battery replacement, which can run upwards of $5,000.

If you have customers who regularly need aerial access for longer jobs and you have a maintenance plan in place, boom lifts can deliver strong, consistent returns. They’re not your simplest asset, but in the right markets, they can be one of your most profitable.

7. Backhoes

Backhoes offer fantastic utility and solid returns, especially for fleets working in excavation-heavy environments. Demand is growing steadily, and the market is expected to keep expanding over the next decade. This is due to steady demand in construction, landscaping, and municipal projects.

These machines excel at digging, lifting, and handling materials across both commercial and residential job sites, making backhoes essential rentals for contractors. Rental rates typically range from around $280 to $400 per day, depending on size and horsepower. Small models tend to fall near the lower end, while larger loaders push into the higher range.

Maintenance is manageable. Backhoes feature straightforward hydraulics and drivetrains that require regular servicing, but parts are less complex and more accessible than those in aerial lifts or boom machines. 

In short, backhoes strike a smart balance: 

• Moderate upkeep
• Wide job site application
• Dependable demand
• Strong margins. 

For rental businesses targeting municipal contracts, landscaping projects, or general construction, they’re a core contributor to steady profitability.

6. Pressure Washers

Pressure washers are a great entry point for rental businesses. They’re affordable to buy, easy to maintain, and always in demand. The rental market for pressure washers is growing quickly, with strong interest from both homeowners and contractors.

Pressure washers are an ideal starting point for rental businesses—they’re affordable to purchase, require minimal upkeep, and rent consistently. Typical daily rates range from $50 to $100. Given purchase prices between $500 and $1,500, most units can recoup their full cost after just 5 to 10 rental days, especially during high-demand seasons.

Because these machines are simple in construction, with few moving parts and low service requirements, they’re low-risk assets from an operational standpoint. Routine cleaning and hose inspections are usually enough to keep them in good working order. 

Their versatility across site cleanup, event prep, and property management ensures steady rental demand across customer types and seasons. 

While they may not generate massive per-day revenue, pressure washers deliver quick ROI, minimal downtime, and high turnover. 

5. Concrete Equipment (Mixers, Saws, Grinders)

Concrete tools like mixers, saws, and grinders are always in demand. Not only are they used by cities and municipalities, but they’re also often sought out for home renovations. This means that they are used year-round and across all kinds of projects. Due to this demand, the demand for concrete equipment is steadily climbing and is expected to continue to grow over the next decade.

Typical daily rental rates for mixers and saws fall around $50 and $150, depending on size and equipment type. Because these tools often cost only a few thousand dollars to purchase, they pay for themselves quickly, especially when rented for long-term construction projects. 

As far as maintenance goes, these machines are designed for jobsite abuse but are easy to maintain with daily rinse-downs and weekly inspections. Cleaning off concrete residue, lubricating moving parts, and checking belts or filters takes just minutes, but goes a long way in preventing mechanical wear. Their simple, durable design keeps repair costs low and uptime high.

Wear points like blades, belts, filters, and bearings may need replacement, especially if equipment is misused or dirty. But thanks to standardized parts and simple construction, most repairs are low-cost and easy to do in-house. 

4. Dump or Utility Trailers

Utility and dump trailers may not be the flashiest gear, but they quietly deliver some of the strongest returns in the rental space, especially when bundled with other equipment rentals. Real-world cases show that renting a dump trailer for around $300/day can yield $50,000+ in gross profit per year from just one unit. The appeal lies in their versatility: dump trailers haul debris and materials, while utility trailers transport equipment, furniture, or landscaping loads. This flexibility boosts utilization year-round, regardless of season

Maintenance costs are pretty low, around $2,000-$10,000 annually. That puts upkeep at just a fraction of what even a single trailer can earn in a busy month, making them high-margin assets with minimal hassle.

What Maintenance Looks Like:

• Tires: Inspect and rotate monthly to prevent wear and ensure safety.
• Axles & Bearings: Grease regularly to avoid friction and failures.
• Lights & Plumbing: Check taillights, brakes, and welds as needed.
• Structural Integrity: Monitor for frame cracks or rust, but repairs are usually straightforward.

Resale value remains strong in secondary markets if you log maintenance and keep units in good shape.

3. Generators

Generators are one of the most profitable pieces of equipment you can own! They rent for strong daily rates, require relatively low upkeep, and are useful across all kinds of jobs, from construction sites to outdoor events and emergency power backups.

The demand for generator rentals is only growing, and that’s good news for your bottom line. These units often go out for multiple days at a time, which means fewer pickups and drop-offs and more revenue per job. With proper maintenance, they hold their value and stay in rotation for years. 

Here are a few reasons why they boost margins for equipment rental businesses:

• Consistent demand from construction sites, events, telecom, and backup power deployments
• High utilization thanks to multi-day deployments and recurring contracts
• Reliable output when maintained properly

Generators truly deliver strong rental income. For example, a 30 kW diesel generator rents for about $425/day, a 45 kVA towable diesel model typically goes for $375/day, and mid-size compact units often rent for $80–$95/day depending on size and provider. 

Industry-standard maintenance allocation guidelines suggest a budget of around 5–8% of annual rental revenue toward maintenance and inspections for high‑usage equipment like generators. 

2. Mini Excavators

The mini excavator is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to tool and equipment rentals. Mini excavators excel in construction, landscaping, utilities, and residential jobs where precision and maneuverability in tight spaces count.

But what sets these machines apart from the others in terms of profitability?

• Exceptional utilization
• Minimal downtime
• Strong resale value

The demand for mini excavators for various projects continues to grow across the industry. 

Typical rentals run $300–$650/day, with weekly rates between $800–$1,500, depending on size and attachments. Given the strong booking rates and relatively low daily downtime, many of these machines pay for themselves incredibly quickly.

Annual upkeep for a mini excavator averages $500–$1,500, depending on usage and whether dealership maintenance is included. Fuel costs (about $20/day with typical usage) are also predictable and manageable.

With basic daily cleaning, lubrication, and routine checks in place, mini excavators stay reliable with minimal overhead. When maintained properly, they have lower maintenance needs than larger machines, which makes your business both more efficient and profitable.

1. Skid Steers

Coming in at #1, skid steers are the undisputed all-stars of equipment rental profitability: highly versatile, with massive utilization, attachment upsell potential, and fast return on investment.

Why do they lead the pack?

Skid steers can dig, lift, grade, and haul, and that’s just the beginning. Thanks to universal quick-attach systems, they can switch between buckets, grapples, augers, brush cutters, trenchers, and more, transforming one machine into multiple revenue centers. Their versatility makes them a fit for everything from grading and digging to hauling and site cleanup, meaning they’re in near-constant rotation.

Typical daily rental rates range from $200–$500/day, with weekly rates $750-$2,000 depending on model, attachments, and local demand. 

Maintenance is simple and predictable: basic fluid checks, greasing, and visual inspections keep them running smoothly, and parts are widely available across brands. Skid steers also hold value well, so resale isn’t a headache. 

For rental businesses looking for consistent bookings, fast ROI, and scalable upsell potential, skid steers are the clear winner.

How to Track Equipment for Maximum Return

Knowing which equipment is most profitable is only part of the equation. The other half? Tracking how your fleet performs over time.

Even top-performing machines can quietly drain margins if they’re underutilized, stuck in maintenance, or sitting idle between jobs. That’s why successful rental businesses keep a close eye on these metrics: 

• Utilization — How often is the equipment actually being rented?
• Service history — Is maintenance eating into profitability?
• Return on investment — Is this machine paying for itself?

Tool and equipment rental businesses used to run mainly off of spreadsheets. For a while, that worked… sort of. But as your fleet grows and customer volume increases, spreadsheets start to eat up a ton of time. You can’t easily see which assets are earning their keep, which ones sit idle, or where maintenance is silently eating into margins. So you’ll probably spend a lot of time at your desk crunching numbers. And let’s be honest, who actually has time for all that?

Platforms like TapGoods replace reactive tracking with clear, real-time reporting. You get quick answers to questions like: Which items are my top earners? Which ones haven’t gone out in 60 days? Are my repairs cutting too deep into ROI? And you don’t need to dig through tabs or manually crunch numbers to get there.

Want to learn more about how to efficiently track inventory? Check out our expert tips on rental inventory management!

Bottom Line – Build Smarter, Not Just Bigger

When you know which equipment drives the most revenue, and why, it’s easier to scale your business without guesswork. Whether you’re just starting your rental fleet or looking to optimize what you already have, the right mix of high-demand, low-maintenance gear can set the foundation for long-term profitability.

But owning the right equipment is only part of the puzzle. Tracking performance, managing upkeep, and staying ahead of the numbers is where rental businesses start to separate from the pack.

If you’re ready to take that next step, TapGoods can help you run leaner, smarter, and more confidently, without adding more spreadsheets to your life.