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I just rented a new Cat D-4G for $375/day+fuel. They are close by so trucking was $75. I did 2 jobs with it, that took 28 hours of machine time to complete. Demolished an old pool, re-graded the area & topsoiled it with existing that I stripped first, probably 500 cubic yards moved. I scraped out my driveway, built it up with gravel & crushed stone, probably handled about 400 cubic yards. The rental rate was good, the productivity was at its highest, fuel efficiency was excellent. They are all nice when new, matter of fact this one had never been used, 2.4 hours on the meter, but that aside, renting a late model machine, at a decent rate, you're not paying for an operator, profit & overhead or any other contractor mark up if you can run it yourself. You'll most likely not have to deal with any down time, even if you do, the rental outfit will back you up by repair on site or with a replacement unit. You have no risk except delay in finishing your work. This particular machine was really easy to operate, was well balanced, plenty of power for it size, overall a good performer, long term is another issue, like I said earlier they're all nice when new ! It was a bonus to have several years experience operating a dozer full time, the skills and ability really helped get the job done right and efficiently. If you have good skills operating a dozer, you can get maximum productivity by using your ability and planning out the jobs you would like to do. If you have a lot of work, you can sequence it in phases, pay as you go, not tie up all your $$$ into a machine at once. At the rate I rented this one for, $15,000 would get you 300+ hours, based on a daily rate, weekly and monthly rates are better. One way to keep $$ in your pocket and get what you need done, as you need it, new machinery, no major headaches to worry about with the equipment you're using. Ownership is a luxury & convienence and sometimes there is no other alternative if you want something, its there because you own it. I have a pair of old D-7's, and a old 850 Ford with a loader. Nice to be able to fire up the dozer if the 850 gets stuck or some other situation arises where you need it in a hurry. The 7's are for bigger work and or clearing, not much else, lucky to have one of them with very low hours, still require tinkering though, tracks are good most importantly. The tractor with a loader is about the handiest thing I own, good for a multitude of tasks, lifting, material handling, snow removal, light earthwork ( not heavy duty like a backhoe or industrial model, but if you take your time, it does quite a bit) Was great to have in combination with the rental machine on both jobs. Always something to fix or maintain when you own. Just another viewpoint for you. If you can get a decent machine at the right price, especially after it's depreciated, do your work, you may be able to get your investment back, or close to it if you take care of it, + the value of the work you get done with it. If you need a major repair, it'll throw you off dollarwise and your $$ will be already tied up into a machine, your work stopped etc. It's a risk, just like anything else, have to make sure you know what you are buying, have the U/C measured, and a competent mechanic give it a once over etc., see if you can demo it etc. I think you are always better off spending a little more on the right machine if one presents itself, especially if you are not into repairs, also consider parts & service availability in your area for whatever you buy, its important to have. In any case, best of luck in your endeavor !
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