Should You Buy, Rent, or Build Your Portable Power Equipment?

Deciding whether to buy, rent, or build your own portable power equipment can have a significant impact on your time, budget, and the longevity of your power system. Since we all depend on electricity to power our projects, it’s a decision that will shape the success of your project and can save you headaches down the road.

Understanding that each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages can help you to make the right decision for you and your team. Are you facing a one-time project and wonder if it’s worth purchasing equipment you might never use again? Or do you need a long-term solution that you can rely on for years to come? Knowing which option best suits your needs can help you to avoid unnecessary costs and ensure you have reliable power when and where you need it.

In this article, we’ll dive into the factors to consider when choosing between buying, renting, or building your own portable power solutions. We’ll break down how each choice impacts your time, budget, and project outcomes.

Renting Portable Power Equipment

Pros of Renting

• Low Initial Cost - Renting portable power equipment is a great choice for keeping your up-front costs low. It’s perfect for times when you only need equipment for a short period or just for a specific job.
• Maintenance-Free - Rental companies take care of maintenance and repairs, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected breakdowns or the cost of regular upkeep. If anything breaks down, they’ll take care of it and provide a replacement.
• Flexibility - Renting gives you the flexibility to pick out equipment for whatever job you’re tackling. You can try out different gear as needed, without the long-term commitment of owning it.

Cons of Renting

• Higher Long-Term Cost - If you’re using equipment regularly, rental costs can quickly add up! Before you know it, buying might be the more cost-effective option in the long run.
• Availability Issues - When you rent equipment, there's always the chance it might not be available when you need it, especially during the busiest times of the year.
• Usage Restrictions - Rental agreements often include usage restrictions such as time limits and operational restraints. This can be challenging if you heavily use your equipment or your jobsite has harsh operating conditions.

Building Your Own Portable Power Equipment

Pros of Building

• Complete Customization - Building your own portable power equipment gives you complete control. You get to customize it exactly how you want, whether it’s the size, max power rating, or other special features that you can’t find in off-the-shelf models.
• Budget-Friendly Benefits - If you have the skills, tools, and materials, building your own equipment can be more affordable than buying. This is especially true for simple designs that can reuse parts from other machinery.

Cons of Building

• Time-Consuming - Designing and building equipment from scratch takes a lot of time and effort. Because of this, it might not be the best option if you're on a tight deadline and need the equipment right away.
• Complexity and Skill Requirements - Building your own equipment requires expertise in mechanics and electrical systems. If you're not already skilled in these areas, buying your equipment can save you a considerable amount of time and money.
• No Warranty or Support - Unlike purchased or rented equipment, you won’t have a warranty or customer support if something goes wrong. You’ll be responsible for troubleshooting, fixing, and replacing components if they fail.

Buying Portable Power Equipment

Pros of Buying

• Long-Term Investment - Buying portable power equipment is often the most cost-effective choice if you’ll be using it regularly. Once you own it, you can use it anytime, and the upfront cost pays for itself over time by saving you from rental fees.
• Convenience - When you own the equipment, it’s always available when you need it. There's no need to worry about the availability issues and time constraints that come with rentals.
• Less Ongoing Expenses – Once your power solutions are paid off, there’s fewer recurring fees compared to renting. Furthermore, when you invest in high quality equipment, you will face minimal maintenance costs over your equipment’s lifespan.