Rent or Buy? How to Decide What’s Right for Your Business
At Triangle Equipment Group, we understand your business goals go beyond the next job. Whether you’re a seasoned contractor expanding your fleet or a new company getting started, deciding whether to rent or purchase equipment can have a big impact on your cash flow, productivity, and long-term success.
Our Bobcat Specialists help customers every day with this decision. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing whether to rent or buy Bobcat equipment and attachments.
1. Project Frequency and Duration
If you need a machine or attachment regularly - or for long-term projects - buying can make financial sense. But if your needs are short-term or seasonal, renting gives you flexibility without long-term costs.
Ask yourself: How often will I use this machine in the next year?
2. Cash Flow and Budget
Purchasing equipment ties up capital, while renting preserves cash for other business needs. Financing options from Bobcat make ownership easier, but if you’re watching cash flow closely, renting can reduce upfront costs and keep your budget flexible.
Ask yourself: Is it more important right now to own assets - or to protect my cash on hand?
3. Jobsite Versatility
Each job is different. Renting allows you to match the right equipment and attachments to every project - from grading and trenching to demolition and landscaping - without being limited to what you already own.
Ask yourself: Do I need a wide range of machines and attachments for my work?
4. Maintenance and Repairs
When you own equipment, you’re responsible for all upkeep, parts, and repairs. When you rent from Triangle Equipment Group, we handle maintenance - so your crew can stay focused on the job.
Ask yourself: Do I have the time and staff to maintain and service this equipment?
5. Transportation and Storage
Owning machines requires storage space and reliable transport between jobsites. With rentals, we can deliver and pick up equipment for you, saving time and hassle.
Ask yourself: Do I have the resources to transport and store equipment efficiently?
6. Tax Benefits and Depreciation
Purchasing offers tax advantages such as Section 179 deductions, allowing you to write off equipment purchases. Renting, on the other hand, is fully deductible as an operating expense. Both options can benefit your bottom line - depending on your financial strategy.
Ask yourself: Which approach offers the greatest tax advantage for my business this year?
7. Business Growth Stage
Startups and small businesses often begin by renting until they have steady work and can justify ownership. Established companies might mix both - owning core machines and renting specialty equipment as needed.
Ask yourself: Is my business still scaling, or is it time to invest in my own fleet?
At Triangle Equipment Group, our Bobcat Specialists take time to understand your business and help you make smart equipment decisions. We’ll review your jobsite requirements, project pipeline, and financial goals to recommend what’s best for you - whether that’s buying, renting, or a mix of both.
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Our Bobcat Specialists help customers every day with this decision. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing whether to rent or buy Bobcat equipment and attachments.
1. Project Frequency and Duration
If you need a machine or attachment regularly - or for long-term projects - buying can make financial sense. But if your needs are short-term or seasonal, renting gives you flexibility without long-term costs.
Ask yourself: How often will I use this machine in the next year?
2. Cash Flow and Budget
Purchasing equipment ties up capital, while renting preserves cash for other business needs. Financing options from Bobcat make ownership easier, but if you’re watching cash flow closely, renting can reduce upfront costs and keep your budget flexible.
Ask yourself: Is it more important right now to own assets - or to protect my cash on hand?
3. Jobsite Versatility
Each job is different. Renting allows you to match the right equipment and attachments to every project - from grading and trenching to demolition and landscaping - without being limited to what you already own.
Ask yourself: Do I need a wide range of machines and attachments for my work?
4. Maintenance and Repairs
When you own equipment, you’re responsible for all upkeep, parts, and repairs. When you rent from Triangle Equipment Group, we handle maintenance - so your crew can stay focused on the job.
Ask yourself: Do I have the time and staff to maintain and service this equipment?
5. Transportation and Storage
Owning machines requires storage space and reliable transport between jobsites. With rentals, we can deliver and pick up equipment for you, saving time and hassle.
Ask yourself: Do I have the resources to transport and store equipment efficiently?
6. Tax Benefits and Depreciation
Purchasing offers tax advantages such as Section 179 deductions, allowing you to write off equipment purchases. Renting, on the other hand, is fully deductible as an operating expense. Both options can benefit your bottom line - depending on your financial strategy.
Ask yourself: Which approach offers the greatest tax advantage for my business this year?
7. Business Growth Stage
Startups and small businesses often begin by renting until they have steady work and can justify ownership. Established companies might mix both - owning core machines and renting specialty equipment as needed.
Ask yourself: Is my business still scaling, or is it time to invest in my own fleet?
The Bottom Line
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best approach often combines both renting and owning - so you can stay agile and cost-efficient while building long-term value.At Triangle Equipment Group, our Bobcat Specialists take time to understand your business and help you make smart equipment decisions. We’ll review your jobsite requirements, project pipeline, and financial goals to recommend what’s best for you - whether that’s buying, renting, or a mix of both.
Let’s Find the Right Fit
Talk with one of our Bobcat Specialists today about your next project. We’ll help you compare rental rates, financing options, and ownership costs - so you can make an informed decision with confidence.Find your nearest location >