Great! You have secured a project and are now rounding up the rental equipment needed to start your job. This likely includes dozers and excavators–but also a water truck. With over 3,481 heavy equipment rental companies in the United States you will find some options to choose from. But before you sign on the dotted line, there are some important topics to bring up to ensure you make the best choice for your project.
To get started with your water truck rental process, it is advisable to consult with a reputable water truck rental company that can help you assess your needs and select the right type of water truck for your project. In this article we will unpack the questions you should ask your equipment company when renting a water truck.
What size water trucks do you carry?
Water trucks come in a range of sizes depending on your needs. Whether you need a small water truck to for a municipal project or larger water truck to water a gigantic construction site, be sure to ask about the different options that are available. Renting a water truck starts as small as a 2,000 gallon on highway truck to a 10,000+ gallon off road water truck.
Knowing what 1) what size of water truck your job requires and 2) the sizes in inventory can help you speed up the decision making process so you don’t spend time chasing down units that are not a fit.
How is the water truck configured?
Not every water truck is configured the same way. If your job requires a top mounted water cannon make sure you check with the company you are talking to. Likewise, if you have an operator that has never driven a standard transmission make sure you communicate that, too. And if your water truck requires spray or fill hoses make sure you tell the company you are working with.
The last thing you want is to have your water truck arrive on site only to find out it is not configured how you need it. This can lead to costly freight and downtime on the job.
How many hours are you allowed in a month?
Different companies use different hour limits on their rentals. Make sure you know many hours of use you are allowed per month. If you are planning on working double shifts or know you are going to exceed your monthly limit try to negotiate that ahead of time so there are no surprises.
How is overtime billed?
If you do know there is a chance of exceeding the hours you are going to want to know how overtime is billed. Some companies bill between 70%-150% the prorated hourly cost for overtime use, but knowing what the cost is up front makes sure there are no surprises.
How is preventative maintenance handled?
Knowing who is responsible for preventative maintenance is important. If the customer is responsible it often becomes an unexpected cost that you did not budget for.
At Water Truck Supply we handle all preventative maintenance so we know the trucks we provide continue to stay in great operating condition and it is one less thing you have to manage on your job.
How are major repairs handled?
Similar to preventative maintenance, knowing who is responsible for major repairs can help you avoid unexpected costs. It is also important to understand that in the event that a repair is needed how quick service will be able to respond. Some service issues require special tools and parts to make repairs, so understanding the how long a company typically takes to respond and who to call can help you avoid costly downtime on your job.
What is your water truck availability?
The greatest company or price in the world does not matter if the rental company does not have any trucks available. Over the past few years water truck utilization has tended to be high. This means many rental companies often have their machines out working and otherwise unavailable.
Prior planning and communication can help make sure you have the gear you need whenever the job starts.
What is the mileage (hours)/age?
Age and mileage can vary greatly when renting a water truck. Make sure you know what you are sending to your job by asking what the age and mileage of the truck is up front. This will ensure you get the water truck that is exactly what your project needs.
Asking these questions can help ensure that you make the best choice for your project and avoid unexpected challenges down the road. Once you have received the answers that meet your needs you can feel confident in selecting the water truck rental company that is the best fit for your project. With a reliable water truck in place, you will be able to get your job done on-time and within budget. Good luck!
Water Truck Rentals Are Our Specialty.
We have a modern fleet of productive water trucks ready to work. Whether you need a water truck for just a month or a long term commitment we are excited to earn your business.
To learn more about water truck rentals and work with a company that can provide you with the water trucks and support you need, contact us today at Water Truck Supply.
