You’ve decided you are in need of a screening tool for your next project. Once you know the type and size of screening tool necessary for the job, the question becomes: Should I rent or buy?
A portable screener can be an excellent investment for you and your business – but are you ready to own your own material screener? While it might seem you are saving money by using a rental screener, how can you tell if you are getting the most bang for your buck? Let’s dig deep to see if renting or buying a portable screener is the best option for you.
Renting a topsoil screener:
Pros:
- A temporary tool in your arsenal (so no need to worry about storage or maintenance costs).
- A fixed cost added to the project budget.
- A great way to test-drive a product before committing to a purchase.
Cons:
- You’ll have to pay to transport it to and from the rental company.
- The dirt screener might not be available for rental during the time window of your project.
- The rental company may not have a screener that fits your job.
- A potential lack of customer support if you are having difficulties.
Buying a topsoil screener:
Pros:
- Your topsoil screener belongs to you and is ready whenever you need it.
- You have a knowledgeable support team who knows everything about your screener.
Cons:
- The costs to maintain and store your dirt screener.
While we may be a bit biased on what topsoil screeners are the best, at Pitbull Screeners we want to make sure you’re ready for the commitment of owning your own dirt screener.
Determine how long or often you will use your portable screener.
Is this just a one-off job, or can you find value in using your portable screener more frequently and in other projects? You may be surprised at the number of screening opportunities – and the economic value – screening has in today’s world. From topsoil and mulch to demolition debris or sand and gravel, your portable screener can convert material into sellable product or usable on-site material.
Compare rental costs to buying.
When renting, there are a few costs to keep in mind:
- Travel expenses to and from the rental place.
- The cost of your time in scheduling a day to use the screener, researching and finding the right screener and rental company for your project plus any time you put into a plan B in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
- How much does the screener cost per hour or per day – does the product you’ll screen cover all those expenses?
On the other hand, if you’re buying a screener, you’ll want to calculate its return on investment. Check out our revenue calculator to see a realistic idea of what your return on investment could be with a Pitbull Screener.
Weigh the risks of renting vs. buying.
If renting, do you have backup plans and the funds in case the screener is delayed due to bad weather or a scheduling conflict? What happens if your screener stops working? Do you trust the rental company to provide accurate support?
On the flip side, owning a portable screener means storing and maintaining it. You’ll be glad to know that Pitbull Screeners are built, designed, and manufactured in the USA from heavy-duty tubular steel construction meant to handle your toughest projects. Our experienced team keeps nearly all replacement parts in stock and are just a phone call away. Our support team will even travel to you if the situation calls for it.
Bonus: One of the biggest risks of buying a screener is the fear of it not fitting your project. With a Pitbull Screener, you can schedule a demo to see it in action and even keep the material. Learn more about our product demo process and the benefit it can bring to your buying decision.
Evaluate your financial situation.
The upfront costs of a portable topsoil screener can be intimidating. We suggest talking to professionals in the industry to determine whether purchasing a screener is the right decision for your company.
Now, you’ve determined buying a topsoil screener is the best option for you – what’s next? Read these six things to ask yourself before buying a topsoil screener to answer any other questions you have lingering. Or, take a look at our Pitbull Screeners, built in America using the highest quality materials available.