Renting construction equipment and machine control technology is an increasingly popular option for contractors as managers look for more efficient ways to complete jobs, all while battling high equipment prices, rising interest rates, and supply chain disruptions. But when renting, what level of service and support can you expect, especially when it comes to machine control technology?
Nationally, rental revenues rose 12.7% in 2022, according to the American Rental Association, and while the forecast for 2023 is more moderate, rental remains an attractive strategy for many contractors.
Sunbelt Rentals in Port Arthur, Texas, has seen increased demand for all types of construction equipment and construction technology. “We have a focus on heavy construction, and from late 2021 to the end of 2022 we added 10 excavators, 10 dozers and a grader, all with aftermarket machine control,” says Bryan Mazingo, branch manager. “Our customers are working on some of the largest projects in the area.”
Machine control systems are growing in usage as spending on infrastructure projects increases. The $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will funnel billions to states and local governments to upgrade outdated roads, bridges, transit systems, and more. Contractors are turning to machine control for increased accuracy, precision, and productivity, and many government contracts now require it.
ACCOUNTABILITY MATTERS
While the support contractors require for rented construction technology varies considerably, Sunbelt Rentals has an unwavering commitment to customer service excellence. This commitment requires each location to hold their technology manufacturers and dealers to the same rigorous standards.
“Some customers have their own surveying departments, and some don’t,” says Mazingo. “They may need assistance or training. Our technology suppliers need to support our customers with any questions they have.
“If the construction technology goes down, it can stop the job, and other jobs behind it,” continues Mazingo. “If there are failures, breakdowns, or repairs, we need to know our suppliers are going to be there within a reasonable time.”
Suppliers that don’t measure up are quickly replaced. When one of Mazingo’s technology suppliers was taking two, four, or even six weeks to come out and look at a broken machine, Mazingo asked for training so his staff would be able to resolve customer problems faster. The request was denied.
“They wanted us to depend on them 100% and it just didn’t work out well,” says Mazingo. “With all these issues, it was time to find another solution.”
Mazingo chose to work with Leica Geosystems and its Texas dealer, Four Point Solutions, for machine control on eight new excavators purchased in late 2021. Four Point Solutions quickly obtained safety certifications and secured background checks so its technicians could access construction sites at large industrial and chemical plants.
According to Mazingo, customers noticed immediate improvements in both the support and technology. “The technology was great,” says Mazingo. “We had less downtime, fewer failures, and anytime there was an issue, the technicians were out here that day or early the very next day to look at it.
“After using their excavator systems for a while and seeing the great support from both Leica and Four Point Solutions, I decided to start converting everything over,” Mazingo addd.
COLLAB OPTIMIZES UPTIME
While high-value supplier relationships are the main reason Sunbelt Rentals customers can resolve issues quickly, technology innovation also plays a role. In addition to state-of-the-art machine control, Sunbelt Rentals is utilizing Leica ConX, a cloud-based collaboration tool. “We can log in remotely and see what the problem is,” says Aaron Laine, owner of Four Point Solutions. “We can also send messages through the system to help guide and train their people.”
“They’re able to walk my technicians through issues to find solutions,” says Mazingo. “And now you’ve reduced your downtime from two days down to a couple hours.”
To further assist Sunbelt Rentals in meeting its customer-service objectives, Four Point Solutions is teaching Sunbelt Rentals technicians how to handle simple tasks such as fixing cables. “If they’re 15 minutes from the jobsite, and we’re three hours from the jobsite, it makes sense for their technicians to make the repair,” Laine says.
“It’s about working with them to keep the end-users happy,” he adds.
SEAMLESS WORKFLOWS
Since most contractors operate mixed fleets, partners appreciate machine control that works well with multiple brands. “The Leica technology works well with any brand of equipment,” says Laine. Sunbelt Rentals customers have been able to improve their setup and eliminate unnecessary base stations and other equipment as a result.
“By streamlining equipment, one customer was able to reduce their construction technology costs and improve their workflow,” says Laine. “Now they no longer need three different sets of files.”
The feedback from contractors is important to Sunbelt Rentals. “Customers like the technology better and say it’s easier to work with,” says Mazingo.
Because understanding the technology’s capabilities is important to customer success, Sunbelt Rentals also expects training support from their manufacturing partners. “The proper setup and operation of machine control technology goes a long way toward reducing downtime,” says Laine.
“One of our customers asked for someone to come out and give them a rundown on the Leica system, and Four Point Solutions was able to do that,” explains Mazingo. “To have a provider that’s willing to take the time out of their schedule to do that, it’s something we look for.”
CLOSING THOUGHT
Before you rent construction equipment with machine control technology, it’s important to understand the support that comes with it. A top-quality company like Sunbelt Rentals ensures you have the service and support you need to maximize the value of your rental. Leica Geosystems and dealers like Four Point Solutions are making a difference in what contractors can expect from machine control technology, whether rented or owned.
About the Author:
With more than 15 years of experience in in the construction industry, Troy Dahlin serves as the vice president for the Heavy Construction Segment of Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, in North America. He is responsible for the growth of the business through increased sales and market share. For more, visit leica-geosystems.com.
Modern Contractor Solutions, July 2023
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