settle an argument: renting saws

[martel]

I will try to give the short story:

A buddy and I got into an argument about the cost-effectiveness of renting a saw from an equipment rental shop (neither of us do this- we both own). We saw the list price when we were in the shop and he said, "now why the hell wouldn't you buy your own saw?"

My argument is, it COULD be cost effective to rent.

The ms360 pro can be rented at a day rate of $22.20 with a minimum of $33.25. Depending on how much you could buck in a day I think it may be worthwhile to rent. They provide saw filled with fluids and extra fluids.

No maintenance (especially in the field) chain sharpening/new chain, filters, carb adjustment, siezing up, new bar etc. (adds up)- that is if you are close enough to get back to their shop, they hand you a new one.

Also, no upgrade. They keep getting the new models.

I am not saying this would be my preference- I like having a saw (minus some frustrating maintenance days). BUT, I think it could make some $$ sense for some.

What do you think?

I guess I also wonder how many cords you could buck in a day with the 360 a pro with little moving the wood around and no hauling (save it for another day).

Also, $350-600 upfront is a big chunk-a-change

 

[kevinmoelk]

My thought about renting equipment is not based on a cost analysis, but rather the number of opportunities I will have to use the tool.

For example, I needed to cut some concrete for a bathroom I was putting in my basement this summer. Could I afford to spend say $600 or $800 bucks for a concrete saw. Yeah. But I could not think of another time I would ever use the damn thing. So, I rented for 24 hrs. Cost me $108 bucks I think.

My welder? Yes it cost a small fortune to purchase up front. But I use it all the time.

Also, don't forget the time it takes to go down to the rental store, rent it and return it. That's usually 2 trips to town and a bunch of gas, at least for me living 20 minutes highway time outside of town.

Admittedly having the newest model would be nice. But I've rented equipment from rental houses that were also on it's last legs and a pain to use. So I think that argument can go both ways.

 

[martel]

yeah, lots of factors.

the shop is basically next door. the conversation moved for us to the "well how many cords could you cut in a full day." I have no idea about this. I usually work a few hours at a time- cut load, load the truck, haul, unload... repeat if desired.

But if one could get a winters worth (3-4 cords) bucked in 1-2 days: maybe not so bad.

 

[Roospike]

The MS360 saw is already an older model from stihl that was replaced with the ms361.
The idea of Renting chainsaws is more along the lines of down trees , storm damage , small lot clearing , replacement when your own chains is down and being fixed , a few trees in need of being felled , yard work/ clean up ect..

I cut more than 3 days of the year so even at 1 week of cutting thats $30. x 5 = $150.
So at $150. per year if you could get it all done at once x 3 years doing this your already at $450.00

To me it wouldnt be a good idea but maybe to someone that does not require the need of a chainsaw over a few years time the renting fits the bill.

 

[suematteva]

I agree on the usage factor as stated above..If a normal scrounger you know the wood is coming when you see it or get the phone call, many times you have to cut it to bring home and they are piecemeal jobs. The New Model factor, my saw is over 20 years old and she runs like a champ, one of my best investments.

The only way it may make sense if you have a load of logs delivered and it turns into a one shot a year deal.

 

[Corey]

One other factor to consider the convenience of making "afternoon" trips to cut a pick-up load if you own your own saw versus the "epic" sun-up to sun-down trips you would want to make to maximize time on the rental. I am kind of stuck in this position now. I have an S10 Blazer as my "haul vehicle" so this makes it necessary to rent a trailer to haul wood. No problem, i thought...couple times a year, I will just rent a trailer and cut a couple cords on each trip and I'll be set. Well...after a couple of years of trying this out, all i can say is very rarely does my time, wifes time, weather, willingness, and an open spot to cut all become available at a single time for us to go cut. Hopefully soon, I will be able to swap out the Blaze for a truck. I know I will have to make more trips in a year, but I think i would rather go at it for several hours on several weekends as opposed to 18 hours on 2 days.

Corey

 

[johnsopi]

A wood splitterer is what I'm going to rent. 65 for 24 hours I have a big pile to spilt and it is getting bigger. I think I'm going to wait till day late saving is over. The split wood will be for the 2008 winter.

 

[ourhouse]

I agree on the usage factor as stated above..If a normal scrounger you know the wood is coming when you see it or get the phone call, many times you have to cut it to bring home and they are piecemeal jobs. The New Model factor, my saw is over 20 years old and she runs like a champ, one of my best investments.

The only way it may make sense if you have a load of logs delivered and it turns into a one shot a year deal.

I agree my dad use to carry a saw in his pickup all the time. If he saw a chance to score wood he was ready to go.
Some of my saws are also 20+ years old and still run as good as my new 575 Husky at work. I say buy a saw.
John