When acquiring a shot blaster, one question is whether to purchase or rent the equipment. Both options have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. However, your choice will depend on your specific needs and circumstances.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of purchasing versus renting a shot blaster, as well as some factors to consider when making a decision.
What is a Shot Blaster?
If you’re in the construction or industrial cleaning industry, you’ve likely heard of shot blasters. These powerful machines use high-velocity abrasive blasting media to remove coatings, dirt, and other contaminants from surfaces such as concrete, steel, and brick.
They are an essential tool for a variety of applications, from surface preparation to graffiti removal.
Benefits of Purchasing a Shot Blaster
The benefits of purchasing a shot blaster include:
- Save money in the long run
- Control over maintenance and repairs
- Use on multiple projects
- Limit rental fees
- Benefit from resale value
One of the main advantages of purchasing a shot blaster is the potential to save money in the long run. While the initial cost may be higher than renting, you won’t have to pay for usage fees every time you need the machine.
In addition, you’ll have more control over maintenance and repairs. This can help extend the lifespan of the equipment and save on costly downtime.
Another benefit of owning a shot blaster is using it on multiple projects.
If you’re a contractor or run a business that frequently uses shot blasters, rental fees can add up quickly. By purchasing a machine, you’ll have it available whenever you need it without the added expense.
Finally, there is the possibility of resale value. While it’s difficult to predict the exact value of a used shot blaster, well-maintained equipment often retains a significant portion of its original value.
This can be especially useful if you upgrade to a newer model or change the focus of your business.
Benefits of Renting a Shot Blaster
The benefits of renting a shot blaster include:
- Low upfront costs
- Try out different models
- No ongoing maintenance or storage costs
On the other hand, renting a shot blaster has its own advantages. The most obvious benefit is the lack of upfront cost or investment. If you only need a shot blaster for a one-time project, or you’re unsure if you’ll need it regularly, renting can be a more cost-effective option.
Renting also allows you to try out different models and brands before purchasing. This can be helpful if you’re unsure which type of shot blaster best suits your needs, or if you want to test out a machine before deciding if it’s worth the investment.
Another advantage of renting is that you don’t have to worry about ongoing maintenance and storage costs. These can add up over time and can be especially burdensome if you don’t have a dedicated space to store the equipment.
When you rent a shot blaster, the rental company is responsible for maintaining the machine and providing a storage location.
If something goes wrong with a rented shot blaster, it’s the rental company’s responsibility to fix it. This can save you the hassle and expense of dealing with repairs independently.
Shot Blasters: Purchase or Rental?
So, how do you determine whether purchasing or renting a shot blaster is the right choice for you? Here are some factors to consider:
- Frequency of use: Occasional usage may not warrant a purchase but frequent use will reduce your overall cost and be more economical.
- Project size and scope: If you’re working on a large, long-term project, it may make more sense to purchase a shot blaster — but tackling a small, one-time job makes renting a better option.
- Budget and financial considerations: If you have the financial means, purchasing a shot blaster can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you use it regularly.
- Availability of rental options: If rental options are limited in your area, purchasing may be your only option.
Purchasing has the potential to save money in the long run and gives you more control over maintenance and repairs, but it requires an upfront investment. Renting, on the other hand, has no upfront cost and allows you to try out different models.
Whether you purchase or rent a shot blaster depends on your circumstances. With Runyon, you can either rent or buy our shot blasters. We have a full-service sales and rental facility dedicated to helping our customers make the purchases right for their needs.