Industrial equipment tends to be found in some of the toughest and dirtiest jobs, including vessel washing and carbon filter cleaning. Because of the use of chemicals and oils in the machinery of industrial equipment, cleaning solutions and equipment also need to be specialized to tackle the job.
Unfortunately, industrial cleaning equipment tends to be expensive, leaving many businesses wondering whether it’s better to purchase this equipment for the long-haul or whether to rent pieces on an as-needed basis. Renting can have its upsides, but it also means that you may not have the equipment needed on-hand when you need fast cleaning options. Purchasing can solve this problem, but it often requires a large upfront investment.
If you’ve found yourself trying to decide between in-house industrial cleaning equipment options and renting cleaning equipment for industrial use, below are some pros and cons to help you make the choice that’s best for your business:
The Pros and Cons of Purchasing Industrial Cleaning Equipment
Purchasing industrial cleaning equipment is usually a good choice for professionals that find tool hire here for cleaning needs that require frequent use of cleaning tools. This is often the case for large industrial facilities that require routine cleaning tasks to be performed in order to continue daily operations.
Pros
- The equipment is available when you need it
- No recurring fees for use
- Purchases may serve as tax write-offs
Cons
- Larger upfront costs
- Needs may change in the future
- Resale value may not recoup costs
The Pros and Cons of Renting Industrial Cleaning Equipment
Renting cleaning equipment is an option that works for professionals who only need access on occasion. In most cases, this is a good option for cleaning jobs that come out of nowhere or jobs that are only undertaken once or twice per year.
Pros
- No large upfront costs
- Often have access to the latest technology
- No need to store or maintain equipment
Cons
- Recurring costs can add up
- Rentals are not an investment in your business
- Equipment may not be available when you need it
Utilize Your Manufacturer’s Guidance
A number of factors come into play when considering whether to rent or purchase equipment for cleaning industrial spaces, including the specific needs of the machinery you’re cleaning. Industrial cleaning equipment for manufacturers and transporters may be very different than the equipment required by chemical plant operations and steel producers.
The good news is that most manufacturers of industrial equipment will provide you with a cleaning schedule and maintenance tips that can help you decide whether you will need cleaning equipment on a regular basis or only intermittently. This guidance usually covers everything from cleaning schedules to specific chemical interactions to be aware of.
In addition to supporting greater workplace safety, this guidance is helpful when dealing with things like fully-automated equipment that may require being taken offline for cleaning. Following manufacturer guidance can assist you in planning cleaning tasks in the most efficient way possible to avoid or reduce disruptions to service.
Which Option is Best?
In the end, the decision to rent or buy industrial cleaning equipment is one that requires planning. Many business owners find that renting first to try out different cleaning options works best in order to see what will meet the needs of the business. By renting before purchasing, you also have the ability to flesh out a cleaning schedule before committing to a large purchase.
This can also be an option as you scale your business. Even after purchasing equipment, you can still rent new equipment as your business needs change and grow. With a little bit of forethought guided by manufacturer advice, it can be easy to find a solution that works for you.