Your neighbor just rented a mini excavator and dug a pool in his backyard over a weekend. Now you're thinking: "I could do that for my project."
You probably can. Equipment rental isn't as intimidating as it looks.
But there are things nobody tells first-time renters—the fine print that can add unexpected charges, the mistakes that waste half your rental period, the questions you should ask but don't know to ask.
This guide fills those gaps.
“Quick Answer: First-time equipment renters need a valid ID, a deposit method (credit card, check, or cash), and a clear project description. BeeHive Rental & Sales in St. George provides a full equipment walkthrough with every rental — no experience required. Double your time estimate for first projects and ask about weekend rates for the best value. Call (435) 628-6663.
Key Takeaways
- •Know your project details before arriving — "50-foot trench, 18 inches deep, for irrigation" gets you better equipment recommendations than just "digging a trench"
- •Understand meter vs. clock time — A day rental includes 8 meter hours of operation; exceed that and you pay overage charges even if the calendar time is correct
- •Weekend rentals are the best deal — Pick up Saturday, return Monday before 8 AM, charged as one day if you stay under 8 meter hours
- •Start with smaller equipment — The Bobcat E10 teaches excavator controls at lower stakes; you can always step up to larger machines next time
- •Browse equipment options and call (435) 628-6663 to get matched with the right machine for your first rental
Before You Show Up
Know your project in detail. "Digging a trench" is less helpful than "digging a 50-foot trench, 18 inches deep, for irrigation lines." The more specific you are, the better we can match you to equipment.
Measure your access points. Gate widths, ceiling heights for indoor work, ground conditions. A machine that won't fit through your gate is useless regardless of how perfect it is for the job.
Be honest about time. If you've never operated equipment before, double your initial estimate. Everything takes longer the first time. That's not a knock on you—it's just reality.
Ask for recommendations. Don't guess. Call us and describe your project. We have this conversation dozens of times daily. You'll get a specific recommendation, often with alternatives at different price points.
How the Rental Process Works
Getting the right equipment happens one of two ways: you know exactly what you need, or we recommend it based on your project description. Either works.
The deposit is required before any equipment leaves. Three options: an open check left as security (only cashed if there's damage or non-return), a credit card hold (temporary authorization released on return), or cash at 2.5x the rental amount (refunded on return). This protects everyone. It's standard practice at any reputable rental yard.
The rental agreement covers equipment condition, rental period, charges, and your responsibilities. Read it. Ask questions if anything's unclear. This isn't the moment to rush.
The walkthrough is critical for first-timers. Ask for a demonstration before you leave. We'll show you how to start and stop the machine, basic controls, safety features, what warning signs to watch for, and loading procedures if applicable. A 10-minute walkthrough prevents hours of fumbling on-site.
Understanding Rental Periods
This trips up first-timers more than anything else.
Day rental means 24 hours of clock time from pickup, with 8 hours of meter time (actual operation). Both count. If the machine is out for 24 hours but you ran it for 10 hours, you exceeded meter time and pay overage.
Half-day rental gives you 4 hours of clock time. Good for small jobs you can knock out in a morning.
Weekend rental lets you pick up Saturday and return Monday before 8 AM, charged as one day if you stay under 8 meter hours. This is the best deal if your project can happen on a weekend.
Extended rentals at weekly or monthly rates have higher meter limits and lower effective daily rates. Ask about pricing if your project spans multiple days.
What Beginners Can Actually Operate
An honest assessment based on watching thousands of first-time renters:
Easy, no experience needed: Aerators, dethatchers, front-tine tillers, pressure washers, generators, tile saws, floor buffers. Walk-behind equipment with intuitive controls.
Moderate, instruction helps: Rear-tine tillers (more powerful, can pull you forward), concrete mixers (loading technique matters), mini excavators on the smaller end like the E10 or E20 (controls are learnable if you start slow), power trowels (finishing concrete is a skill).
Advanced, prior experience recommended: Large skid steers, larger excavators like the E50 or E88, 90-pound jackhammers (physically demanding with significant vibration exposure), walk-behind trenchers on hard ground.
Our recommendation: start with smaller equipment. The Bobcat E10 teaches excavator controls at lower stakes than the E50. You can always step up next time.
The Four Mistakes First-Timers Make
Renting too big. The bigger machine isn't always better. A full-size skid steer won't help if it can't fit through your gate or tears up your lawn getting to the work area. Measure access points. Tell us your constraints.
Underestimating time. Everything takes longer than you think, especially the first time. If you estimate 3 hours, rent for a half-day. If you think a day, consider the weekend rate.
Returning dirty or empty. A muddy machine and empty fuel tank can add unexpected charges to your bill. Spend 15 minutes cleaning and fueling before return.
Not asking questions. Pride kills efficiency. You're not supposed to magically know how controls work. Ask for the walkthrough. Ask questions during the walkthrough. Call us if you hit problems on-site.
Your Checklist Before Coming In
Make sure you can answer yes to these:
I know specifically what project I'm doing. I have measurements—area size, access widths, depth if digging. I've estimated time realistically and added buffer. I have valid ID. I have a deposit method ready. I have transportation or I'll request delivery. I've set aside time for the walkthrough, not rushing out the door.
The Honest Truth
Equipment rental isn't scary. Thousands of first-time renters come through our doors every year, and most have a smooth experience.
The ones who struggle? Usually they rushed the process, skipped the walkthrough, or didn't ask questions upfront.
Take your time. Ask questions. And if the job seems bigger than expected once you're on-site, call us—we'd rather help you troubleshoot than have you struggle in silence.
“"Your one-stop shop for all equipment rentals. Friendly staff with the latest equipment and best prices in town!" — Taylor Frazier, Turf It Landscaping
BeeHive Rental & Sales 1175 Highland Drive, St. George, UT 84770 435-628-6663 Monday–Friday 7:00–5:00, Saturday 8:00–12:00