Last month, a homeowner came in asking for "the biggest excavator you have" to dig a trench for a sprinkler line.
We rented him a mini excavator instead. One-third the cost, fit through his backyard gate, finished the job in two hours.
That conversation happens almost daily. People assume bigger is better, or they've seen a YouTube video featuring a specific machine, or they just don't know what options exist.
This guide matches projects to equipment. No fluff, no upselling—just practical answers to "what do I actually need?"
“Quick Answer: The right rental equipment depends on your project type: skid steers for landscaping and material moving, mini excavators for trenching and digging, plate compactors for concrete and paver prep, and specialty tools for flooring and demolition. BeeHive Rental & Sales in St. George matches equipment to projects daily — call (435) 628-6663.
Key Takeaways
- •Bigger is not always better — a mini excavator at one-third the cost often outperforms a full-size machine for residential projects like trenches and backyard work
- •Landscaping projects — Use a skid steer for 5+ yards of material; under 5 yards, a wheelbarrow may actually be faster once you factor in pickup and return time
- •Always compact after trenching — Skipping the jumping jack compactor after backfilling causes settling issues that show up months later as sunken lines
- •Match trailer capacity to your load — 7K for residential debris (half-ton truck), 10K+ for renovation projects (requires 3/4-ton truck minimum)
- •See full equipment specs or call (435) 628-6663 to get matched to the right machine for your specific project
Landscaping and Lawn Projects
Aeration and dethatching require walk-behind equipment that's simple and effective. An aerator punches holes so air, water, and nutrients reach roots. A power rake removes thatch buildup. Both can be done in an afternoon. Best timing in Southern Utah is early spring or fall when the soil isn't baked solid.
Soil prep for new sod or seeding depends on what you're starting with. Rear-tine rototiller for hard-packed soil, front-tine for beds that are already reasonably loose. If you're removing existing grass first, grab a sod cutter—trying to till through established turf is miserable work.
Moving materials is where skid steers earn their reputation. But here's an honest assessment most rental yards won't give you: for jobs under 5 yards of material, a wheelbarrow might actually be faster by the time you factor in pickup, operation learning curve, and return. For 5-20 yards, the Bobcat S450 is the workhorse of residential landscaping. Tight access through a 36-inch gate? Mini skid steer. Soft ground or slopes where you don't want wheel marks? Track loader.
Trenching and Utility Work
Shallow trenches under 24 inches for irrigation or low-voltage electrical—a walk-behind trencher handles these efficiently. Faster than you'd expect and dramatically easier than digging by hand.
Medium depth trenches from 2-4 feet put you in mini excavator territory. The Bobcat E20 or E26 hits the sweet spot—enough reach for utility work without being overkill. Critical detail: zero tail swing models let you rotate fully without swinging into fences or buildings. Essential for residential work near property lines.
Deeper than 4 feet and you're getting into larger equipment and probably permit territory. Call us to discuss specifics before you commit to anything.
After trenching, don't skip compaction. A jumping jack compacts backfill in confined trenches. Skip this step and you'll have settling issues that show up months later as sunken lines in your yard or driveway.
Concrete Projects
Mixing on-site works for small pours. The Multiquip mixer handles up to 9 cubic feet per batch—fine for a small patio, slow for anything substantial.
Moving concrete across a jobsite requires a concrete buggy. The Whiteman carries 16 cubic feet and navigates rough terrain without spilling your pour.
Finishing depends on scale. Power trowel at 36 inches for patios and residential slabs, 48-inch for larger commercial pours. Don't forget a concrete vibrator for removing air pockets—it's the difference between strong concrete and concrete that cracks.
Cutting control joints requires precision timing. The Husqvarna Soff-Cut handles early-entry cuts. Cut too early and you tear the concrete; too late and you get random cracking instead of controlled joints.
Demolition and Debris
Breaking concrete scales with thickness. Sidewalks and small slabs take a 60-pound air jack hammer—manageable size, gets the job done. Driveways, foundations, and thick slabs require the 90-pound hammer. More impact force, more vibration, more tiring. Plan for breaks.
For tile and flooring removal indoors, the Makinex jackhammer trolley is a game-changer. Takes a 35-pound hammer and puts it on wheels at an ergonomic height. Your back will thank you.
Hauling debris requires matching trailer capacity to volume. 7K dump trailer for residential debris and yard waste. 10K for larger renovation projects. 14K for commercial demo and heavy materials. Note that 10K and larger require at least a 3/4-ton truck.
Flooring Work
Hardwood refinishing starts with an orbital sander for the main floor area—the American Sanders model has dust control that keeps your workspace breathable. You'll also need a hand sander for edges and corners; orbitals don't reach walls. Grit progression matters: start at 36-40 for heavy removal, work through 60, 80, 100, finishing around 120-150.
Tile removal at scale uses the Makinex trolley with a chisel attachment. Smaller areas or detail work use a Bosch roto hammer—more control but slower going.
Tile installation cuts on the MK-101 Pro24 saw handle up to 24-inch rip cuts, covering most large-format tiles.
Still Not Sure?
Call us. Describe what you're trying to accomplish, mention your space constraints and timeline, tell us your experience level. We'll recommend the right equipment—which sometimes means telling you the smaller, cheaper option is actually better for your situation.
“"They are wonderful people to work with, and they have about everything to rent. We always go with them." — Rudy Ventura, RG Quality Concrete
BeeHive Rental & Sales 435-628-6663 1175 Highland Drive, St. George, UT 84770