FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction is Now Open ↗

To rent or buy: A manufacturer’s take

Words: Dan KamysMasonry recently sat down with Hydro-Mobile’s director of safety and training, Kevin O’Shea, to learn more about how a globally renowned company approaches the area of equipment rental. Following is what he had to say.

Masonry: Which of your products do you consider rentable?

Kevin O’Shea: All of our products are rentable. We design mast climbing work platform product for many aspects of the construction/refurb/industrial markets, etc. The equipment, therefore, has a high degree of flexibility, lending itself to the rental market.

Masonry: How do renting and leasing differ, and what are the pros and cons of each?

O’Shea: Renting equipment has the advantage of being able to send it back to the owner when you no longer need it, and it’s easy to order additional equipment when you need it. However, rental equipment may not provide any profit from the equipment itself. The renter will certainly benefit from significant improvements in safety and productivity, leading to increased job profitability, but the renter may not see an equipment profit. The balance here is determined by utilization, flexibility and job costing.

Purchase and lease options normally apply to those companies who have, or who can, foresee a high utilization requirement for mast climbers. Leasing equipment is a viable option for many, but one important consideration in leasing is the residual value of the equipment after the prime period of the lease. For example, you might finance 75 percent of the equipment value over five or seven years. At the end of this period, you will be left with an asset that has a market value. Is your residual asset value realistic to that market value?

Masonry: Any advice on renting versus leasing versus buying?

O’Shea: Before you buy, rent. Get to know the equipment, learn how to use it properly, hone in on a type and configuration that works for you. Once you build up a level of comfort on the system, and have refined the use to provide real productivity and safety benefits, then think about buying.

Buying or leasing is a financial decision which is, on many occasions, about the needs and profile of the potential owner. Whether buying or leasing, it’s worth remembering that you now have enhanced responsibilities toward duty of care of the equipment. Working with the manufacturer to properly address those requirements is vital.

Masonry: When renting a mast climbing work platform to a mason, how is the mason's ability to safely operate it gauged or measured?

O’Shea: When you use a mast climber, you must be trained. That training follows a syllabus that is determined by the manufacturer and the industry. It will include testing. Regulations determine that an individual must be “qualified” to use, operate, erect or dismantle a mast climber. It is imperative that all personnel receive appropriate training.

Manufacturer certification is evidence of appropriate training.

Masonry: What signs should a mason look for to ensure that rental equipment has been well maintained?

O’Shea: Ask for the last annual and frequent inspection reports. Any signs and decals on the equipment should be legible. Equipment should have a good level of cleanliness, and everything should be functional. Guard rails, platform and mast section bracing should all be undamaged. Before using the equipment, make sure a qualified person conducts a pre-use inspection.
 0
Is Contact with Wet Mortar or Grout Dangerous?
April 2026

In the world of masonry, few materials are as common as mortar and grout. Whether you are laying brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), or pouring grout into masonry walls, wet cement and mortar are constant companions. However, beneath their utility lies a

Zach Everett
Technical Talks
Read More
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More