As technology evolves on construction equipment, more contractors are renting the newest pieces of equipment in order to try out the technology available.
There are some new, emerging power systems and technologies that will transform how the construction industry does business, and rentals offer an opportunity to see how it works on the jobsite. This includes both systems used to power the equipment and technology used to control it.
Power Systems
One type of technology that is gaining traction with rentals is alternative power systems. In addition to diesel-electric hybrids, wholly battery-powered concept machines are taking off. As battery technology evolves, the prospects of fully electric construction equipment with extended run times on jobsites is quickly becoming within reach.
Machine Control Systems
A newer technology that contractors are using on rental equipment is connected access control. There are keypads that are connected via telematics and allow a user to manage access and tie usage to operators of the construction equipment. With this tech, there are a lot of machine control and safety benefits.
There are generally two types of access control solutions: standalone and networked. Standalone solutions have no network connection and the credentials are managed at the unit. These systems provide a simplified way of providing digital credentials. Although more complex, networked access control systems offer the benefit of providing credential management and audit trail reporting. This requires a network connection and typically software to install and maintain.
Connected access control is used mostly on telehandlers and has gained in popularity on cranes and dirt moving equipment. This technology provides crucial data that can be leveraged to enhance productivity in unique ways at the construction jobsite.
At more contractors engage in renting the newest equipment and technology, the desire to own these innovations could also grow and propel the construction industry forward.
