A Few Things to Keep in Mind When Renting a Bobcat for Your Residential Work
When you're a homeowner, you can often tackle even heavy-duty jobs around your property if you rent the right tools, including a bobcat. This type of equipment can help with pulling up trees or digging trenches, hauling large piles of rock or soil or filling in pits after you've had a pool removed. Whatever your reason for needing a bobcat, note a few things to keep in mind during the rental so you can ensure you get the right type of bobcat and know what's involved in its use.
Type of bucket
Always ask if you have the right type of bucket for the job you want to do. Not every bucket on a bobcat is the same, and not every bucket will work for the job you need to do; as an example, if you're moving overly moist and muddy soil, this might seep through some buckets, whereas a job necessitating moving heavy logs may need a large, thick bucket that can handle that weight. Some buckets will have sharp, pointed edges for digging and others will have straight edges for filling in pits. Always note the reason for renting a bobcat and ask if you're getting the right type of bucket to make the job as easy as possible.
The kind of surface on which you'll be working
Get a bobcat right for the type of surface on which you'll be working. A very heavy bobcat may sink into soft or muddy soil, whereas the tires of a lightweight bobcat might not be meant for pavement or rocky soil. A bobcat with treads rather than tires can keep you secure on soft soil or when working near water, but these will slow you down when on pavement or very hard soil. You may also prefer a bobcat whose cab area pivots rather than having the whole machine turn, which is good for very tight areas. Be sure to describe the working conditions for your bobcat and ensure you're getting the right type for the surface, clearance and so on.
Safety features
If you'll be lifting anything other than soft dirt, you may want a cab with a cage in case something comes out of the bucket and toward the bobcat itself. For uneven ground, consider a harness rather than just a seatbelt to keep yourself safe in the seat of the cab. Be sure you understand how to lock the bucket in place and lock the bobcat in place as well, so you're always safe when working with a bobcat on your property.
Contact a bobcat hire business for more information.