Success in manufacturing requires consistency, precision, accuracy, and efficiency. Equipment failure, a gap in capacity, or a faulty machine can have a cascade impact on production, leading to possible late deliveries, cancelled orders, and significant downtime.
Rental units, and rental air compressors specifically, provide targeted solutions for manufacturers. In many cases, they can prevent problems before they happen, provide additional capacity, ensure efficiency, and get production up and running in less time for a significantly lower cost.
Enhancing Production with Rental Equipment
With the right provider, rental equipment can be not only a stopgap, temporary measure, but a production-enhancing competitive advantage.
Let’s look at some of the questions and answers that manufacturers commonly have regarding rental air compressors.
Can I Use Rental Air Compressors Only When Equipment Goes Down?
While most companies see a rental unit as primarily a solution for equipment that goes down, that’s not the only use for rentals, especially rental air compressors. Consider it as another tool in your kit to build efficiency and meet your production and business goals.
I’d Like to Learn More About Renting Air Compressors
For example, many companies will use a rental unit as a temporary solution while waiting for a new, replacement air compressor. Or, if they are looking to upgrade, they will test out new equipment and new technology before making a purchase. They can test out the upgrade before investing.
When Should I Rent an Air Compressor?
While every company is different, there are common situations in which a manufacturer will turn to rental equipment:
- Emergency downtime. Equipment failure often leads to a production shutdown, especially with critical equipment like an air compressor. An emergency rental unit is your fastest option to get production back up and running. Utilize the rental unit while you repair the old unit or find a replacement one.
- Coverage during maintenance. Scheduled repairs on equipment don't have to mean extended downtime. Find a rental unit to provide coverage during maintenance. Set up a schedule with the rental company to ensure you have the equipment you need during planned downtime.
- Increased capacity during increased demand. Rather than purchasing higher capacity, more expensive equipment that will often go unused, use rental units for additional capacity during peak demand. If your plant has a busy season or has a higher influx of orders, look to rent additional air compressors to meet your needs.
Rather than looking at a rental unit as a solution for only a specific need, consider it as an additional option available to meet your production and business goals.
Should I Rent an Air Compressor, or Purchase One?
As the capability, quality, and capacity of rental units have improved, this question has become more difficult to answer. Every company needs to review its options, needs, and requirements. There are benefits to purchasing and owning equipment, and there are advantages to renting.
A good starting point for your evaluation is to look at the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) against the expected Return on Investment (ROI). The results of this should indicate the benefits of a business investment in a new air compressor.
What Steps Should I Take Before Renting an Air Compressor?
Proper preparation will help eliminate problems before they happen when renting an air compressor. Before renting, consider the following:
- Determine the scope of work for the air compressor. You need to identify the expected volume and pressure of the air, as well as the expected or necessary quality of the air. There may also be requirements such as temperature, dew point, and filtration. Make sure to have a complete list and ensure the unit can meet your requirements.
- Consider the site and infrastructure. An air compressor will need space to operate. Clear space is required for exhaust outlet and airflow. Look at how power will be generated for the rental unit. Some units draw on electrical power and will need to be added to the existing power system. Other units are diesel-driven and will have additional exhaust and fueling challenges. Consider your site plan and work with the rental company on delivery and installation. A company that specializes in rental air compressors can provide additional insight into optimizing the rental. Equipment such as additional hose lines or an air dryer may be necessary to meet your goals.
Who Should I Rent an Air Compressor From?
While any company with rental units available can potentially provide an air compressor, not every company can provide the additional value and expertise you need. Your goal in renting should be to find the best, long-term production solution for even short-term rentals.
Ensuring a clean, consistent supply of air at the right pressure and in the heat of production requires expertise. Do your research on available rental companies before signing a contract. Make sure the company not only has the unit you need in stock but can also meet your other needs and fully understands your requirements. That means providing support and consultation when you need them.
The Next Generation of Rental Air Compressor Solutions
OTC Industrial Technologies is a leader in air compressors and compressed air solutions. That includes rental air compressors with Critical Rental Solutions.
What that means for you and manufacturers across the country is better solutions for clean, reliable compressed air. It means an end-to-end solution based on the latest technology and industry-leading expertise. For plant managers and business leaders, you’ll work with experts and leaders in compressed air, and you know that the solution you have is the best possible for your production and business goals.
Work with the best. Contact OTC today to discuss your needs and explore your options for compressed air.