5 Things to Know Before Renting a Crusher or Screener
Avoid costly mistakes and delays. Here’s what to consider before choosing rental equipment for your next project.
Renting a crusher or screener can be a smart move — whether you’re handling a short-term project, trying to stay within budget, or working with specialized materials. But choosing the wrong machine for your job can lead to delays, costly mistakes, or even damage to the equipment. Before you sign that rental contract, take a few minutes to consider these five key factors. They’ll help you choose the right equipment, avoid headaches, and keep your job running smoothly from day one.
1. Know What Material You’re Processing
Crushers and screeners are not one-size-fits-all. The first question we always ask is: What material are you working with?
- Virgin rock requires high-pressure crushing power, usually with jaw or cone crushers.
- Concrete and asphalt recycling benefits from impact crushers that break down material and separate rebar.
- Construction & demolition waste often includes mixed loads, making scalping screens and shredders essential.
- Topsoil and compost are better suited for trommels.
Not sure what you need? Our Choosing The Right Crusher guide walks you through the basics.
2. Choose the Right Type of Equipment
Different jobs call for different equipment — and choosing the wrong one can cost you time and money.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Jaw crushers: Best for primary crushing of large, hard rock.
Cone crushers: Excellent for secondary crushing and shaping.
Impact crushers: Ideal for recycling and softer materials.
Inclined screens: Used to classify and size finished materials.
Scalping screens: Handle heavy-duty material at the start of the process.
Rock trommel screens: Great for sorting oversized rock. Also, excel at working with wet/sticky materials.
If you’re still unsure, give us a call — we’ll help you find the right setup for your application.
3. Consider Your Job Site and Mobility Needs
Don’t overlook the physical layout and limitations of your job site. Ask yourself:
Is space tight or access restricted?
Do you need a tracked mobile unit that can move with the job?
Is a wheel portable machine better suited to a flat, stable site?
Compact machines like the Evoquip Bison jaw crusher or Colt 600 screen are ideal for urban or space-constrained jobs. Larger tracked machines like Powerscreen Premiertrak jaws, Trakpactor impactors, and Maxtrak cone crushers are better suited for applications requiring higher volumes, and limited space is not a consideration.
4. Know Your Output Goals
What’s your target production? Renting a crusher that’s too small will slow your job down. Renting one that’s oversized might burn through your budget unnecessarily.
When selecting a rental, know your:
Desired tons per hour
Operating hours per day
Required product size(s)
We’ll help you size your machine properly so you’re not stuck with something that can’t keep up — or overpaying for more than you need.
5. Understand What’s Included (and What’s Not)
Not all rentals are created equal. Before you commit, ask what’s included with your rental agreement:
Does it include setup and delivery?
Are wear parts provided, or billed separately?
What support is available if something goes wrong on-site?
At Foreman Equipment, we do more than just drop off a machine. Our team provides expert setup, local parts support, and ongoing assistance throughout the rental — so you can stay productive without surprises.
Bonus Tip: Renting Can Be Smarter Than Buying
For many companies, renting offers serious advantages:
No capital investment or long-term financing
Flexibility to scale up for specific jobs
Access to the latest equipment and technology
No storage, maintenance, or resale hassles
Let’s Get You the Right Machine
We help contractors across B.C. get the right equipment for the job — fast.
Whether you need a compact screener or a full crushing setup, we’ve got your back.
Call Toll-free in Western Canada 1-888-852-9021
Foreman Equipment’s rental plans can yield significant savings, especially when your business needs the equipment.