Equipment guides

Compare equipment

Side-by-side answers to the questions customers ask most, plus videos and references from the equipment guide.

Compare any two machines

Pick two machines — or two models of the same machine — then describe the job.

CompareScissor LiftBoom Lift
OverviewA platform that rises straight up on criss-cross arms, lifting workers and materials for work at height.A bucket on a hydraulic arm that reaches up, out and over obstacles for work at height.
Best forSign hanging and ceiling work · Light fixture installation · Warehouse shelving and maintenance · Lifting multiple workers and bulky materialScaffolding work · Painting · Piping work · Maintenance projects · Exterior cleaning · Utility work · Reaching up and over obstacles
Not suited forReaching up and over obstacles — use a boom liftLifting several workers with bulky materials — a scissor lift has more platform space

Common comparisons

Plate compactor or jumping jack?

CompareVibratory Plate CompactorJumping Jack Rammer (Ele & Kanga)
Best soilSand, gravel, crushed stoneClay and cohesive soils
Compaction depthShallower liftsDeeper in clay
Work areaOpen areas, paths, patiosTrenches, around pipes, footings
Surface finishFlat, even surfaceUneven — follow with a plate if needed

Recommendation: Granular material (sand, gravel, crushed stone) → plate. Clay and cohesive soil, or a narrow trench → rammer.

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Plate compactor or roller?

CompareLarge Plate CompactorRoller Compactor
Area sizeSmall to mediumLarge, open areas
AccessFits tight spots and trenchesNeeds room to manoeuvre
OperatorWalk-behindRide-on
Sizes we rentSmall and large plates4 ton and 4.7 ton

Recommendation: Driveways, patios and confined areas → plate. Roads, parking lots and big open areas → roller.

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Skid steer or compact track loader?

CompareSkid Steer LoaderCompact Track Loader
Moves onWheelsRubber tracks
Best groundConcrete, asphalt, hard-packedMud, soil, sand, rough terrain
Speed and turningFaster, easier tight turns on hard groundSlower; tracks wear quickly on hard ground
Units we rent225 · 270270T · 300T

Recommendation: Hard ground, concrete and asphalt → skid steer. Mud, sand, soft or uneven ground → track loader.

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Scissor lift or boom lift?

CompareScissor LiftBoom Lift
MovementVertical onlyVertical and horizontal
PlatformLarge — multiple workers and materialsSmall bucket or compact platform
Great forWarehouse shelving, ceilings, windows on a wallReaching over obstacles, utility and exterior work
Classed asMobile supported scaffold (OSHA)Aerial lift

Recommendation: Straight up with several people and materials → scissor lift. Up and over obstacles, or out at an angle → boom lift.

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Inverter or portable generator?

CompareInverter GeneratorPortable Generator
Power qualityClean — safe for electronicsStandard
NoiseQuietLouder — constant engine speed
Fuel useMore efficientHigher
Sizes we rent2 · 3 · 4 kW3.6 · 6 · 9.7 · 14 kW

Recommendation: Electronics, events and quiet backup → inverter. Big motor loads and site tools on a budget → portable.

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Air jack hammer or electric breaker?

CompareAir Jack HammerBreaker Jackhammer
Power sourceAir compressorMains or generator
Extra equipmentCompressor and air hoseHeavy-gauge extension cord
Sizes#20 · #40 · #60 · #90Electric breaker
Best surfacesHorizontal — pavement, rockSlabs, sidewalks, foundations

Recommendation: Heavy, all-day breaking with a compressor on site → air. No compressor, indoor or mains/generator power → electric.

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Video library

Resources from every section of the equipment guide.

01 · Compaction Equipment

02 · Scaffolding & Props

03 · Concrete Equipment

04 · Lifting Equipment

05 · Pressure Washers

06 · Pumps

07 · Construction Lighting

08 · Generators & Welders

09 · Heavy Equipment

10 · Air Tools & Compressors

11 · Lawn & Garden

12 · Fencing & Barricades

13 · Floor Care

14 · Ladders

  • YouTube video
  • YouTube video

15 · Power Tools

16 · Hydraulic Tools

  • YouTube video
  • YouTube video

17 · Painting & Wallpaper

  • YouTube video
  • YouTube video

18 · Saws

  • How to Use a Tile Cutter Correctly ↗External resource
  • YouTube video
  • YouTube video
  • YouTube video

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