Jordan EllisA few weeks ago, one of our friends had a construction project suddenly fast-tracked. They needed an excavator, but every rental place they called was booked solid.
Watching them scramble and stress over missed deadlines got us thinking: there has to be a better way for businesses and contractors to access reliable heavy equipment.
That’s why we decided to compile this list. We’ve tracked down the rental companies that make it easy to get the machinery you need, when you need it, so projects don’t have to grind to a halt.
How much does it cost to rent heavy equipment in Columbus?
In Columbus, heavy equipment rental prices vary by machine type. Small equipment costs around $200 to $400 per day, mid-size machines usually run $500 to $900, while larger equipment like bulldozers can go from $1,000 to $1,800 per day.
1. Columbus Equipment Company
Address: 2329 Performance Way
Phone: (614) 443‑6541
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Columbus Equipment Company ended up on our radar because we kept hearing that they’re the place people go to when they need heavy equipment without the usual rental headaches.
After checking out what they offer, we get why. Their rental fleet is huge, and it’s not just the usual excavators and dozers. They also have newer specialty machines and material-processing gear for projects that need more than the basics.
What impressed us most is how new a lot of their equipment is. Many of the units are recent-year models, so you’re not dealing with machines that feel tired before you even start. It gives you a bit more confidence heading into a tight schedule.
We also liked that they back the rentals with solid parts and maintenance support. It’s helpful to know you’re not left on your own if something needs attention. They can handle repairs, preventive maintenance, and inspections.
Another thing worth noting is their flexibility. You can stick to a short rental or go for rent-to-own if you end up liking the machine.
They’re really set up for commercial and industrial projects, so anyone doing a small weekend DIY fix probably won’t find what they need here.
Quick and convenient service
“Really quick, easy access, thank you.”
- D R, Google Review
Excellent service with friendly staff
“A1 service!!! Great people and very helpful.”
- Mark C, Google Review
2. Sunbelt Rentals
Address: 1275 W Mound St
Phone: (614) 341‑9770
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Sunbelt Rentals is hard to overlook if you’re dealing with larger construction or industrial projects.
Their equipment selection is massive. They cover everything from heavy machinery and pumps to scaffolding, HVAC, and specialty tools.
It’s the kind of variety that actually makes planning a project easier because you can cover a lot of ground without hopping between multiple rental companies.
What really stands out is how smooth their rental process can be. Their mobile app and online system let you reserve equipment, manage multiple projects, track rentals, and even handle payments.
Flexibility is another highlight. Rentals are available for short-term, long-term, or seasonal projects. It’s a practical way to skip the expense and hassle of equipment you rarely need.
And with their widespread network across North America, you can usually get what you need without long waits.
One thing to keep in mind is that costs can add up, especially with delivery and pick-up fees. For small-scale or very short-term projects, the expense might feel steep.
Friendly and helpful service
“Seems like a good place to rent all different types of equipment from!! I wasn’t the one actually renting the equipment we needed but I returned some of it. The guys up front were pretty cool but the guy in the drive through return area seemed to have an attitude with me because I couldn’t answer one of his questions! Lol. Like I said…I was just returning some of the equipment, I didn’t even use any of it! Maybe it was just an off day for him, I dunno! Overall…a good place to rent from!”
- Don Wolf, Google Review
Dependable and flexible service
“Very helpful, they know what I need when I don’t. When plans change due to unforseen circumstances they are flexible and willing to help. The yard guys rule, but the counter guys keep me coming back. Never had a bad piece of equipment, never waited long for repairs when I break things. Always dependable.”
- Erik Hughes, Google Review
3. Machinery & Tool Rentals, Inc. – Chas. E. Phipps
Address: 2161 Dividend Dr
Phone: (614) 228‑6725
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Machinery & Tool Rentals, Inc., together with Chas. E. Phipps covers a lot of ground when it comes to heavy equipment.
Their catalog isn’t just the usual excavators and loaders. Their inventory includes concrete placing and finishing gear and surface-prep machines. Cutting and demolition tools, pumps, sprayers, and climate control equipment are also available.
If your project needs something specific, there’s a good chance they’ve got it!
What caught our attention is how much they handle beyond just renting machines. You can rent or buy, and certified mechanics are on hand for maintenance and repairs. That kind of support makes managing a project less stressful.
Logistics is another point they make easy. They have warehouse space and delivery options to get gear where it’s needed. Rentals can be flexible too, whether you need something for a few days, months, or want to buy it after testing it out on the job.
One thing to note is that their focus is very much on construction, concrete, and industrial projects. Small-scale or casual jobs might not be the best fit.
Knowledgeable, customer-focused service
“Great place to do business. Nice people who care about their customers and know what they are doing. Had equipment in for service. I will be back to see them in the future. My contact was David and he had great follow up and did what they promised.”
- Bobbby, Google Review
Reliable and accommodating
“I’ve been dealing with Machinery Tool Rental since the 1980’s. They have the things I need, and they bring them to my door. I’ve had to have a part in a hurry – past their closing time. They’ve often stayed & waited for me to get there, or they’ve left my parts someplace where I could pick them up. On the phone or in person, every single person working there is great to work with!”
- Paula Egner, Google Review
4. Vandalia Rental
Address: 2265 N Wilson Rd
Phone: (614) 350‑7777
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Vandalia Rental has been around since 1961, and it shows in how smoothly they handle heavy equipment rentals.
Their selection goes beyond the usual earth-moving gear and lifts. You’ll find skid-steers, material handling machines, industrial tools, and even specialized equipment for jobs like trench shoring.
It’s clear they’re keeping up with the practical needs of modern jobsites.
What stood out is their flexibility. Short-term rentals are easy to arrange, and they offer reliable delivery straight to the jobsite. That kind of support matters when projects can’t wait for gear to arrive.
The recent addition of specialized onsite services for trench shoring is also worth noting. It adds an extra layer of convenience for crews working in tight or safety-sensitive conditions.
One thing to be aware of is that they do have strict rental requirements and paperwork. It’s not a dealbreaker, but smaller or quick DIY jobs might feel a bit heavy on the administrative side.
Well-maintained equipment, helpful staff
“This place is awesome. They carry a wide variety of rental equipment. The equipment is very well maintained. I was impressed by their willingness to assist me on how to work the piece of equipment that I rented. Very nice ppl.”
- Dennis Douglas, Google Review
Responsive and fair service
“Rented some heavy-duty equipment and, as with any big machines, there were a few issues. Thankfully, the team caught the problems before I even left the lot. They fixed everything up and gave me a discount for the trouble. Can’t really ask for more—great service and solid handling of the situation.”
- Jordan Coffman, Google Review
5. United Rentals
Address: 1825 McKinley Ave
Phone: (614) 279‑6352
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
United Rentals makes it easy to cover just about any heavy equipment needed.
Their fleet is massive and diverse. It includes earth-moving gear and aerial lifts. There are also specialty tools for power, HVAC, trench safety, and material handling.
It’s the kind of variety that actually helps when you’re juggling multiple types of projects at once.
What stood out is their “one-stop shop” approach. Beyond rentals, they provide scaffolding, ground protection, and temporary facilities. That means you don’t need to coordinate multiple vendors for a single project.
Their mobile app and Total Control platform also make tracking rentals, requesting pickups, and managing payments surprisingly smooth for such a big operation.
Safety support is another plus. Through United Academy, they offer training and rental options for safety gear, including trench-safety solutions, which come in handy for regulated job sites.
The only catch is that they’re popular, so fleet availability can fluctuate, especially for high-demand machines. Planning ahead helps avoid surprises.
Helpful and resourceful staff
“These folks went above and beyond to help me find a tool other rental places either hadn’t heard of or simply didn’t carry. Thank you all again you saved my project!”
- Aaron Senk, Google Review
Pleasant, polite, and efficient service
“We rent equipment nationwide; UR’s Sales & Service Staff at ALL locations I have dealt with have been Pleasant, Polite and Efficient. Great company to work with!”
- Russell Chappell, Google Review
