Embracing the Benefits of Equipment Rental

Embracing the Benefits of Equipment Rental

Mechanical Earth Drills

Maximize potential while minimizing expenses

Providing quality services while maintaining a healthy bottom line will forever be high on a contractor’s priority list. Renting drilling equipment is one way to maximize productivity and potential while minimizing expenses. For specialty projects and testing the waters on new services, equipment rental can be a cost-efficient option if you’re looking to provide more without over-investing.  

There are endless opportunities that rental centers can help a fencing crew tackle. For example, rental centers offer a range of machines and attachments for safe one-person operation. Availability will vary from center to center, but you can often find our Mechanical and Hydraulic earth drills as well as the Kwik-Trench in a variety of sizes — perfectly scalable for construction and landscape projects.

Drilling Through Soft Soil

Looking for a post-hole auger that is lightweight, high-speed and digs quickly and cleanly? See what your local rental center has for mechanical earth augers. Little Beaver Mechanical Earth Drills power through sand, silt and loam, creating clean 6- to 8-inch diameter holes for applications such as fencing, deck building, landscaping and more. Digging a post hole takes less than a minute, meaning a crew can accomplish a lot with just a two-day rental. Need to bore under something? With Little Beaver’s optional horizontal boring attachments, you can easily rent the equipment to bore under sidewalks and driveways to install landscape lighting, water systems and much more.

Mechanical Earth drill horizontal boring

Tackling Tough Soil

For tougher soils — like clay, rock or frozen ground — a Little Beaver Hydraulic Earth Drill may be the best choice. These machines offer more power than mechanical drills, and our models still allow one-person drilling. With their extra torque, hydraulic earth drills can handle augers up to 16 inches in diameter and can drill depths of up to 30 feet with the right auger. Little Beaver Hydraulic Earth Drills also include a reversible feature that makes them ideal for quick removal from the ground.

Earth Drill used for landscaping

With even more power and potential, UN-Towable and Towable Earth Drills have a balanced torque-free design to enhance operator safety when drilling through uneven terrain. These earth augers are ideal for fencing, landscaping, decks, sign installation and recreational applications.

Effortless Trenching

Mini trencher machines at your local rental center are a great solution for digging trenches. Little Beaver’s Kwik-Trench can dig a 12-inch-deep trench at speeds of up to 30 feet per minute. They make installing lawn sprinklers, electric dog fencing, low voltage wiring, plumbing and drainage lines and wire cable the work of an afternoon. Silt fencing, landscape edging, root pruning and bed preparation also become faster and less backbreaking.

Can Renting Work for Me?

When it comes to one-time projects — those special requests that pop up in conjunction with a current project but aren’t something you’re looking to offer regularly — renting lets crews get the job done without a costly, long-term commitment. Depending on the length of the rental, the team can even knock out several small projects with the same machine, optimizing efficiency. Planning will help ensure you get the most out of the rental.

Repeatedly renting the same equipment can also be cost-efficient, to a point. It’s a great way for small businesses looking to expand their services to test out different machines and attachments before committing. For equipment you don’t plan on using every day, renting rather than buying saves money since the rental center takes on the initial cost of the machine and any maintenance needs. However, it’s important to keep in mind there’s a limit to the cost benefits of renting if your crew is frequently using a specific machine.

When used wisely, renting can be a valuable tool for contractors looking to provide more while spending less. The fastest way to assess rental potential is by taking a trip to your local rental center or talking to the manufacturers who supply their equipment. We’re happy to answer your questions. Contact our team today.

For the Best Curb Appeal Upgrades, Get the Right Tools

For the Best Curb Appeal Upgrades, Get the Right Tools

Home with beautiful front yardBy Ryan Tollefsen Realtor,
Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group

When homeowners make a plan for a curb appeal upgrade, there is often a lot of discussion about what is necessary and which ideas are practical. Having the proper tools for any home improvement project is crucial for its success. Since curb appeal is so important for home value, homeowners want to be sure they can do it right the first time. Here are a few tips (and tools) that ensure greater accuracy and make the whole project easier.

Why Every Home Needs Curb Appeal

Although some homeowners do not think about curb appeal until they want to sell a home, many choose to maintain or improve their exterior systematically over time.

The view of the home in relation to other homes in the neighborhood is what makes up what is called, “curb appeal.” Why does one home look better than others on the block? Curb appeal is a vital part of the home’s overall value. Even if homeowners have just moved in and do not plan to sell for many years, preserving home value should always be on their minds. They may need it if they want to refinance their mortgages, get a home equity loan for other improvements, or sell the home unexpectedly.

Here are two high-impact improvements to consider when looking to boost a home’s curb appeal:

Highlighting With Landscape & Outdoor Recreational Lighting

There are many things that homeowners can do for their properties to accentuate the wonderful aspects that are already there. Lighting is a good example. Landscape lighting is an excellent way to make the perfect look for the property at night. Lighting can also be used for outdoor recreational lighting to entertain guests or simply enjoy a change of scenery at night.

 Kwik-Trench mini-trencher

Little Beaver’s Kwik-Trench mini-trencher saves homeowners time when it comes to digging electrical lines for installing lighting.

Of course, installing lighting outside often involves digging the electrical lines for the lighting. Doing this by hand, homeowners could spend hours putting strain on their backs digging down 6 to 12 inches so that they can install their sidewalk lighting. Alternatively, they could use a Little Beaver Kwik-Trench mini-trencher to save their backs and a great deal of time. The Kwik-Trench allows homeowners to:

  • set the perfect depth for the trench
  • move at a rapid pace
  • reach spots that a larger trencher cannot access

Installing landscape lighting should not have to be a task that takes days or weeks. With this tool, the job will be done much more quickly.

Building the Ideal Perimeter Fence

Curb appeal concerns more than just the home and garden. That is why homeowners often look for ways to create attractive fencing or barriers surrounding the edges of the property. When homeowners need to install trees, vegetation or fences, they usually need to drill or dig using an auger. The best augers make it simple for people to dig a hole through any type of soil, of any width and a variety of depths. Snap-on augers offer exactly what homeowners need, with a design that is practical for almost anyone to use.

Planning Into the Future

Homeowners may be surprised with just how many projects they can accomplish with the right tools. Homeowners who used a trencher to install lighting might decide to call on it again to build a new garden, or change up their landscaping design. An auger with removable blades is a useful implement to keep on hand for landscape maintenance and other digging projects.

Building curb appeal for a home is less a single task than it is a state of mind. Taking advantage of tools that simplify the work allows people to ensure their homes look great every year without wasting time or effort. When homeowners use the right tools it creates the opportunity to do much more, both inside and outside the home.

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The Mini Uses of the Kwik-Trench

The Mini Uses of the Kwik-Trench

Kwik-Trecn mini trencher irrigation line install

Versatility is Key

These days, everyone talks about versatility. With business owners and homeowners alike striving to bring down expenses and maximize productivity, manufacturers are pressed more than ever to back up their claims of fast ROI. This often steers the conversation toward versatility. The greater the number of applications a product can handle, the more “worth it” its purchase or rental becomes.

In the case of Little Beaver’s Kwik-Trench Mini Trencher, versatility happens to be its best subject. Contractors, do-it-yourselfers, and even golf course superintendents find multiple solutions in their respective industries from a single, easy-to-operate machine.

Different strokes

save time with Kwik-Trench Mini Trencher's bolt-on tooth systemOne reason the Kwik-Trench appeals to so many applications is its common-sense cutter wheel design. Where other trenchers require teeth to be welded directly to the cutter wheel, the Kwik-Trench has a time-saving bolt-on tooth system. This design not only speeds up maintenance, it also allows the operator to quickly change out teeth to match the application.

Width and depth options add to the Kwik-Trench’s versatility. With 1- to 4-inch width settings and adjustable depths up to 12 inches depending on the model, operators can cater trench dimensions to the job at hand. This improves efficiency by reducing the inevitable manual labor that comes with trying to work with wrong-size trenches.

The Kwik-Trench is offered in two models, the KT 200B and KT 2400B, each with strengths in different applications, giving operators the option to choose the machine that is best for the work they plan to do. The 200B is lighter and digs a shallower trench, making it perfect for jobs in inaccessible areas that demand more maneuverability. The 2400B is still lightweight and highly maneuverable, but boasts more power and can dig a deeper trench, making it suitable for jobs that require a little more brawn.

Different folks

trencher installing silt fenceA practical cutter wheel design for quick tooth changes, useful width and depth settings, and model options for unique application requirements make the Kwik-Trench an attractive solution for a wide range of people in varying industries.

Landscaping contractors use the Kwik-Trench for professional edging, installing silt fences, and burying wires for landscape lighting. Professional contractors can also take advantage of the Kwik-Trench’s fast cutting speeds to quickly bury propane, plumbing and drainage lines, as well as low-voltage wiring for satellite dishes, cable, or phone lines.

Homeowners, on the other hand, find the Kwik-Trench a user-friendly solution for the projects that often come with home ownership, such as installing sprinkler systems or burying electric dog fences. And golf course superintendents and grounds professionals can rely on the Kwik-Trench’s carbide tipped, hardened steel teeth to manage problem tree roots and dig clean trenches to perform maintenance on irrigation systems.

Thanks to its common-sense design, convenient model options, and wide application appeal, the Kwik-Trench proves a versatile addition to any landscaper’s toolbox, and a cost-effective trenching solution for the do-it-yourselfer.

For more ways to reach your ROI potential, contact a Little Beaver expert.

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Kwik-Trench Maintenance Tips and Best Practices

Kwik-Trench Maintenance Tips and Best Practices

Kwik-Trench Maintenance Tips and Best Practices

Prevent Costly Repairs and Downtime

Keeping up with routine maintenance and operation best practices can help keep projects running smoothly and prevent costly repairs and downtime. If you follow these quick and easy tips, the Kwik-Trench mini trencher is sure to provide many years of unmatched service and profits.

1. Check the engine nuts and bolts after every 25 hours of use and tighten, if necessary. Also, add sealant to bolt threads at that time to prevent leakage.

2. Change the engine oil after every 10 hours of use, according to engine manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Clean the air filter after every 10 hours of use. In dusty or dry conditions, increase cleaning frequency. In extremely dusty conditions, protect the engine by attaching a remote air filter with a pre-cleaner, which will extend the engine life.

trencher cutter wheel maintenance

4. Check the slip clutch facings’ thickness after every 20-25 hours of use. If it has worn to 1/16-inch thick or less, change it to maintain its 30-feet-per-minute trenching speed.

5. Grease pillow block bearings after every 100 hours of use to reduce wear and prevent corrosion.Pillow block bearing

6. Clean vertical frame posts and sleeves frequently to prevent binding. Use a silicone lubricant rather than an oil-based lubricant or grease.

7. Check for missing teeth after every use. Using the Kwik-Trench with missing teeth will increase the possibility of engine vibration. Be sure to replace the disc blade if it’s missing teeth before the next use. Prevent teeth breakage by backing off immovable objects.

8. Do not drop machine off the back of a vehicle. This may cause damage to the body and frame. Machines should always be lifted off, ramped or transported by a trailer.

For additional questions or tips, review the product manual or contact us today.

Product Manuals: KT100 | KT200B | KT1200B | KT2400B

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Kwik and Easy Trenching: Golf Course Maintenance

Kwik and Easy Trenching: Golf Course Maintenance

Boost Productivity Without Tearing Up Greens

Kwik-Trench leaves a clean cut with dirt deposited on one side of the trenchLooks matter — especially in the golf course industry. Maintenance and landscaping improvements are ongoing, but finding an equipment solution that provides maximum efficiency with minimal disruption to the green is key to maintaining that country club appearance. Little Beaver’s Kwik-Trench mini trenchers — the KT 200B and KT 2400B — are the ideal solution for boosting productivity without tearing up your greens.

Little Beaver understands that your golf course requires:

Efficiency

Save yourself from backbreaking and time-consuming work. The Kwik-Trench effortlessly cuts 30 feet of trench per minute. Powered by a 5.5-horsepower Honda engine, the KT 200B achieves 8-inch depths and its carbide-tipped teeth produce a trench from 1 to 3 inches wide. An 8-horsepower Honda engine powers the KT 2400B for cutting trenches as deep as 12 inches while its carbide tipped teeth produce a trench 1 to 4 inches wide. Both models make backfill 50 percent faster by directing soil to one side of the trench, instead of both sides.

Enhanced aesthetics

Protect your course’s beauty against soil cupping that can occur after backfilling wide trenches. The narrow trenches created by the Kwik-Trench require minimal backfill, which reduces the chance of cupping and helps ensure consistent grass growth. Designed with your turf’s appearance in mind, mini trenchers also feature pneumatic tires that virtually eliminate damage caused by tracked machine or skid-steer type trenchers.

Kwik-Trench mini-trencher

Easy use

Its compact body and push-forward capability allow greenskeepers to maneuver easily in tight spaces while pruning tree roots as thick as 10 inches in diameter. The push-forward operation also enhances safety by giving the operator a clear view of what’s ahead. By contrast, trenchers that require the operator to pull it while walking backwards add the risk of tripping and falls, which might cause costly workers’ compensation cases.

Easy maintenance

Little Beaver designs the Kwik-Trench for minimal maintenance by protecting key components. Its built-in slip clutch, for example, protects the drive train from shock if the trencher hits a rock or other obstacle. Maintenance is further reduced with blades that are quick and easy to replace. The Kwik-Trench also features Little Beaver’s Super Blade Plus and Super Xtra Rock Teeth, which bolt on to the cutting wheel making replacing the teeth simple and inexpensive. Other manufactures weld teeth directly on the cutting wheel causing the entire wheel to need replacement when a single tooth is damaged. The Kwik-Trench also features a triple V-belt system that maintains positive traction if the trencher encounters an obstruction. This reduces wear on belts as well as need for frequent belt replacements.

Improve your course’s quality in minutes with a Little Beaver Kwik-Trench. Contact us for questions.

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