if you could own any machine to rent out, which one would it be?

[Dude Man]

Mini-Excavator
Skid-Loader probably ASV (Them things are SWEET!)
and probably a Ditch Witch (trencher on back and a back hoe on front)
Of course you would need a trailer to haul and probably a smaller dump truck Like a F550 with a dump box.

just me 2 cents

 

[Reg]

just wondering which machine would be the best for rental in western BC, canada, curious which ones would probably be rented most frequently & at the most amount. stupid question, but im just curious. thank you

If you're thinking of doing what I think you're thinking of doing...
Check local rental places for equipment they are selling used from their rental fleet.
From age and hours usage (where applicable) you should be able to get a fairly good gauge of where your local rental market has been for the last 3 to 5 years.
Get it for SEVERAL rental places.
Yeah, with the disclaimer that past performance not necessarily being a reliable indicator of future{mumble, whatever, mumble,,,}
You will be gathering data on used equipment prices at the same time, you might even find the equipment to buy (depreciated) at a price that can get you started.

 

[Builder]

I'd rent the toughest ones available. I've seen more dumbazz "experts" return destroyed rentals than I'd like to remember.

Friend of mine works at an equipment rental shop and I get to go and hear about see the aftermath of destroyed rental equipment.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

For a rental unit AVOID ANYTHING with a clutch. Inexperienced operators an clutches don't mix well. I've got a tractor with the ORIGINAL 38 year old clutch still in fine condition. I'm the only one who ever operates this tractor. In my shop, I've got a Deere 990 with 42 hours on it and a clutch that's wasted. It WAS a rental unit. A friend bought it for pennies on the dollar. Now I get a few MORE pennies on the dollar to fix it!

 

[Builder]

yeah, you can always see the wear marks or dirt on the clutch pedal of an inexperienced operator. I'd rent out as many hydrostatics or clutchless shuttles as possible.