Reissig: They are asking for features and add-ons that make the equipment easier to handle, easier to service, and work in conjunction with other types of equipment such as forklifts. We take each request on a case-by-case base. We also do a yearly review of updates/features we want to add to product.

Suiter: Rental customers ask formore durable, and longer-lasting equipment. We periodically review equipment design to find improvements and decrease equipment wear and tear.

Corwin: Rental companies want a broad range of products with top technology and features so they can offer the best solutions to their customers and remain competitive with the retail market. But perhaps the biggest need for rental companies is equipment designed to not only do the job for the user, but also for simple and efficient service and repair. This ensures that the tool spends less time in repair and more time either out in the field or on the “ready to rent” shelf.

Due to heavy use and user abuse, all products will eventually require repair and routine maintenance. Makita designs its products so the repair process is more time efficient. Makita makes every effort to “standardize” the fasteners for simple and quick repair, particularly of more frequent and routine tasks. A good example is Makita’s 14-inch power cutter. Frequent product use and user abuse may require a piston and cylinder repair on this type of product. On the Makita DPC7321 power cutter, the fasteners at each point in the repair process are the same size. In addition, Makita packages the replacement parts needed to complete routine repairs on this product in a single box under one part number. Finally, the DPC7321 is designed so the repair can be made without having to disassemble the entire tool. A technician armed with one Torx 27 wrench and one parts kit can handle a piston and cylinder repair in a relatively short period of time, without having to take the entire tool apart.

Makita supplies rental companies with published “Rental Ready” tips to help associates quickly check out the returned tool and make it ready for re-rental. Finally, Makita provides service and parts breakdowns online, as well as a Technical Call Center so the rental technician can call Makita from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to order parts or get answers on service questions.

When you sell tools and equipment into the rental business, all of these points are important in supporting the rental companies and helping them provide a successful rental experience for the rental end user.