Major rental companies, on average, decreased their fleet size year-over-year by about 1 percent, according to Rouse Asset Services’ monthly Construction Rental Report. Rouse bases its figures on original equipment cost as measured by number of units. Rouse compared major rental company client fleets on Dec. 31, 2008, with fleets on Dec. 31, 2007. The average cost per unit increased 3.3 percent during the period.

Telescopic boom equipment increased in both dollars and units, while scissor lifts, articulating boom and “high-reach forklift” unit counts remained flat. Rental companies significantly reduced fleets in the dozer, loader backhoe, skid-steer loader and wheel loader categories, and more moderately reduced compaction equipment and excavator fleets.