Construction activity in Joliet has been remarkably strong, fueled by warehouse development, road improvements, residential subdivisions, and public infrastructure upgrades. For contractors, owning every machine needed for these projects is rarely practical. Equipment rental offers flexibility, access to the latest technology, and freedom from maintenance, storage, and depreciation costs.
Whether you are a general contractor needing a fleet of aerial lifts for a distribution center, a landscaper renting a compact track loader for a weekend, or a homeowner tackling a DIY project, choosing the right rental partner matters. This guide highlights ten construction equipment rental providers serving Joliet and Will County.
Why Rental Makes Sense in Joliet
Joliet's position along I-80 and I-55 means equipment can move quickly between job sites throughout the southwest suburbs. Many rental companies maintain branches in or near the city, offering fast delivery and pickup. Contractors benefit from being able to scale their fleets up or down based on project demand, which is particularly valuable in a market where large industrial projects can require dozens of machines for short periods.
Seasonality also plays a role. Winter work may require ground heaters, heated enclosures, and snow removal equipment, while summer brings peak demand for earthmoving and paving machines. Renting allows contractors to match equipment to conditions without long-term investment.
How We Evaluated Rental Providers
We considered fleet size and variety, equipment condition, delivery speed, branch proximity, pricing transparency, customer service, telematics and online account tools, and availability of operator training and safety support.
The Top 10 Construction Equipment Rentals in Joliet
1. United Rentals
United Rentals is the largest equipment rental company in the world, with an enormous fleet covering earthmoving, aerial work platforms, power and HVAC, trench safety, and tools. Its online account management and telematics make it easy for contractors to track equipment across multiple job sites.
2. Sunbelt Rentals
Sunbelt Rentals offers a broad fleet along with specialty solutions such as climate control, power generation, and ground protection. Its focus on customer service and fast response has made it a favorite among contractors in the Chicago region.
3. Herc Rentals
Herc Rentals provides construction and industrial equipment with specialty divisions for pumps, power, and trench shoring. Its ProSolutions offerings help contractors tackle complex projects with engineered support.
4. H&E Equipment Services
H&E Equipment Services is known for well-maintained aerial lifts, earthmoving machines, and material handling equipment. Its emphasis on newer, low-hour machines helps reduce downtime on critical projects.
5. The Cat Rental Store by Patten Cat
Patten Cat's rental division offers Caterpillar machines ranging from mini excavators to large dozers. Contractors value the reliability of Cat equipment and the dealer's parts and service support.
6. Atlas Bobcat
Atlas Bobcat is a long-established Illinois dealer offering Bobcat compact equipment rentals, including skid steers, compact track loaders, mini excavators, and attachments. Landscapers and small contractors frequently rely on its compact fleet.
7. West Side Tractor Sales
West Side Tractor Sales is a John Deere dealer serving Northern Illinois with construction equipment sales, rentals, and service. Its knowledgeable staff and strong parts inventory keep projects moving.
8. Alta Equipment Company
Alta Equipment Company rents forklifts, aerial lifts, and construction equipment, making it valuable for both job sites and warehouse operations in Joliet's logistics corridor.
9. Runnion Equipment Company
Runnion Equipment Company specializes in compact construction equipment and attachments. Its expertise helps contractors and municipalities select the right machine for tight urban or residential job sites.
10. Home Depot Tool Rental
For smaller projects and DIY homeowners, Home Depot Tool Rental offers convenient access to compact equipment, concrete tools, floor sanders, and pressure washers at multiple Joliet-area stores.
Trends in Equipment Rental
Telematics has transformed rental management. Contractors can now monitor machine location, usage hours, fuel levels, and maintenance needs in real time, improving utilization and preventing theft. Electric and hybrid equipment is gaining traction, particularly for indoor work and noise-sensitive environments. Electric scissor lifts, mini excavators, and compact loaders reduce emissions and fuel costs.
Machine control technology, including GPS grading systems, is increasingly available on rental equipment, allowing even smaller contractors to achieve precise results. Rental companies are also expanding safety training and operator certification programs to support workforce development.
Tips for Renting Equipment
Plan ahead, especially during peak construction season, when popular machines book quickly. Clarify rental rates, including daily, weekly, and monthly options, as well as delivery fees, fuel charges, and damage waivers. Inspect equipment upon delivery and document any existing damage.
Make sure operators are trained and certified for the equipment they will use. Many rental providers offer training courses, which improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents.
Rent or Buy?
A common rule of thumb is that if a machine will be used less than about sixty to seventy percent of the time, renting is usually more cost-effective than owning. Rental also shifts maintenance, repairs, storage, and transportation logistics to the provider, freeing contractors to focus on their core work. For machines that are used constantly across many projects, ownership or long-term leasing may make more financial sense. Many contractors find that a hybrid approach, owning core equipment and renting specialty or overflow machines, offers the best balance.
Conclusion
Joliet's thriving construction market demands flexible access to reliable equipment. The rental providers listed here offer the fleets, service, and expertise contractors need to complete projects safely, efficiently, and on budget.