Rent Smart: Safety and Tips for Valley Ace Hardware Equipment

Mastering Rental Equipment: Safety Precautions and Best Uses at Valley Ace Hardware

Whether you’re tackling a home renovation, landscaping your yard, or hosting a big event, renting equipment from Valley Ace Hardware in Westcliffe, CO, can save you time and money. Our extensive rental catalog—from heavy machinery like excavators to party essentials like tents, tables, and chairs—offers high-quality, well-maintained tools for almost any project. But getting the most out of your rental requires knowing how to operate it safely and ensuring you choose the right tool for the job. This blog post explores our rental offerings at Valley Ace Hardware, key safety precautions, and tips for getting the most out of your rental experience.

Why Rent from Valley Ace Hardware?

Our Rental Center at Valley Ace Hardware is a one-stop shop for DIYers, contractors, and event planners. Located at 1 Enterprise Drive, Westcliffe, CO, our store provides convenience and expert customer service. Our inventory includes:

• Heavy Equipment: Excavators, skid steers, and compaction tools for construction and landscaping.
• Lawn and Garden: Aerators, tillers, and trimmers for yard maintenance.
• Ladders and Scaffolding: Boom lifts and scissor lifts options for safe access to elevated work areas.
• Concrete and Plumbing Tools: Mixers, breaker hammers, and augers for specialized tasks.
• Party Rentals: Tents, tables, chairs, and bounce houses for events.

Choosing Valley Ace Hardware for your rental needs means access to reliable equipment, backed by our staff who will guide you to the right tool for your project.

Safety Precautions for Rental Equipment

Proper use and understanding safety procedures is critical to protect yourself, others, and the tools. Here are essential safety tips to follow:

1. Trust Our Rigorous Inspection Process

• Pre-Use Inspection: We inspect all our equipment thoroughly before it leaves our store, checking for wear, loose parts, or damage. We also hold equipment for 24 hours after each rental for a detailed re-inspection to guarantee it’s in top condition before sending it back out.
• Verify Functionality: You can test power tools briefly (e.g., turn on a drill) with our staff to confirm they work properly. For heavy equipment like excavators, we’ll guide you through checking hydraulic systems and controls.

2. Understand Safety Features and Operation

• Know the Equipment: Make sure you understand the safety features and how to operate the equipment. For complex tools like compactors or concrete mixers, our staff will instruct you on the safety features like interlock switches or emergency stops to ensure safe use.
• Ask for Demonstrations: If you’re unfamiliar with any equipment let our staff know and we will show you proper handling procedures.

3. Wear Proper Protective Gear

• Essentials: Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toe boots when operating heavy equipment or power tools like chainsaws or hammer drills. For dusty tasks (e.g., concrete mixing), use a dust mask or respirator.
• Specific Needs: Use ear protection for loud tools like compactors (up to 656 blows/min) and non-slip shoes on scaffolding or ladders to prevent falls.
• Tip: Keep a dedicated “safety kit” with gear in your vehicle for every rental project to ensure you’re always prepared.

4. Operate in a Safe Environment

• Clear the Area: Remove obstacles, debris, or bystanders (especially children) from the work zone, particularly for heavy machinery like skid steers.
• Stable Ground: Ensure equipment like excavators or scaffolding is on level, firm ground to prevent tipping. For earth work, call 811 before you dig.
• Mark your work area with cones or tape to keep others at a safe distance, especially for logging or trenching tasks.

5. Follow Proper Operating Techniques

• Power Tools: Follow tool guidelines for all equipment.
• Heavy Equipment: Operate skid steers or lifts at low speeds until you’re comfortable, and never exceed the rated capacity (e.g., 1,000 lb for the Bobcat MT100).
• Please practice in an open area before starting the main task to get a feel for the equipment’s controls.

6. Maintain and Return Clean

• Regular Checks: For long rentals, inspect equipment daily for loose bolts or leaks. Report issues to us immediately to avoid full rental charges for damaged tools. Long rentals 2 weeks or longer, will require service call with Valley Ace to verify the state of the equipment.
• Cleaning: Return equipment clean to avoid a cleaning fee. 
• Use a portable pressure washer (available for rent) or garden hose to quickly clean equipment before return, saving time and fees.

Best Uses for Valley Ace Hardware Rentals

To maximize your rental, choose the right equipment and use it efficiently. Here’s how to make the most of our offerings:

Plan Your Project

• Match Equipment to Task: Select specific tools for your needs—e.g., a vibrating plate compactor for small landscaping jobs.
• Reserve in Advance: Call (719) 783-9054 to reserve high-demand items like skid steers, especially during peak seasons. We do require payment to hold reservations.
• Trick: Create a project timeline and rent for the exact duration (5 hours, daily, or weekly) to avoid extra costs.
• We offer rental delivery and pick-up to and from your job site!

Leverage Our Expertise

• Ask Questions: Our knowledgeable staff can recommend tools (e.g., a specific compactor for your soil type) and explain features.
• Get Accessories: Rent or buy accessories like drill bits or cut-off blades, as these are often extra. Check with our staff for compatibility.
• If unsure about a tool’s suitability, describe your project in detail to our staff for tailored recommendations.

Conclusion

Our Rental Center at Valley Ace Hardware is your go-to for high-quality equipment, whether you’re digging a foundation, installing plumbing, or throwing a party. By following safety precautions—trusting our inspections, following proper operating procedures, and understanding safety features—you’ll protect yourself and ensure a smooth project. Plan ahead, choose the right equipment, and use these tips to work efficiently. Visit us at 1 Enterprise Drive, Westcliffe, CO, or call (719) 783-9054 to explore our full rental catalog and get expert advice. We have the equipment you need and can answer any questions to make your next DIY or event a success!