Cost-effectiveness: Purchasing heavy machinery and equipment can be extremely costly especially due to recent emission norms and inflation machinery prices have gone up by 20 per cent due to which construction companies need not have to worry about the high upfront costs of ownership. This cost-effectiveness has made equipment rental a popular option for companies in the infrastructure development sector.

Easy access to the latest equipment and technology: The equipment rental market provides construction companies with access to the latest equipment and technology. This means that companies can complete their projects with the best possible equipment, without having to worry about the high costs of purchasing the latest machinery. Allowing them to make informed decisions on rent or buying.

Reduced maintenance costs: When a company rents equipment, they are not responsible for the maintenance and repair costs of the equipment. This is purely the responsibility of the equipment rental company. This reduced burden on the company frees up resources and allows them to focus on their core business operations and activities. Renting a machine also reduces logistics, manpower, and storage costs.

Increased productivity: The right equipment can have a significant impact on a company's productivity. Equipment rental companies have access to the right equipment for each job, ensuring that they have the machines they need to complete their projects as efficiently as possible. This increased productivity can have a significant impact on a company's bottom line, as well as its ability to take on more projects.

In conclusion, the demand for infrastructure development has been a major driver of the growth of the equipment rental market. Companies in the construction and engineering industries are turning to equipment rental services for their cost-effectiveness, access to the latest equipment, reduced maintenance costs, and increased productivity, it is likely that the demand for equipment rental services will continue to grow in the coming years. In the past five to six years, rental penetration has grown multi-fold and is now close to over 40 per cent which was merely five to ten per cent six years back. The Construction Equipment Rental Association (CERA) played a vital role in increasing penetration with the right awareness and advocacy.

The use of electric construction machinery is rapidly increasing in the construction industry, as the demand for more environmentally-friendly and sustainable solutions grows. This shift is driven by several factors, including government regulations, increased awareness of the environmental impact of traditional diesel-powered equipment, and advancements in technology.

One of the main advantages of electric construction machinery is its ability to reduce emissions and improve air quality. They are powered by batteries and produce zero emissions, making them ideal for use in urban areas where air quality is a major concern. Additionally, electric construction machinery operates more quietly than traditional equipment, which is especially important for use in residential areas.

Another advantage of electric construction machinery is that they are more cost-effective to operate in the long term. While the initial purchase price of electric equipment may be higher, the cost of electricity is significantly lower than the cost of diesel or gasoline. Additionally, the maintenance costs of electric construction machinery are lower, as they have fewer moving parts and are less complex than traditional machinery.

Despite the advantages of electric construction machinery, there are also some challenges that must be addressed. For example, the limited range of battery-powered equipment may make them less suitable for large-scale construction projects that require machinery to be used over long distances. Additionally, there may be infrastructure challenges, such as a lack of charging stations, which can limit the widespread adoption of electric machinery.

Despite these challenges, the trend toward electric construction machinery is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This is due to the many benefits they offer, including improved air quality, lower operating costs, and reduced carbon emissions. As the technology continues to improve and the infrastructure to support it grows, the use of electric construction machinery is likely to become even more widespread in the construction industry.

Recently at the bauma CONEXPO India exhibition, many manufacturers and OEMs launched their first hybrid and electric models, which was a delight of an event. We can see an upcoming trend shift to electric and hydrogen-powered trucks and equipment. Much awareness is needed in terms of Research and development of battery-powered construction equipment as the machines are heavy earthmoving machines. Battery backup, charging, and swapping are other challenges as majorly the equipment operates in remote locations. With the right deliberations amongst stakeholders and government bodies, India will soon have an electric revolution.

Biodiesel is a clean-burning, renewable fuel that can offer numerous benefits to the construction equipment industry. In recent years, the demand for biofuels has increased as the world strives to reduce its carbon footprint and become more environmentally conscious. The construction equipment sector is no exception, and many companies are exploring the use of biodiesel in their equipment as a way to reduce emissions and lower their carbon footprint.

One of the main benefits of biodiesel is that it is produced from renewable resources, such as vegetable oils and animal fats, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel fuel. Additionally, biodiesel has a lower carbon content than traditional diesel, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality. The use of biodiesel can also reduce a company's dependence on foreign oil and promote domestic energy production, helping to boost local economies.

Despite these benefits, there are still some challenges associated with the use of biodiesel in construction equipment. For example, biodiesel can be more expensive than traditional diesel, which can be a barrier for some companies looking to make the switch. Additionally, some concerns have been raised about the quality and performance of biodiesel in various engine and weather conditions, which can impact its ability to perform in extreme conditions. We need to have the right certifications for the quality of the same.

In conclusion, considering biodiesel for construction equipment is a step towards a more sustainable future. While there are some challenges, the benefits of using biodiesel, such as improved air quality, reduced dependence on foreign oil, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, make it a promising alternative to traditional diesel fuel.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

The article is authored by Satin Sachdeva, who is Founder & Secretary General, Construction Equipment Rental Association (CERA), representing Indias equipment rental industry. He is the pioneer of seeding the thought of organizing the equipment rental industry and the one who has realised the contribution of the construction equipment rental industry towards Indias infrastructure progress. He is also the MD & CEO of Equipment Planet, a premier construction equipment rental company, which also buys and sells construction equipment.