Purchase considerations |
The initial investment for these machines is not cheap. Depending on the size and accessories, they can run from
the $20,000 to over $60,000. Of course, rental rates are not on the light side either.
“Rental rates are pretty decent for these machines considering there’s only a four- to five-month window each year
to rent them out,” says Cannella. “Rental businesses can expect to get — depending on the size of the machine and
accessories — between $5,000 and $9,000 a month.”
In addition to the sticker price of the equipment, you should take a close look at your market before
purchasing hydronic heaters for your rental inventory. Here are some items to consider:
- How long is the winter season in your area?
- How deep does the frost typically get?
- Do other rental centers in the market rent this type of equipment? If so, how price sensitive is the market?
If not, are you willing to pioneer a new product in the market? - What are your service capabilities?
Does the manufacturer offer training for your sales and service personnel? - Do you rent equipment used to prepare for concrete placement?
- Would including a cold weather product in your inventory add value and bring in extra revenue for your business during this quarter of the year?
Units vary in their capacities for curing concrete. The range extends from 1,100 square feet up to 50,000 square feet
per application.
As far as thickness of the pour, it really doesn’t matter. Concrete generates its own heat when curing, so the
hydronic heater just protects the concrete from freezing.
As far as thawing ground, depending on soil conditions, most hydronic heaters can remove frost from the ground
at a rate of one foot per day for the first three feet, than 1/2 foot per day thereafter.
“One of the benefits with this technology is 93 percent of the energy being produced by this machine goes directly
to the source you want to thaw,” says Porter. “This eliminates excessive propane expenses as well as man hours,
because no temporary shelters have to be built.”