I guess it would really depend on your area and the demand for the type of work you can do. I started out in the same place you are now about 4 years ago. We are located in NW ontario Canada, in a relatively low population area. The local economy is supported by Paper Mills , farming and tourism. I bought a used 753 2100 hrs, trailer, hoe, brusher, forks, snow bucket, tracks, from a local fellow who was getting divorced. He rented this equipment as a sideline to his hotel business. I was mostly looking for something for my own personal use. But decided to get into the rental bussiness as a sideline to my main occupation a equipment contractor to the paper mill. For rental equipment , the piecies all seemed to be it reasonable shape, not beat to death despite being used by inexpierenced operators. I have a strong background in equipment maintenance and repair, and seldom send anything back to the dealers for work, which keeps my costs low, I had a 1 ton truck as part of my main business. I could do more custom loader work the I do, but i don't have the time to sit in the seat, other then weekends. So the rental thing fits me ok, Although I'm through renting the brusher without a operator. The remaining pieces have been relatively trouble free. My most reqested items are the backhoe, and a auger I added to the package, (along with a grapple, and a meyers pickup blade coverted to skid loader for my personal snow removal use) I don't advertise other then parking the equipment on a main hwy with a for rent sign on it. as a sideline business I have recouped my $23k initial investment, including repairs in about 3 years, I feel I could have done this in 2 seasons if I pursued it more agressively. Without the backhoe, however I would have lost 1/2 my work. I also used the machine for @ 700 hours for my own personal use and billed maint. to the business. I feel there is potential here, even in my limited market, but I would not want to try it as a steady income (winters would be tough) and I'm glad I never purchased a new machine, and attachments because the market is not here for that. I traded that loader on a newer one after 3 years and 1300 hrs and got my money back out of it, less tires, a battery, and maybe $500 worth of misc parts. For 3500 bucks extra I traded up to a 2000 773 with 1500 hrs. In my opinion (for this rural area) steel tracks, a hoe and a auger are a must, along with a trailer, and a truck if you are going to operate it yourself. With this equipment you can expect to bill yourself out a $65 to $85 dollars a hour. In the right market you might recoup your investments quicker then I did, but wet weather , winter, etc can grind things to a halt to. Also check to see how much competition is in your area, and ask yourself, what can I do better then them? Here there is not much work for just a loader itself, as every mile has a farmer that can use his tractor, but not to many guys can bury a well, wood stove or power line as cheap as I can get it done for you. Regards Ken
