Heavy Equipment Rental in the Northwest suburbs of the Chicagoland area: Excavators, Loaders, and Compact Machines for Any Job Site

Selecting the correct machine affects job-site access, productivity, transportation, and total project cost. Route 12 Rental Co. provides heavy equipment rental for contractors, landscapers, utility crews, property managers, and homeowners throughout the Northwest suburbs of the Chicagoland area.

Our inventory includes compact excavators, skid steers, compact track loaders, trenchers, lifts, generators, compaction equipment, pumps, and related attachments. We also offer new and used equipment sales, equipment service, replacement parts, construction supplies, and delivery options.

Match the Machine to the Work

The correct equipment category depends on the task, available space, ground conditions, required reach, and duration of the project.

Equipment category	Common applications	Primary selection factors
Compact excavators	Trenching, footings, drainage, landscaping, demolition, utility work	Machine width, digging depth, reach, operating weight
Skid steers	Grading, loading, material handling, snow removal, site preparation	Rated operating capacity, attachment type, surface conditions
Compact track loaders	Grading, land clearing, landscaping, work on softer ground	Ground pressure, lift capacity, traction, attachment compatibility
Mini and mid-size excavators	Larger foundations, commercial utility work, heavier excavation	Dig depth, lifting capacity, transportation requirements
Trenchers	Narrow utility trenches for electrical, irrigation, drainage, and communications	Trenching depth, soil type, chain width, access
Lifts	Elevated installation, maintenance, construction, and indoor work	Working height, platform capacity, terrain, indoor clearance
Generators	Temporary power for tools, lighting, pumps, and job-site equipment	Wattage, fuel type, runtime, connection requirements
Compaction equipment	Soil, gravel, asphalt, trench, and base preparation	Surface type, compaction force, operating width
Pumps	Water removal, drainage, excavation dewatering, and flood response	Flow rate, head pressure, solids handling, power source

View Route 12 Rental’s tools and equipment department for additional equipment categories and project support.

Compact Excavators for Residential and Light Commercial Work

Compact excavators are suited for work that requires controlled digging in a limited area. Typical applications include:

• Foundation and footing excavation
• Water, sewer, gas, and electrical trenching
• Drainage and sump-system installation
• Landscaping and grading
• Tree-root removal
• Retaining wall preparation
• Small demolition work
• Gravel and soil loading

The Bobcat E35 is a common mid-size compact excavator for residential and light commercial applications. Bobcat lists the standard-arm model at approximately 7,659 pounds, with a width of approximately 69.7 inches and a maximum digging depth of about 10 feet. Actual specifications vary by model year, arm configuration, and installed options. Review the manufacturer’s Bobcat E35 specifications before selecting a specific unit.

An E35-class excavator can provide additional reach and digging depth compared with an ultra-compact model while remaining suitable for many suburban driveways and job sites. A smaller machine, such as an E20-class excavator, may be more appropriate when access is limited by a narrow gate, fence, landscaping, or nearby structures.

Compact Excavator Selection Guide

Project condition	Recommended approach
Narrow side yard or gate access	Measure the opening and consider an ultra-compact excavator
Utility trench approximately 6 to 8 feet deep	Consider an E35-class machine or another model with adequate dig depth
Soft lawn or recently landscaped ground	Use rubber tracks, ground protection, or a lighter machine when appropriate
Heavy lifting or deep commercial excavation	Consider a larger compact or mid-size excavator
Concrete removal or demolition	Confirm that the excavator supports a hydraulic breaker or other approved attachment
Root removal or material handling	Ask about a thumb, bucket options, or a compatible loader

Do not select equipment based on digging depth alone. Confirm the machine’s width, tail-swing requirements, operating weight, transportation method, and ground pressure.

Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders

Skid steers and compact track loaders are used primarily for moving, spreading, grading, loading, and handling materials. They can support work involving soil, gravel, mulch, snow, debris, pallets, and other job-site materials.

Skid steers generally use tires and are effective on firm surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, compacted gravel, and prepared soil. Compact track loaders use tracks that provide additional traction and lower ground pressure. They may be better suited for soft, uneven, or recently disturbed ground.

Common attachments include:

• General-purpose buckets
• Grading and leveler attachments
• Augers
• Pallet forks
• Grapples
• Brush cutters
• Snow blades and pushers
• Hydraulic breakers
• Landscape rakes

The attachment often determines whether a machine is suitable for the project. Confirm hydraulic flow requirements, attachment weight, connection type, and operator controls before reserving the equipment.

Mini and Mid-Size Excavators

Larger excavators are appropriate when a project requires more digging depth, reach, lifting capacity, or production than a compact excavator can provide. Typical applications include commercial utility work, larger foundations, substantial site preparation, drainage systems, and heavier demolition.

A larger excavator may require:

• More working room
• A larger delivery vehicle or trailer
• Additional ground protection
• A designated staging area
• A trained and experienced operator
• Coordination with other job-site equipment

For commercial work, compare the excavator’s production capacity with the project schedule. A larger machine may reduce excavation time, but it can also increase transportation costs and site-access requirements.

Trenchers, Lifts, Generators, Compaction Equipment, and Pumps

Not every excavation or maintenance project requires a full-size excavator.

A trencher can produce a narrow, consistent trench for irrigation, drainage, electrical conduit, or communication lines. It is often efficient when the work does not require a wide excavation or extensive material removal.

Lifts provide access for installation, maintenance, lighting, framing, and overhead repairs. Before choosing a lift, identify the required platform height, side reach, load capacity, surface type, and indoor or outdoor clearance.

Generators provide temporary power where permanent electrical service is unavailable. List every tool or device that will operate at the same time and select a generator with sufficient continuous and starting wattage.

Compaction equipment prepares soil, aggregate, asphalt, and trench backfill. Plate compactors, rammers, and rollers are selected according to the material, confined-space requirements, and required compaction force.

Pumps remove standing water from excavations, basements, drainage areas, and flooded work zones. Pump selection depends on flow rate, discharge distance, elevation, solids content, and available power.

Residential Versus Commercial Equipment Selection

Residential projects often involve restricted access, shorter rental periods, landscaping concerns, and limited staging space. Commercial projects may involve higher production requirements, longer operating hours, heavier materials, and coordination with multiple crews.

Consideration	Residential work	Commercial work
Access	Gate width, driveway clearance, nearby structures	Site logistics, road access, staging areas
Machine size	Small or compact machines often preferred	Larger machines may improve production
Ground protection	Important for lawns, driveways, and finished surfaces	Important for completed areas and traffic paths
Rental duration	Often a day, weekend, or short project period	May require weekly or monthly scheduling
Operator	Homeowner or individual contractor, subject to rental terms	Qualified employee or professional operator
Transportation	Delivery is often the simplest option	Delivery scheduling must align with site operations
Attachments	One or two task-specific attachments	Multiple attachments may be required

Operators should read the equipment manual, complete the rental-company orientation, use required protective equipment, and follow site-specific rules. Identify underground utilities before digging, maintain separation from overhead lines, keep workers outside swing and travel paths, and do not carry passengers.

Delivery, Pickup, and Job-Site Preparation

Delivery is often the most practical option for heavy equipment. Before scheduling delivery, provide:

1. The exact job-site address and contact person.
2. A description of the entrance, driveway, gate, and unloading area.
3. Information about overhead wires, low branches, soft ground, and slopes.
4. The preferred delivery and pickup windows.
5. Confirmation that the site is accessible to the delivery vehicle.
6. Any special instructions for keys, security, or after-hours access.

Inspect the machine with the delivery driver and document existing damage. Confirm fuel levels, operating-hour expectations, attachments, and return requirements. Keep the work area clear so the equipment can be picked up without delays.

Route 12 Rental provides delivery throughout Arlington Heights, Palatine, Mount Prospect, Des Plaines, Wheeling, Northbrook, Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Lake Zurich, Mundelein, Glenview, Elk Grove, Inverness, and surrounding communities.

For equipment transportation, review the trucks and trailers department. This is also the appropriate starting point for related trailer rental and moving truck rental needs.

Why Rent Instead of Buy?

Renting can be more practical than buying when the equipment is needed for a short-duration or intermittent project.

Rental advantages include:

• No long-term storage requirement
• No purchase financing or capital commitment
• Access to different machine sizes for different jobs
• Reduced responsibility for long-term ownership maintenance
• Ability to match attachments to individual tasks
• Easier access to equipment for seasonal work
• Reduced risk of owning a machine that remains unused

Buying may be appropriate when a contractor uses the same equipment regularly, requires immediate availability, or wants to build a company fleet. Route 12 Rental offers new and used equipment sales for customers who need long-term ownership. Our service and parts department supports equipment maintenance, repair, and replacement-part needs.

Equipment Support from Route 12 Rental

Route 12 Rental Co. has served the Northwest suburbs of the Chicagoland area for more than 50 years. Our inventory includes equipment from Bobcat, John Deere, Stihl, Wacker, Ditch Witch, Vermeer, Honda, and other established manufacturers.

Our team can help compare machine classes, review access requirements, identify compatible attachments, arrange delivery, and explain return procedures. We support both contractors and homeowners with equipment rental, sales, service, parts, and construction supplies.

Review the Route 12 Rental company information or use the contact page for current availability and scheduling.

CALL 847-253-4404 TO DISCUSS YOUR EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS, DELIVERY OPTIONS, AND RENTAL DATES.