If you’re planning a landscaping, grading, excavation, or cleanup project in Florence, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Gilbert, Mesa, or the East Valley, you’ve probably asked yourself one question:
Should I rent the equipment and do it myself, or hire a contractor?
The answer depends on your project, experience, and schedule—but for many homeowners and property owners, renting equipment can save thousands of dollars while giving you complete control over the project.
Let’s compare the costs.
Hiring a Contractor
Hiring a contractor is convenient because they bring the equipment, labor, and experience.
However, you’re paying for:
- Labor
- Equipment
- Fuel
- Transportation
- Insurance
- Business overhead
- Profit margin
For common Arizona projects, contractor pricing often looks like this:
| Project | Typical Contractor Cost |
|---|---|
| Remove desert brush | $2,000–$8,000 |
| Grade a driveway | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Dig utility trenches | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Build a gravel driveway | $3,000–$10,000 |
| Level a building pad | $2,500–$8,000 |
While contractors are a great option for complex jobs, many straightforward projects don’t require paying for labor if you’re comfortable operating the equipment yourself.
Renting Equipment
With the right machine, many homeowners complete projects over a weekend.
At Desert Pro Equipment, you can rent:
- Kubota SSV65 Skid Steer
- Kubota KX033-4 Mini Excavator
- Diamond C HDU207 Telescopic Dump Trailer
Instead of paying thousands for labor, you only pay for the equipment you need.
Example rental costs:
- Skid Steer: starting around $300/day
- Mini Excavator: affordable daily and weekly rentals
- Dump Trailer: economical daily rentals for hauling debris, gravel, and soil
Many projects can be completed in just one or two days.
Example: Brush Removal
Hire a Contractor
- Remove mesquite trees
- Clear cactus
- Haul debris
Estimated Cost: $4,500
Rent Equipment
- Kubota SSV65 Skid Steer
- Grapple attachment
- Dump Trailer
Equipment Rental: Approximately $450–$600/day
Potential savings:
$3,500 or more
Example: Gravel Driveway
Contractor quote:
- $5,000–$8,000
DIY rental:
- Skid Steer
- Dump Trailer
Equipment cost:
Approximately $450–$600
Even after purchasing gravel, many property owners save several thousand dollars.
Example: Digging Utility Trenches
Whether you’re installing:
- Water lines
- Electrical conduit
- Irrigation
- Drainage
A Kubota KX033-4 Mini Excavator allows you to dig accurately and efficiently.
Hiring a contractor may cost $2,000–$4,000, while renting a mini excavator for a weekend is often a fraction of that.
When Hiring a Contractor Makes Sense
A contractor may be the better choice if your project:
- Requires permits or engineering
- Involves structural concrete
- Needs specialized expertise
- Has significant safety risks
- Must meet strict inspection requirements
- Is too large to complete in your available time
When Renting Equipment Makes Sense
Renting equipment is often the smarter choice when you:
- Enjoy DIY projects
- Want to save money
- Have a weekend available
- Need flexibility
- Are clearing acreage
- Building a driveway
- Digging trenches
- Removing brush
- Leveling land
- Spreading gravel
- Cleaning up storm debris
Modern Kubota equipment is user-friendly, and many first-time renters are surprised by how quickly they become comfortable operating it.
Why Choose Desert Pro Equipment?
When you rent from Desert Pro Equipment, you’ll receive:
- Well-maintained Kubota equipment
- Flexible daily, weekly, and monthly rentals
- Local service from Florence, Arizona
- Affordable pricing
- Equipment that’s ready to work
- Friendly guidance for first-time operators
We proudly serve:
- Florence
- Queen Creek
- San Tan Valley
- Gilbert
- Mesa
- Apache Junction
- Gold Canyon
- Chandler
- Casa Grande
- Surrounding East Valley communities
Save Money on Your Next Project
If you’re ready to tackle your next land improvement project, renting equipment can dramatically reduce your costs while giving you the satisfaction of doing the work yourself.
Whether you need to clear desert brush, dig trenches, build a gravel driveway, or prepare land for your next project, Desert Pro Equipment has the machines you need to get the job done right.
Contact Desert Pro Equipment today to reserve a Kubota SSV65 Skid Steer, Kubota KX033-4 Mini Excavator, or Diamond C Dump Trailer, and discover how much you can save by doing it yourself.