A shift towards rental options as opposed to buying dewatering pumps and associated equipment, has been noted by dewatering and dredge pump rental specialists IPR.

IPR MD Lee Vine asserts that renting offers many advantages, such as reduced upfront capital expenditure. “Many companies – particularly if they are startups or are experiencing tough trading conditions – simply cannot afford to make this type of financial commitment,” he says. “If this is the case, rental is the ideal solution.”

He points out that purchasing does not make business sense if the equipment required is only used on an intermittent basis and ownership also means that the owner is responsible for machine maintenance. “Pumps need to be maintained and this normally means that people with the required competence need to be permanently employed to undertake this task,” says Vine. “When you rent from IPR, we provide this service. Our skilled and experienced technicians undertake all servicing and maintenance on site on a 24/7 basis. We also, of course, ensure that machines are in tip-top condition before being sent out to customers.”

Another reason to rent rather than buy is to ensure the correct pump is used for every application.  IPR highlights that its wide range of pumps and equipment can provide solutions that are tailored to the customer’s needs.

By renting, IPR says that its customers also get the benefit of the latest technology. “Obviously, not every unit in our fleet will be the very latest model but, generally, our inventory consists of new or relatively new machines offering – amongst other things – excellent fuel efficiency,” says Vine. “Customers can rest assured that we will never supply out-of-date equipment that is no longer fit for purpose.”

IPR also sells pumps and related equipment and it is the sole agent in Southern Africa for Atlas Copco diesel-driven pump sets and submersible pumps.

As Vine comments, “We’re certainly not saying that customers should always rent. Under the right circumstances, direct ownership of assets such as pumps can be the best route to follow. We recognise this, which is why we are geared to either rent or sell.”