Heavy Equipment

Top 10 Equipment Rental Companies in the World

A quick overview of the world’s 10 largest rental companies.

Updated on

January 3, 2022

Heavy machinery on site. PHOTO | COURTESY

The global construction equipment rental market is projected to hit $174.5 billion in 2026, a CAGR of 5.06%, largely driven by construction industry growth in developing countries.

The intensifying construction of roads, highways, expressways, and smart cities to serve rising populations is expected to fuel the growth of the market.

Some of the biggest beneficiaries of this growth will be the big boys of the construction equipment rental business – who are expected to net billions of dollars in revenues.

According to the IRN100 listing, these are the largest equipment rental companies worldwide, based on rental revenues:

1. United Rentals (US)

Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United Rentals tops the 2018 list of the world’s top 10 largest equipment rental companies.

The company which boasts an estimated fleet of 500,000 rental units recorded a turnover of $8.4 billion in 2018, up from $6.64 billion in 2017.

2. Ashtead Group (UK)

London-based Ashtead Group reported a turnover of $5.4 billion in 2018, up from $4.7 billion a year earlier. The company boasts national networks in the UK, USA, and Canada. It offers equipment rental services in more than 1000 locations worldwide.

3. Aktio Corp (Japan)

Japanese firm Aktio Corp comes third in the 2018 list of the world’s top 10 largest equipment rental companies. The company posted revenues of $2.5 billion in 2018, up from $344 million in 2017.

Aktio Corp, which comprises several affiliates and partnerships, provides a range of equipment rental services with a special emphasis on generators and submersible pumps.

4. Aggreko (UK)

Headquartered in Glasgow, United Kingdom, Aggreko is a key player in the equipment rental market focusing on boilers and humidifiers as well as power generators and coolers.

Aggreko recorded a turnover of $2.3 billion in 2018, up from $2.2 billion in 2017. The London Stock Exchange-listed company operates in 18 markets.

5. Herc Rentals (US)

Herc Rentals is ranked 5th in the 2018 IRN100. Based in Bonita Springs, Florida, the company posted revenues of $1.9 billion in 2018, down from a revised turnover figure of $2.0 billion for 2017.

Established more than 50 years ago, Herc Rentals operates in 275 locations primarily in Canada and the United States. It employs about 4,800 people.

6. Loxam (France)

Headquartered in Paris, France, Loxam has over 50 years of experience in providing equipment rental services to both enterprises and persons.

Loxam is the largest equipment rental company in Europe, with more than 700 branches in 13 countries and a workforce of over 8,000 people. The company reported revenues of $1.7 billion in 2018, up from $1.6 billion in 2017.

7. Kanamoto Co. Ltd (Japan)

Seventh in the list of the world’s top 10 largest equipment rental companies is Kanamoto Co Ltd, one of Japan’s leading equipment rental companies.

The company has more than 280 branches and owns about 400,000 rental items, including heavy machinery and hand tools.

Kanamoto reported revenues of $1.5 billion in 2018, up from $1.4 billion the year before.

8. Nishio Rent All Co

Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, Nishio Rent All provides equipment rentals targeting road and plant construction, exhibitions, as well as specialty civil infrastructural projects.

The company reported a turnover of $1.2 billion in 2018, up from $1.0 billion in 2017, earning itself the 8th slot on the current IRN100.

9. Algeco Scotsman (US)

Algeco Scotsman is an American modular space specialist that operates in 22 countries and across several industries including energy and construction. The company’s turnover hit $1.1 billion in 2018, up from $1.0 billion in 2017.