Updated October 2026
Sunbelt Rentals is one of the largest equipment rental companies in North America, and one most contractors will deal with sooner or later. Whether you need a mini excavator for a weekend, a lift for a commercial repaint or temporary climate control for a job site, renting can be smarter than buying, especially for a small business.
This guide explains who Sunbelt is today, how small contractors use equipment rental, when to rent versus buy, and how to keep rental costs under control.
Sunbelt Rentals at a glance
| Headquarters | Fort Mill, South Carolina |
| Locations | More than 1,600 across all 50 U.S. states and eight Canadian provinces |
| Fleet | Valued at about $19 billion |
| Stock listing | NYSE: SUNB, since March 2, 2026, with a secondary London listing |
| Former parent name | Ashtead Group, which moved the company’s primary listing from London to New York |
Sunbelt serves construction, industrial, infrastructure, events and other markets, from large general contractors to small trades and homeowners.
What small contractors rent
- Earthmoving: mini excavators, skid steers, trenchers and compact track loaders.
- Aerial work: scissor lifts and boom lifts for painting, electrical and commercial work.
- Concrete and masonry: mixers, saws, compactors and power trowels.
- Climate and power: generators, temporary heating, cooling and dehumidification.
- Specialty tools: floor care equipment, pumps, pressure washers and trench safety gear.
Renting vs buying
| Rent when… | Buy when… |
|---|---|
| You use the equipment occasionally | You use it most weeks |
| The job needs specialized equipment | It’s core to every job you do |
| You want to avoid maintenance, storage and transport | You can maintain, store and haul it efficiently |
| Cash flow is tight | Ownership costs less than regular rentals over time |
A simple test: add up a year of expected rental costs, then compare them with the full cost of owning (payments, insurance, maintenance, storage, transport and resale value). See our equipment cost guides and use the break-even calculator.
Alternatives to compare
National chains, regional rental companies, local independent rental yards and equipment dealers with rental fleets all compete for contractors’ business. Local yards often offer flexible service and pricing; national chains offer broad selection and many locations. Get quotes from more than one provider for longer rentals.
Tips to rent smarter
- Reserve early in busy seasons.
- Ask about weekly and monthly rates, which are usually cheaper per day than daily rates.
- Inspect and photograph equipment at pickup and return to avoid damage disputes.
- Understand fuel, delivery, cleaning and damage waiver charges before you sign.
- Return on time; late returns add costs quickly.
- Open a contractor account if you rent regularly, and track rentals by job.
- Include rental costs in your quotes, so they’re paid by the job, not by your profit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sunbelt Rentals publicly traded?
Yes. Since March 2, 2026, Sunbelt Rentals has traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker SUNB, with a secondary listing in London.
Where is Sunbelt Rentals based?
Fort Mill, South Carolina, with more than 1,600 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
Should a small contractor rent or buy equipment?
Rent equipment you use occasionally or need for specialized jobs; consider buying equipment you use most weeks, after comparing full ownership costs.
How Advanton helps
Advanton is a free resource that helps small businesses start, get online, find customers and grow. For contractors, that means free, practical tools you can use today: the quote and invoice generator to include rental costs in quotes, the break-even calculator, the Cash & Payroll Planner. You can also add your business to the Advanton business directory for free, and follow our step-by-step guides to getting more contractor leads and local SEO for contractors.
There’s no contract and nothing to sign up for to read the guides or use the tools. Advanton earns money when you buy a domain or hosting through our store, which helps keep everything else free.
Keep learning
Sources
- Equipment Finance News, Sunbelt completes US primary listing transition
- Ashtead Group, U.S. listing update (NYSE: SUNB from March 2, 2026), via Investegate
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Startup costs are estimates; check local prices, licensing and tax rules before you commit money.
