Companies equip builders, weekenders
Life is a little easier for construction companies and do-it-yourselfers with the opening of two Columbia County equipment dealers - one rents and one sells.
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Trip Derryberry already runs Derryberry Lumber Sales - a lumber brokerage business - with Roej English. The two opened Reliable Equipment Rental at 4001 Washington Road in the former Emerald Sea Dive Center location in Martinez on Feb. 1.
They direct their equipment rental business at homeowners.
"There was not an equipment dealer in Columbia County that catered to the homeowner," English said. "(We rent) the whole spectrum from a backhoe all the way down to the smallest hand tool. Aerators, stump grinders, concrete saws, wood chippers, cement mixers. We pretty much have it all. We are basically catering to the homeowners because no one here does, for the weekend warriors so to speak."
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Caterpillar, Bobcat and John Deere brand equipment is available for rental. Most are rented by the day, including $45 per day for a chain saw to $165 a day for the Skid Steer Loader. Homeowners could rent excavators to relocate the front lawn, weedeaters and mowers to maintain the lawn and even the simplest rakes, hoes and hammers.
"We haven't had a call for (a hammer), but we have one if they need it," English said.
Rick Rogers, left, is owner of Construction Equipment Outlet in Harlem.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Homeowners can explain their project and get equipment recommendations, and even an operator if they don't know how to use it, Derryberry said.
The business opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 p.m. Friday and 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
"We are trying to be as accommodating as possible for the homeowner because they work until 5 p.m. and that gives them time to get by," English said.
For more information, call Reliable Equipment Rental at 364-8640.
For equipment users who would rather buy their own, Construction Equipment Outlet opened earlier this year on Nature's Way in Harlem next to Culpepper Ford.
According to co-owner Rick Rogers the outlet deals in used equipment - mostly earth-moving equipment including excavators, backhoes, fork lifts, Skid Steer Loaders and crawler dozers. Rogers started the business with longtime friend and Club Car retiree Carl Swanson.
"Augusta is a real strong market for used equipment," he said. "A lot of people here buy used equipment especially because of the economy and the cost of new equipment. With cutbacks and everything, a lot of companies that have typically bought new are trying to find ways to cut down some of their overhead. One of the first ways is to cut down some of the cost of equipment."
Rogers' customers include construction companies, site contractors, utility contractors and many people who have farms and want something for personal use such as pond-building or road clearing.
Trip Derryberry (from left) and Roej English own Reliable Equipment Rental, stand in front of their business with their employees Brian Couture and Andy Moats.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
As a former builder and developer for 20 years, he has contacts with more than 100 new-equipment dealers around the Southeast who send him daily e-mails or faxes describing available equipment, which ranges from 1 to 20 years old.
"People will either call me or come by and tell me what they are looking for," Rogers said. "Then, I will put out e-mails to the dealers that send me their information. Usually within 24 or 48 hours, I have got plenty of replies for equipment they have available of that type and in the price range and description. It works out real well."
The outlet also offers heavy truck and trailer sales and a consignment service. People wanting to sell a truck, trailer or piece of equipment on consignment can get help marketing, determining value and selling the piece. Financing is available for any sale, Rogers said.
Though the outlet is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Rogers always is available for his customers.
"I do meet quite a few customers after hours and on the weekends as well," he said. "Any time someone calls and I am not here, my phone is always forwarded to my cell phone. So, really somebody can reach me anytime, it doesn't matter."
Anyone wanting more information, can call 541-1080 or e-mail Rogers at ceoequip@comcast.net.