The Real ROI of Owning vs. Renting in the Coatings Industry

Amee Curtis
Nov 27
3 min read

Why long-term value always beats short-term savings.

When you’re running a coatings business, equipment decisions often come down to two words: Owning vs. Renting.

Renting can seem attractive in the moment — no maintenance, no big upfront cost — but ownership tells a different story. For many contractors, the real return on investment (ROI) of owning their gear far outweighs the convenience of renting, especially when factoring in project efficiency, tax deductions, and long-term savings.

At PNW ECS, we’ve seen both sides — and the math speaks for itself.

Owning vs. Renting

The Hidden Cost of Renting

On paper, renting sounds easy: pay for what you need, when you need it. But there’s a catch — those rental fees add up quickly.

Let’s say you rent a Husqvarna PG540 Grinder and a DE130 Vacuum for $400 a day. If you use that setup just twice a month, you’re looking at nearly $10,000 a year in rental costs. That’s money you’ll never get back — and no closer to owning your equipment.

Beyond the cost, renting often means:

Limited availability when demand spikes
Inconsistent machine performance or calibration
Lost productivity transporting and picking up gear
Unfamiliar machines that slow down your crew

Renting is best for rare specialty tools, not your everyday workhorses.

The True Value of Ownership

Owning your equipment builds value over time. It’s an asset that pays you back in speed, control, and predictability.

When you own, you can:

Work faster: You’re not waiting on deliveries or adjusting to unfamiliar machines.
Schedule freely: No rental return deadlines or extra weekend fees.
Customize your setup: Match tools, vacuums, and accessories for peak efficiency.
Deduct the purchase cost: Through Section 179, you can write off the full cost of qualifying gear like the Husqvarna PG5 Grinder, Vantage 20” Dual Head Orbital Grinder, or Onyx Burnisher.

The result? Immediate tax benefits, faster jobs, and long-term savings.

Example: The Grinder Payoff

A Husqvarna PG540 retails around $12,000–$14,000.

If you rent the same model 20 times a year at $400 per rental, you’ve spent $8,000 annually — and you still don’t own it. In less than two years, you could have purchased it outright.

Now factor in Section 179 — that full cost can be deducted from your taxable income in the year you buy it. That’s real ROI.

When Renting Still Makes Sense

There are times when renting is the smarter call:

Short-term projects outside your usual service area
Trying a new machine before committing
Equipment that’s highly specialized or rarely used

If you’re unsure, PNW ECS offers demo opportunities on key models like the Pot-A-Mix Hippo, Husqvarna Shot Blaster, or Vantage Vacuum with pre-separator, so you can test before you invest.

Calculating Your ROI

ROI isn’t just about cost — it’s about output.A machine that helps you complete jobs faster, with fewer callbacks, and higher quality finishes directly impacts your profit margin.

For most contractors, the tipping point comes quickly. After a handful of large projects, ownership starts saving money on every future job.

JR’s Take

“Renting can help you get started, but owning helps you build a business. The gear that makes you money shouldn’t belong to someone else.”— JR, PNW ECS

Ready to Build Long-Term Value?

If you’re ready to move from renting to owning, PNW ECS can help you find the right equipment package and financing options to fit your goals.Visit our Sandy, OR or Fife, WA locations for expert advice, demos, and full support from people who actually use the machines they sell.

Explore Equipment and Financing Options → pnwecs.com