What H&E Equipment Services does
H&E Equipment Services is a heavy equipment rental company that operates across the United States, with locations in multiple states. They rent cranes, aerial lifts, earthmoving equipment, and other machinery to construction companies, contractors, and industrial operations. You contact a local H&E branch, describe the equipment you need and the job timeline, and they deliver it to your site or you pick it up from their yard.
H&E does not manufacture equipment — they own a fleet and rent it out on daily, weekly, or monthly terms. The rental includes the equipment itself; you are responsible for operating it safely, returning it on time, and paying for any damage beyond normal wear. Some locations offer operator services where H&E provides a trained operator to run the crane on your job, which changes both the cost and your liability.
Key Takeaways
- H&E Equipment Services rents cranes and other heavy machinery from locations across the United States, with rental periods ranging from one day to several months.
- You can pick up equipment from an H&E yard or request delivery to your job site, though delivery fees explore and vary by distance and equipment size.
- Rental costs depend on the crane type, rental length, your location, and current demand — there is no single price list because rates change with market conditions.
- You are responsible for operating the equipment safely, returning it on time, and paying for damage; insurance and operator services are available as add-ons.
- H&E has multiple regional branches, so the specific equipment available and rental terms may differ depending on which location serves your area.
How to contact H&E and request a crane
H&E operates branch locations in different states and regions. To rent from them, you first locate the branch nearest your job site by searching their website or calling their main number. Each branch maintains its own fleet and handles its own scheduling, so availability and pricing can vary between locations.
When you contact a branch, you will need to tell them the type of crane you need (mobile crane, tower crane, rough-terrain crane, etc.), the lift capacity required, how long you need it, and where the job is located. The branch will tell you what they have available, the daily or weekly rental rate, delivery options, and any insurance or operator requirements. Some branches ask for a deposit or credit check before confirming the rental.
Rental agreements typically specify the pickup or delivery date, return date, rental rate, fuel responsibility, damage liability, and insurance requirements. Read the agreement carefully because it defines what counts as damage you must pay for versus normal wear the rental company covers.
Delivery, pickup, and equipment condition
H&E offers both pickup and delivery. If you pick up the equipment from their yard, you save the delivery fee but you need a may have access to operator and transport to move it. If H&E delivers, they charge a delivery fee based on distance and equipment size — this can range significantly depending on how far your job site is from the branch.
When equipment arrives at your site, you and the H&E driver or technician will inspect it together. Document any existing damage on the delivery paperwork so you are not charged for it when you return the equipment. Take photos if possible. The equipment should be in working condition and ready to operate; if you find problems, report them when ready so H&E can send a replacement or repair it.
When you return the equipment, H&E inspects it again. They will charge you for damage beyond normal wear — dents, broken hydraulic lines, missing parts, or mechanical failure caused by misuse. Normal wear includes minor surface marks and expected deterioration from regular use. If you dispute a damage charge, ask for a detailed explanation and photos.
Rental rates and what affects the price
H&E does not publish a single rate sheet because crane rental prices change based on several factors: the specific crane model, how long you rent it, your location, the season, and current demand in your area. A mobile crane rents for less per day than a tower crane. A one-month rental usually costs less per day than a one-day rental. Summer construction season typically has higher rates than winter.
To get a price, you must contact the branch serving your area and provide details about what you need. They will quote you a rate for your specific situation. Ask whether the rate includes fuel, whether you pay for delivery separately, and what happens if you return the equipment early or keep it longer than planned.
Some H&E locations offer discounts for longer rental periods or for customers who rent multiple pieces of equipment at once. If you are a regular customer or expect to rent frequently, ask whether they have volume pricing or preferred customer rates.
Insurance and operator services
H&E typically requires you to carry liability insurance that covers rented equipment, or they will add insurance to your rental bill. The amount of coverage required depends on the equipment and your job. Ask the branch what their insurance requirement is before you sign the agreement.
If you do not have a may have access to operator on your crew, some H&E locations can provide one for an additional daily or hourly fee. The operator is an H&E employee who runs the crane according to your instructions. This adds to your rental cost but removes the liability of operating equipment you are not trained on, and it ensures the equipment is operated within its safe limits.
Whether you operate the crane yourself or hire H&E's operator, you are responsible for following all safety regulations, load charts, and local construction codes. Misuse that damages the equipment will result in damage charges.
Rental terms and what happens if you are late
H&E rental agreements specify a return date and time. If you return the equipment late, you will be charged for the additional days or hours. The late fee is usually the daily rate prorated by the hour, but terms vary by location. If you know you will need the equipment longer, contact the branch before the return date to extend the rental — this is usually cheaper than paying late fees.
If you damage the equipment or fail to return it, H&E can charge you for repairs or replacement and may pursue collection action. The rental agreement you sign includes these terms, so read it carefully before you commit.
Some branches offer flexible return windows (for example, return by 5 p.m. on the due date rather than a specific time), so ask about their policy when you book.
Finding the H&E location that serves your area
H&E Equipment Services has branches in multiple states, but not everywhere. To find out whether they serve your location, search their website for branch locations or call their main office. If H&E does not have a branch near you, they may still be able to deliver equipment from a distant location, though the delivery cost will be higher.
If H&E is not available in your area, other national crane rental companies include United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, and Herc Rentals. Local equipment rental shops may also rent cranes, often with more flexible terms for small jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a crane from H&E for just one day?
Yes, H&E rents equipment on daily, weekly, and monthly terms. One-day rentals are available, though the daily rate for a short rental is usually higher than the per-day rate for a longer rental. Call your local branch to check availability and pricing for the specific dates you need.
What if the crane breaks down while I have it rented?
If the equipment fails due to normal wear or a mechanical defect (not misuse), H&E is responsible for repair or replacement. Contact the branch when ready and describe the problem. They will either send a technician to fix it on-site or deliver a replacement crane. Do not attempt repairs yourself unless H&E authorizes it.
Do I need a special license to operate an H&E crane?
Yes. Most states require a crane operator to hold a valid certification from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) or equivalent. H&E will not rent you a crane without proof of certification. If you do not have one, hire H&E's operator service or bring a certified operator to your job.
What is included in the rental price?
The rental price covers the equipment itself and delivery (if you choose that option). Fuel, insurance, operator services, and damage beyond normal wear are usually separate charges. Ask the branch to itemize what is and is not included before you agree to the rental.
Can I return the equipment to a different H&E location than where I rented it?
This depends on the branch and the equipment. Some H&E locations allow cross-location returns, but you may pay a transfer fee. Ask when you book the rental whether you can return to a different location, and what the cost would be.