Although analysts are expecting U.S. construction to rise next year, many believe contractors will continue to turn to rental and leasing companies rather than buy large quantities of new equipment for their projects.
"Most people think that the rental companies will continue adding to fleet this coming year. But instead of buying earthmoving equipment, they are going to be buying lifting equipment, including telescopic handlers and aerial platforms," says Frank Manfredi, president of market research firm Manfredi & Associates. Manfredi estimates that, in 2012, rental companies purchased between 45% and 50% of all the new units sold in the U.S.