{"id":45196,"date":"2026-10-20T12:12:45","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T07:12:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.my-equipment.com\/blog\/?p=45196"},"modified":"2026-10-20T12:13:40","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T07:13:40","slug":"why-rental-demand-is-still-high-in-the-u-s-equipment-rental-market-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.my-equipment.com\/blog\/2026\/10\/why-rental-demand-is-still-high-in-the-u-s-equipment-rental-market-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Rental Demand Is Still High in the U.S. Equipment Rental Market in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

In its August 2026 forecast, the <\/span>American Rental Association (ARA)<\/span><\/a> expects U.S. equipment rental revenue to reach $83.5 billion in 2026, up 3.4% from 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n

That figure covers construction and industrial equipment plus general tool rental. Growth is moderate, and it comes with high financing costs, mixed economic signals and tight rental rates.<\/span><\/p>\n

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF)<\/span><\/a> shows a similar picture for aerial work platforms (MEWPs). The U.S. MEWP rental market grew 4% to about $15.8 billion in 2025, and the rental fleet rose 2% to roughly 875,000 units. IPAF expects revenue to grow about 5% in 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

For contractors, the takeaway is practical. Renting keeps cash free and gives access to specialized machines for the length of a job. Owning still pays off when a machine works most days of the year.<\/span><\/p>\n

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