Parts washer rental: is it worth it or is rent-to-own better?
Search for a service of parts washer rental It seems like a simple decision: pay a fee, use the machine and forget about investments.
However, the reality of the sector is different from the idea that many people have in their heads. In most cases, it is not a matter of renting “two months to get by”, but rather of signing 1 to 2 year contractswith self-renewal if it is not cancelled in advance and with a level of total supplier dependence for detergent, maintenance and service.
Therefore, before asking for a price, it is important to understand what is included in that model, what limitations it has and why, in many workshops and industries, more cost-effective and practical is leasing with an option to buy, or purchase of parts washers
Renting parts washers, is it worth it?
What is meant by “renting” parts washers today?
When it comes to parts washer rental, an “all-under-supplier-control” model is the norm.
They install the machine, supply the detergent and take care of maintenance. In return, the customer pays a fee and uses the equipment for the duration of the contract, without the machine becoming their property.
So far, it sounds comfortable.
The problem arises when it is assumed that it can be cancelled at any time or that the cost is adapted to actual usage. In this type of service, it is normal for there to be a minimum permanence commitment and a contract designed for continuous use., not for a one-off need.
The small print that almost no one tells you about: contracts, renewals and dependence
The main difference between what the user imagines and what he or she actually finds is the time limit.
In practice, many contracts are designed to 1-2 years, and also usually include self-renewal if notice is not given within a period of notice.
This means that, if at a given moment you reduce your workload or the washing machine is no longer needed, you cannot always “stop spending” immediately.
In other words, you don't just pay to use, you also pay to use. you pay for the commitment.
On the other hand, there is an operational point that weighs even more heavily than the contract: the supplier dependence.
If the machine fails, the pace of work no longer depends on your organisation, but on the response time, availability of spare parts and technical service of the supplier. And if the process requires specific consumables or periodic replacement, you are also tied to their logistics and conditions.
In a workshop, this dependency is quickly noticed. When a machine is part of the day-to-day business, every downtime is time, and time cannot be recovered.
Why rented washing machines tend to have fewer features
Another important aspect is the equipment itself.
In many “rent-a-service” models, the machine is usually more basic in terms of performance than a solution designed for purchase or customised technical leasing.
This is logical: the supplier seeks to standardise, simplify maintenance and control consumption.
However, such standardisation can work against you if you need real performance.
When performance is lacking - sufficient useful capacity, stable heating, effective filtration, de-oiling, or cycles that are well adapted to the type of soiling - the process becomes slower and less consistent.
And what seemed like a monthly saving ends up costing more in terms of rework, downtime and irregular results.
Also, if you change your parts or increase production, it's not uncommon for standard equipment to fall short. At that point, the business is still paying a fee... but it's not getting the performance it needs.
Advantages and economic benefits of purchasing a parts washer
Full control
When you buy a parts washer, you have full control over the equipment and its use.
You can customising the washing machine according to needs (as opposed to rental parts washers which are usually standard), and have greater configurability over wash programmes to meet the specific needs of your business.
All this means you can optimise the efficiency and cleaning quality of your parts.
With the rentalIf you have a generic parts washer that does not meet all your needs, you may have to settle for a generic parts washer that does not meet all your needs.
Long-term savings
Although it may seem cheaper to rent a parts washer, in the long run, buying one may be more cost-effective.
Parts washers have a long service lifeare stainless steel washers designed for industrial use, which means that a one-off investment can provide years of use without additional costs.
In addition, if you need a parts washer on a regular basis, renting can be more expensive in the long run, especially if you have to paying monthly fees and waste collection when you are not using it.
Productivity gains
When you have a parts washer available at all times, configured with the necessary options for your task, you can increase the productivity of your company.
You don't have to wait for them to come to change the waste to have the bathroom in perfect condition for the cleaning process.
Maintenance is very simple and can be carried out by the company's own staff.
Tax benefits
The purchase of a parts washer can offer significant tax benefits.
You can deducting capital expenditure as depreciation expense over several yearswhich can reduce your tax burden.
In addition, it can also obtaining deductions for investments in manufacturing equipment and cleaning equipmentThis can further reduce their tax burden.
There are also grants and subsidies to clean technologies in different communities.
On the other hand, a very interesting option is to buy in instalments, whereby you can deduct the VAT on the instalments and at the end it becomes your property.
Depending on the term, the instalment is usually lower than the rental instalments and at the end the machine becomes your property.
Control over maintenance costs
When you buy a parts washer, you have full control over the maintenance and repair of the machine.
You can schedule in-house maintenance on a monthly basis to ensure that it is always in good condition. It is very simple.
Increased energy efficiency
Another economic benefit of purchasing a parts washer is the savings in energy costs.
When buying a parts washer, you can select a machine with energy-efficient features, which can reduce energy costs in the long run.
In addition, you can customise wash programmes to use only the required amount of energy and water, which can further reduce operating costs.
Waste management
Waste management is one of the points of those who advocate renting, but today, there are many companies that will take care of the management and draining of the liquid from the machine for a very affordable price.
Therefore, You only have to take care of filling the water tank and adding detergent again.
The average cost of handling a 100-litre drum is 80 euros.
Depending on usage, a washing machine can last for 2 months in the same bath.
Equipment of the machine
When buying a parts washer, you can choose which components and options you want it to have to help you in the cleaning process and improve the results.
For example, a disc de-oiler, which collects the surface oil from the parts washer tank and keeps the bath in optimum condition for longer.
They also come with a flush port for easy emptying of the tank and as many customisations as you need for your cleaning needs.
Rental parts washers do not usually come with such systems, making maintenance intervals shorter.
Detergents
With the purchase of the parts washer, you can choose the detergent that best suits your cleaning and working needs.
Whereas with a rental you will be dependent on the generic detergent that is used in the bathroom, which is often less efficient than the detergent you buy from a specialised company.
Renting with an option to buy: the most balanced option compared to renting
If you want a monthly fee, but you also want it to make sense in the long term, the leasing with option to buy is often the ideal point.
You start without a big investment, you work with the machine in real conditions and, if it fits, you have the possibility of converting it into ownership. This way you avoid the typical scenario of prolonged rental: paying for years and ending up with no equipment, no asset and a process that may never have been optimal.
In addition, when you choose the right machine from the start, leasing gives you something very valuable: process continuity. You don't depend on standard model changes or “consumption control” limitations; you set up your cleaning to work well in your workshop, not to be convenient for the supplier.
How long does it take to equalise the costs of buying versus renting?
If we think about how many rental instalments the accumulated costs are equalised with the purchase, we usually find that within a maximum of 2 years.
The following graph shows the costs of purchasing versus renting a 100 cm diameter rotary basket model.
Within 14-15 months the accumulated rental costs would be equal to the purchase costs.
So, in case you buy the washing machine by renting or leasing in 14-15 months the machine will be your property.. paying the same or less than having a rental contract.
Do you still think that renting a parts washer is a good idea?
While it may seem cheaper to rent a parts washer in the short term, purchasing one can offer significant benefits in the long term and be more economical overall.
By purchasing, you have full control over the equipment and its use, you can save in the long run, increase productivity, gain tax benefits and save on other costs.
In addition, you can select a machine with energy-efficient features and customise the parts washer to reduce operating costs.
Considering all these benefits, purchasing a parts washer can be a smart and economical investment for any company that needs to clean parts and components.
Our washing machine models
At IBERKLEEN we have all types of parts washers to meet your cleaning needs.
From standard models to customised solutions according to production, materials, etc.
Our standard models are shown below:
Calculate with us which option is best for you: renting, leasing or buying.
At IBERKLEEN we help garages and industries to choose the most cost-effective option based on actual usage, not just on quota.
On the one hand, if renting is your best fit, we will tell you what conditions you should demand to avoid uncomfortable stays and dangerous stops.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a stable solution, we would normally recommend that you parts washer leasing o leasing with option to buy, with equipment sized for your parts and your work rate.
Tell us which parts you clean, approximate dimensions, type of dirt and weekly volume. We will suggest the right machine for you and calculate what is best for you in the medium term.
Need more information?
If you need more information we can help you with:
Buy the washing machine and financing.
Waste management.
Maintenance.
Detergent suitable for your needs.
Contact us without obligation!