It really ought to be based on the return on investment which I would calculate as a multiple of rental costs + maintenance costs over three or maybe 5 years (write down cost of equipment) plus the residual value of the item after 3 years. If its marginal you may want to throw in the aggravation factor of not being able to get one when you need it and having to collect and return or be there when it's delivered. i.e. Convenience. If you use something once in a blue moon it's pretty simple. You probably should hire it.
Ive been hiring floor strippers the past month or 2, dont really use them that often but I did have the refina floor stripper which I found complete garbage. Just seemed like the head didn't vibrate enough so fealt like you had to do all the work whilst it just makes a noise. Will wait till a better one pops up but until then I'll hire when needed.
