Most read equipment rental stories of 2022

For many, this year represented a period of recovery from the pandemic, as highlighted by improved financial results, a resurgence in M&A activity and the return of in-person events.

So, what were the most read rental stories on the International Rental News (IRN) website in 2022? Here they are:

Launch of electric construction equipment accelerates

Research carried out by KHL Group in early 2022 found that almost half of equipment launches at the start of the year were electric, with as many as 140 non-combustion machines introduced in the 14 months leading up to April.

The ZX55U-6EB zero-emission excavator. (Photo: Hitachi)

Hitachi launches zero-emission excavator 

In July, Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) announced the launch of the 5-tonne ZX55U-6EB zero-emission excavator. The machine is powered by 39kWh lithium-ion batteries.

JCB unveils mobile hydrogen refueller

2022 saw many manufacturers turn their attentions towards alternative powered equipment, which was the case for UK manufacturer JCB with the launch of its mobile hydrogen refueller.

Kiloutou expands in Portugal and Denmark

Back in September, Kiloutou expanded into Portugal and Denmark with the acquisitions of rental firm Grupo Vendap and Holbæk Lift. Vendap was one of Portugal’s two biggest rental companies and it was Kiloutou’s first deal in the country.

Kiloutou reported revenues of €793 million in 2021. (Kiloutou)

Rental firms now leading equipment buyers in Europe

Research carried out by Off-Highway Research at the beginning of 2022 revealed that rental companies had become the leading buyers of construction equipment in Europe, purchasing 37.4% of machines sold in 2021.

2022 ERA Convention in Riga

June saw the more than 300 rental professionals travel to Riga, larvia for the annual ERA Convention. It was a successful event. In 2023 the caravan moves to Maastricht, The Netherlands, where the convention will be held on 7 and 8 june, co-located with the IRE and APEX exhibitions.

United Rentals to buy Ahern Rentals

United Rentals announced its intentions to acquire US firm Ahern Rentals in a US$2 billion deal in November, with the deal closing in early December. According to Connecticut-based United Rentals, the deal will see it strengthen its presence on both US coasts and in the Gulf region.

War in Ukraine 

The ongoing war in Ukraine started in late February, with rental firms such as Aggreko deciding to exit Russia as a result of the war, while the wider construction industry also called a halt to operations in the country.

27 acquisitions for Ashtead Group in six months

In the six months leading up to 31 October, Ashtead Group made 27 acquisitions at a cost of US$609 million, the company revealed earlier this month. According to the company, most of the acquisitions were in the North American market.

United Rentals were number 1 in the 2022 IRN100 list. (Photo: United Rentals)

IRN100 list of the largest equipment rental companies in the world 

The annual IRN100, a league table of the top 100 rental companies in the world, was released in the June edition of International Rental News, revealing United Rentals as the top rental company in the world.