The equipment rental industry is shifting, with an increased demand for cleaner, more efficient, and more portable solutions both on the job site and off. To remain competitive and economical, many companies are taking a fresh look at a fuel source that’s long been in the lineup: propane. As the rental industry grows, so does the opportunity to innovate and improve efficiency; propane is positioned to lead that charge.
Propane can deliver the power, portability, and performance that rental customers demand. Propane-powered equipment is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, offering longer runtimes, faster refueling, and cleaner emissions than many traditional fuels. From generators to concrete resurfacers, propane can help rental companies meet evolving job site needs, while creating new revenue opportunities through fuel sales and repeat rentals.
A Familiar Fuel Expands Its Reach
Propane has long powered equipment like pavers and forklifts, applications where clean emissions and quick refueling are non-negotiable. But one of the biggest areas of recent growth is in towable power generation. Contractors, event organizers, and municipalities need mobile power that is reliable, quiet, and clean, and propane is delivering on those fronts.
Propane-powered generators and heaters are also being used more frequently at outdoor events, from large-scale events like PGA tournaments and NFL games to smaller-scale community festivals, weddings, and farm shows. This shift presents new opportunities for rental businesses to serve customers who prioritize sustainability, reliability, and portability, all without compromising performance.
Training & Safety
As propane’s role grows, safety remains a top priority. The most pressing issue isn’t the fuel itself, but making sure staff are trained to handle it confidently. That means proper instruction on tank exchange, secure storage, and safe operation.
To help businesses support rental operators, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) offers free, comprehensive training resources. These materials make it easy to onboard new employees or refresh existing teams' safety practices.
New Customers, New Revenue Models
One of the most underrated benefits of offering propane-powered equipment is the ability to create repeat business and deepen customer loyalty. For example, some rental centers have started offering on-site propane cylinder refueling to their list of services, creating a reason for contractors and DIYers to revisit regularly. Every refill becomes an opportunity to recommend new rentals or additional tools, promote upcoming deals, and build stronger customer relationships.
This “rent, return, repeat” model is a smart growth strategy, as it not only keeps customers coming back, but positions a rental company as a reliable, all-in-one partner. As contractors look for trusted partners who can offer turnkey solutions and fuel support, the convenience of getting both in one stop helps build trust and support long-term business growth.
Competitive Edge in a Changing Market
Compared to diesel and gasoline, propane offers a host of advantages, including lower emissions, quieter operation, and faster refueling. It's also significantly more portable than electric-powered alternatives, which often require lengthy recharge times or access to on-site electricity that isn't always available.
For equipment rental businesses, the ability to sell propane refills creates a new revenue stream, something you typically can’t do with gasoline or diesel. And for customers, that convenience means fewer delays, more uptime, and greater trust in the ability to keep their projects running on schedule.
Driving Innovation
PERC is investing in the next generation of propane-powered solutions tailored for the construction rental market. Ongoing research includes developing larger-capacity engines for towable generators, improving fuel efficiency, and expanding the types of equipment that can run on propane.
As these technologies come to market, rental centers will have more opportunities to offer high-performance, low-emissions equipment across a broader range of jobsite and event applications. And because propane is a widely available, American-made energy source, operators don’t need to worry about fuel shortages or grid dependencies.
What to Expect Next
One of the most exciting developments on the horizon is the availability of renewable propane, an even more sustainable fuel made from recycled and organic feedstocks. With the same performance benefits as conventional propane and even lower carbon intensity, renewable propane will give rental companies and their customers a powerful tool for reducing environmental impact without compromising reliability.
As the industry shifts toward cleaner energy solutions, businesses embracing propane will be well-positioned to lead. Whether you're expanding your fleet, training your team, or simply looking for new ways to attract repeat customers, propane can offer a proven, profitable path forward.
