Renting a skid steer attachment sounds simple — but the reality is that attachment rental in Canada is more limited than most people expect. Here's what you can realistically find, who rents them, what the costs look like, and when renting actually makes more sense than buying.
Most equipment rental companies in Canada stock skid steer machines readily — but attachments are another story. The rental fleet at a typical national rental chain will include buckets, pallet forks, and possibly a standard grapple. That covers the basics for a lot of jobs. But if you need a mulcher, a soil conditioner, a stump grinder, or a flail mower, you are unlikely to find it through a general rental company.
This isn't a gap in the market — it's a reflection of how these attachments are actually used. Specialty attachments are expensive, require specialized knowledge to operate safely, and are typically owned by the contractors who use them regularly. They don't translate well to a general rental model.
Brandt operates across western Canada and offers attachment rental through local branches. Coverage includes BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Contact your local Brandt branch directly to confirm what's in their rental fleet — availability varies by location. Brandt's strong connection to the agricultural and construction markets means they often have useful attachments that general rental companies don't stock.
Toromont Cat covers Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada with a rental fleet that includes Cat-branded buckets and some hydraulic attachments. As a Cat dealer, their inventory tends toward quality over breadth — you won't find a huge variety, but what they have is commercial grade. Contact your nearest Toromont location for current attachment availability.
Hewitt Equipment operates in Quebec and Ontario with a focus on Cat-branded equipment and attachments. Their rental fleet includes skid steer attachments with a construction focus. Good option for Quebec-based operators who want Cat-ecosystem attachments.
Sunbelt operates nationally across Canada and is one of the most accessible options for standard attachment rental — buckets and forks are generally available at most locations. For specialty attachments (grapples, breakers, trenchers), availability is location-dependent. Call ahead rather than assuming. Sunbelt is a good first call for quick-turnaround standard attachment needs.
Loxam operates primarily in Quebec and Ontario with a construction-focused rental fleet. Their attachment inventory includes standard skid steer attachments for construction applications. Useful for contractors in their service area who need construction-ready attachments on short notice.
This is often the most overlooked option: many equipment dealers across Canada offer 1–7 day demo or trial rentals for buyers who are considering a purchase. If you're evaluating a specific attachment before committing to buy, ask your local dealer if they can put you in the seat for a day or two. This isn't widely advertised but is more common than most buyers realize — especially at dealer open houses, demo days, and end-of-season sales periods.
| Attachment Type | Rental Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard bucket | Easy to rent | Available at most national rental chains |
| Pallet forks | Easy to rent | Standard fleet item across most rental companies |
| Standard root/brush grapple | Generally available | Call ahead to confirm at your location |
| Hydraulic breaker | Sometimes available | Larger rental chains more likely to stock |
| Trencher | Sometimes available | Varies significantly by region and company |
| Auger drive | Sometimes available | More common at ag-focused dealers |
| Mulcher / forestry mulcher | Almost never rental-available | Too specialized — buy or hire a contractor who owns one |
| Stump grinder | Almost never rental-available | Hire a stump grinding specialist for one-off jobs |
| Soil conditioner / power rake | Almost never rental-available | Buy or arrange contractor with own equipment |
| Flail mower | Almost never rental-available | Very rarely in rental fleets |
| Snow pusher | Seasonal — varies | Some dealers offer winter attachment rental |
Pricing varies by region, attachment type, and rental company — contact for current rates. But for general planning purposes:
If you need a specialty attachment for a one-time job and can't find it for rent, the most practical options are: (1) hire a subcontractor who owns the attachment, or (2) contact specialty equipment dealers in your area — some offer machine-with-attachment rental packages that aren't listed on general rental sites.
If you've done the math and buying makes more sense for your situation, use our guides to narrow down what to buy and where to get it in Canada.