Starting a Firewood Equipment Rental Business: Real Advice from Trevor Shultz

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This week we’re sharing a real world example of what it looks like to turn DYNA equipment into a business. Trevor Shultz didn’t just run our machines, he built a rental business around them. If you’ve ever thought about getting into rentals, his story is a great place to start.

A lot of people hesitate to start because of the unknown. What would you say to someone who’s intimidated by the idea of starting a rental business?

With any business, there’s always going to be some level of unknown, that’s just part of it. You can spend a lot of time worrying about what might happen, but at some point you have to take the leap if you really want to get started. That’s true whether it’s rentals or any other business.

What helps with DYNA equipment is that you’re not going into it completely blind. There’s a knowledgeable team behind the machines who can offer guidance, share real world insight, and help point you in the right direction when questions come up. Having that support along the way takes a lot of the intimidation out of getting started.

What equipment do you currently have in your rental fleet?

Right now I’ve got two DYNA SC-15 Firewood Processors and one V12 Wood Chipper. The SC-15 Firewood Processor are solid, high output machines that handle serious volume, which is huge for my customers. Having two means I can keep up when things get busy. The V12 Wood Chipper has been a great addition too. It gives me flexibility and lets me serve customers who are looking for more than just firewood processing.

What made you want to get into the rental business in the first place?

I knew I wanted to start a side business that I could build with my family. At the same time, I was seeing a real need in the industry for higher-quality rental equipment. When you combine that with how strong and reliable these machines are, it just made sense. It felt like the right opportunity to step into something that was both practical and sustainable.

What types of customers typically rent your equipment?

Most of our rentals go to smaller tree care companies, especially crews that don’t need to own a chipper full-time. We also see the occasional homeowner or landowner who’s looking to clean up their property in the spring or after a big project. It’s a good mix of professional use and one-off jobs.

Do you think someone needs a lot of experience to get started in rentals?

No, I don’t think you need a lot of experience to get started. I didn’t have a ton of experience myself, I just knew I wanted to start a business and I committed to figuring things out along the way. If you’re willing to learn and stay engaged, you can build experience as you go.

Looking back, is there anything you wish you had known before starting your rental business?

I wish I had a better understanding early on of who I should be marketing to. Knowing your ideal customer sooner would have allowed me to be more strategic with marketing and probably would have helped generate rentals faster in the beginning. That’s something I’ve learned over time and continue to refine.

In your experience, is the equipment rental market profitable when it comes to woodchippers and firewood processors?

Yes, it can be profitable, but it’s not automatic. You still have to be intentional about pricing, upkeep, and knowing your customer base. With equipment like wood chippers and firewood processors, there’s a real demand from people who need the machine but don’t want the full ownership cost, and that’s where the opportunity is.

Can this be run as a side business, or does it require a full-time commitment?

I run it as a side business, and it’s definitely doable that way. That said, it doesn’t come without work. There’s time involved with scheduling, maintenance, and customer communication, but if you’re willing to put in the effort and stay organized, it can be very rewarding. Like anything else, what you get out of it depends on what you’re willing to put into it.

What support does dyna offer rental owners?

DYNA offers solid support for rental owners, especially when it comes to communication and parts. The parts department is helpful in getting information and components quickly when something is needed, which is huge in a rental business. There’s also a staffed service department at the facility, so if you want to save time or don’t want to handle maintenance yourself, you have the option to bring the machine in and have it taken care of.

How has your experience been so far with your rental business?

Overall, it’s been a really good learning experience from a business standpoint. It’s taught me a lot about customer communication, pricing, and managing time and maintenance. There’s always something new to learn, but that’s part of what makes it enjoyable. Each rental helps you get a little better at running the business and understanding what works and what doesn’t.

Thinking about getting into the rental game yourself? Trevor’s story shows how the right equipment and a little initiative can go a long way. If you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our team to learn more about getting started with DYNA rental equipment.