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The skid steers, in particular, have proven an efficient multi-task tool. "I don't know how we would do without them," says Ratliff.

Buckets and pallet forks for the skid steers are kept in the fleet. All other attachments are rented as needed. "The local Case dealer, Potter Equipment, carries some of the attachments — for example, preparators for lawns," says Ratliff.

Rental allows Ratliff Landscaping & Excavation the flexibility to handle a wide variety of projects, from larger earthmoving to finish work. "We have taken advantage of the rental industry and we have started leasing or renting machines just for specific jobs, especially if we take on large jobs," says Ratliff. "It keeps us from having such a big overhead."

Much of the larger equipment is rented from Jackson Rentals in north Arkansas. Smaller hand tools have recently become available for rent at the local Home Depot.

Ratliff Landscaping & Excavation has also found that landscaping is easier on equipment than general excavation. "Even though it is a little more labor intensive, there is a lot less wear and tear on the machines," says Ratliff. "The machines sit to the side quite a bit."