Frequently Asked Questions

🛠️ Rental Equipment Use & Etiquette – FAQs

Everything You Need to Know Before Renting from Coates Family Rentals

  • Only individuals 18 years or older with a valid government-issued photo ID may rent from us. Operators of trailers must have a valid driver's license and a vehicle properly rated for towing. If you're renting powered equipment (like our mini excavator), you must have basic knowledge or experience with safe operation.

  • Coates Family Rentals offers DAILY, WEEKLY and MONTHLY rental options.

  • We expect all renters to:

    • Use the equipment safely, responsibly, and for its intended purpose only.

    • Follow local laws, road regulations, and load safety rules.

    • Return the equipment in clean, working condition.

    • Notify us immediately of any breakdowns, damages, or accidents.

    • Secure all loads properly using straps, tie-downs, or chains.

  • All rentals are permitted for use on Vancouver Island only, unless pre-approved in writing. You may not take our equipment off-island, across borders, or on ferries without our consent. Remote-area use must be disclosed in advance.

  • Coates Family Rentals offers delivery and pickup all over Vancouver Island, please inquire for rates in your specific area.

  • Yes. You must not use our trailers or equipment for:

    • Transporting hazardous, toxic, or illegal materials

    • Sub-renting or lending to others not listed on your rental agreement

    • Off-road driving, stunt driving, or reckless activity

    • Hauling unbalanced or unsecured loads

    • Hauling people, pets, or live animals in trailers or beds

    • Operating machinery on unsafe, unstable, or steep terrain

    • Exceeding the payload or towing limits of our equipment or your vehicle

  • You’ll need:

    • A 7-pin receiver

    • A vehicle with sufficient towing capacity

    • Vehicle must be equipped with a trailer break controller

    We will provide:

    • A properly rated hitch and trailer ball that matches the coupler

    • Safety chains, which must be crossed under the tongue when towing

    • Tie-downs or chains will be provided when renting equipment

    We can help guide you before pickup — feel free to ask!

  • Please return trailers and machines:

    • Free of dirt, debris, or materials

    • With all straps, ramps, and attachments included

    • With the same fuel or battery level as when picked up

    • In undamaged, ready-to-rent condition

    Excessive mess or damage may incur a cleaning or repair fee.

  • Late returns without notice may result in additional daily rental fees or a lost deposit. If you're running behind, contact us right away and we’ll do our best to work with you.

  • Stop using the equipment immediately and call or text us at (250) 739‑2988.
    Do not attempt to repair or tamper with any part of the equipment yourself unless we approve it. Unauthorized repairs or modifications may void your rental and result in full repair charges.

  • Yes — we require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or changes. No-shows or same-day cancellations may result in a $50 fee.

  • We’re happy to provide a basic walkthrough at pickup or drop-off. However, customers are expected to operate all equipment safely and seek additional guidance or training if needed. For powered equipment, if you’re unsure how to use it, you should not use it.

  • Yes. All renters must agree to our Rental Agreement & Waiver either digitally or on paper before taking equipment. By signing, you confirm that:

    • You accept full responsibility during the rental period

    • You understand and agree to all use guidelines and limitations

    • You acknowledge our Liability Waiver below

⚠️ Liability Waiver & Hold Harmless Agreement

By renting equipment from Coates Family Rentals, you agree to operate it at your own risk. You understand that use of trailers, machines, and tools involves potential hazards — including injury, property damage, and accidents.

You agree to release and hold harmless Coates Family Rentals, its owners, and employees from any claims, damages, losses, or liabilities resulting from your use, misuse, transport, or handling of the rented equipment.

You also agree to be financially responsible for any damage, theft, or loss during your rental period (excluding normal wear and tear), and to indemnify us if a third party is injured or affected by your use of our gear.

✅ Equipment Safety FAQs – Coates Family Rentals

Please review these safety practices before using any of our rental equipment. Your safety is our priority!

🚜 1.7 Ton Mini Excavator – Safety FAQs

  • While a license isn’t required, you must have basic experience or training with similar equipment. If you're unfamiliar, ask us for a basic walkthrough or consider hiring a pro.

  • ✅ Walk around the excavator and check:

    • Hydraulic lines for leaks

    • Tracks, blade, boom, and pins for damage

    • Fuel, engine oil, and coolant levels

    • No loose tools or debris in the cab

  • Yes!

    • Always start from the operator's seat with seatbelt fastened

    • Keep safety lever engaged before starting

    • Let it idle for a minute before use

    • At shutdown, idle again briefly, lower bucket to ground, engage safety lever, and remove the key

  • ✅ Do:

    • Wear a seatbelt at all times

    • Stay fully inside the cab

    • Keep people and pets at least 20 feet (6m) away

    • Work slowly, especially near slopes or drop-offs

    • Use stable ground only

    ❌ Don’t:

    • Swing the boom near buildings, cars, or people

    • Use the machine to lift people or ride in the bucket

    • Drive with the boom raised

    • Exceed the machine’s digging or lifting limits

  • Use extreme caution. Travel straight up or down slopes (not sideways), and avoid wet or unstable ground. Never operate on steep terrain.

  • Turn it off immediately and contact us. Do not attempt to repair or force it to operate.

🛻 5x10 Hydraulic Dump Trailer – Safety FAQs

  • Before loading or towing, check:

    • Tires for pressure/damage

    • Coupler is latched and secured

    • Lights, wiring, and brakes working

    • Dump bed is fully lowered and locked

    • No loose tools or debris on deck

  • ✅ Load evenly and distribute about 60% of weight toward the front
    ✅ Use tie-downs to prevent shifting
    ❌ Don’t overload! Max payload: 8700 lbs including contents
    ❌ Never ride in the trailer

    • Only raise the bed on flat, stable ground

    • Keep all body parts away from moving components

    • Never stand under the raised bed

    • Use the safety prop rod (if equipped) when servicing

    • Lower the bed fully and secure the doors before towing again

  • Do not load:

    • Hazardous materials (asbestos, chemicals, fuel, etc.)

    • Unbalanced or loose items

    • Large stumps or boulders that may damage the box

  • Absolutely not. The trailer must be fully lowered before towing. Driving with a raised bed is extremely dangerous and may cause tipping or damage.

  • Stop using it and call us immediately. Do not force the controller or try to manually lift.

🚚 7x18 Flatdeck Equipment Trailer – Safety FAQs

  • Before driving:

    • Hitch and lock coupler securely

    • Cross and attach safety chains

    • Plug in wiring and check brakes, turn signals, and lights

    • Inspect tires and ramps

    • Confirm load is properly secured with straps or chains

    • Use ramps on flat, stable ground

    • Walk the equipment on at low speed

    • Center the load and aim for 10–15% tongue weight

    • Use at least 4 tie-down points

    • Recheck all straps after 10–15 minutes of towing

  • NO! Only haul if the weight is within the 6000 lb payload limit, and the load is properly balanced and secured. Unbalanced or shifting loads can be dangerous.

  • ✅ Do:

    • Tow with a properly rated vehicle

    • Drive slowly and brake early

    • Take wide turns and allow extra space

    • Check the load periodically on long trips

    ❌ Don’t:

    • Tow faster than legal limits

    • Tow with the ramps down

    • Haul unsecured or loose cargo

    • Allow passengers to ride in/on the trailer

  • Pull over safely, and call us immediately. Do not continue driving on a flat or try to repair it yourself unless authorized.

⚠️ Final Reminder:

Using our equipment improperly could result in serious injury, property damage, or loss of your deposit. If you’re ever unsure how to operate something, ask us before using it — we’re happy to help.


❓Excavator Attachments – Rental Guidelines

Know before you dig, break, or compact — here's how to use our attachments safely and properly.

🔩 Plate Compactor Attachment – FAQs

  • This attachment is ideal for compacting soil, gravel, or backfill in trenches, footings, and tight spaces. Great for preparing a solid base for concrete or landscaping.

    • Only use with the excavator fully stabilized

    • Keep people and pets at least 15 feet away

    • Lower slowly onto the surface — never slam

    • Avoid operating continuously on hard surfaces like concrete or rock (this can damage the tool)

  • Use caution. Only operate on stable, level surfaces. Avoid compacting near trench edges, where vibration could cause collapse.

🪨 Rock Breaker (Hydraulic Hammer) – FAQs

  • Breaking concrete, asphalt, rocks, or hard ground. Ideal for demolition or excavation in compacted sites.

  • Yes — this tool requires extra care:

    • Always wear hearing and eye protection (operator and bystanders)

    • Only operate at a 90-degree angle to the surface

    • Do not "chisel" (dragging the point while engaged will damage the breaker)

    • Use short bursts (10–15 sec) to avoid overheating

    • Never use it in water or submerged soil

  • No — it’s for breaking only. Never use it to pry, lift, or trench.

🌀 Auger Attachment – FAQs

  • Drilling post holes, fence footings, and small foundation bores. Available in multiple bit sizes.

    • Keep the auger vertical while drilling

    • Drill slowly — don’t force into tough soil

    • Clear loose soil between holes to prevent binding

    • Watch for buried utilities — always call BC 1 Call before digging

  • Light rocky soil is okay, but avoid large rocks or dense clay. These can jam or damage the auger.

🌿 Brush Rake (Rake Grapple) – FAQs

  • Perfect for clearing brush, roots, small stumps, or debris after land clearing. Also helpful for light grading and gathering piles.

    • Keep the rake low to the ground to maintain control

    • Avoid overloading with logs or stumps that exceed the excavator’s lift capacity

    • Never use the rake to drag from steep slopes or uneven terrain

    • Use with care around buildings or fences — tines can catch unexpectedly

  • Breaking up frozen ground, compacted soil, asphalt, or root systems. It allows you to “pre-tear” ground before digging.

    • Only rip with the tooth angled downward

    • Move slowly — do not jerk or force

    • Avoid using the ripper as a lever or pry bar

    • Do not use it for lifting or grading

❄️ Ripper Tooth – FAQs

⚠️ General Safety & Use Rules for All Attachments

  • Do not switch attachments without approval or instruction

  • Never modify, grind, or hammer on an attachment

  • Use correct hydraulic settings — we’ll set them for you

  • Always inspect for leaks or wear before use

  • Stop use immediately and call us if you notice anything wrong

❓Work Provided

🚛 Hauling & Rentals – We’ve Got You Covered!

Serving Nanaimo & all of Vancouver Island with:

    • Cars, ATVs, mowers, tractors

    • Mini excavators, small machinery

    • Pallets, lumber, farm equipment

    • Mobile sheds, furniture, recovery jobs

    • Gravel, soil, mulch, yard waste

    • Junk, reno debris, roofing, manure

    • Small demo jobs & equipment hauling

  • Rent our 3050 PSI washer or book a cleaning:

    • Driveways, decks, siding, vehicles, tools

    • Pre-paint prep or post-project cleanups

    • Insured, affordable, and family-run

    • Reliable service, evenings/weekends available

    • Proudly based in Nanaimo – serving the entire Island

  • There is 3 places to leave a customer review for us:

❓Still Have Questions?

We’re always happy to help. Text or call us at (250) 739‑2988 or email coatesfamilyrentals@gmail.com