In Europe, 53% of people live in a house. But in Belgium, according to a Eurostat study published in 2022 (1), this proportion rises to 77%, making it the third country in the European Union with the highest proportion of single-family homes, behind its neighbours the Netherlands and Ireland.
Many Belgians own their own home, and as a study by the Agence Wallonne pour la Promotion d'une Agriculture de Qualité (Walloon Agency for the Promotion of Quality Agriculture) showed in September 2022, 70% of French-speaking Belgians have a garden. These are all gardens that need to be maintained or developed, and which require specific tools.
In this article, we take a look at the most popular gardening tools for hire in Belgium, both between private individuals and between private individuals and professionals. In these times of galloping inflation, the majority of Belgian households feel the need to make savings at every level, and garden tools are no exception to the trend.
Lawnmowers
Lawnmowers are one of the most popular gardening tools for hire in Belgium. It is particularly popular for its ability to keep a lawn well maintained without requiring a large initial investment. The most commonly hired models include electric mowers and autonomous robot mowers. The average cost of hiring an electric mower is between 15 and 20 euros a day, while robotic mowers can be hired for around 50 euros a day. This practice gives users access to high-quality equipment, often with advanced features such as mulching, without having to fork out the 500 euros or more needed to buy a top-of-the-range model.
Brushcutter
Brushcutters are very popular to hire in Belgium, especially for difficult terrain and dense vegetation. Thermal and electric models are the most popular, with an average hire cost of €20 to €30 per day. This tool is particularly popular for its ability to deal effectively with thick weeds, brambles and small bushes, helping to keep gardens and green spaces in good condition without the need for an expensive purchase, which can cost up to 400 euros. The brushcutter is ideal for users who need a high-performance tool for specific jobs but don't want to invest in rarely-used equipment.
High-pressure cleaner
High-pressure cleaners are another popular tool for hire in Belgium, particularly for deep-cleaning terraces, driveways and facades. The average rental cost is around €25 per day, making this tool accessible for intensive cleaning tasks without requiring a major investment. High-pressure cleaners effectively remove stubborn dirt and moss, improving the appearance and durability of outdoor surfaces. The purchase price of this equipment can vary between 150 and 600 euros, making rental a cost-effective option for occasional use.
Tiller
A rototiller is essential for soil preparation, and hiring one is very popular in Belgium. The average cost of hire is between 30 and 50 euros a day, allowing gardeners to use this powerful tool without having to bear the cost of purchase, which can be as much as 1,000 euros for professional models. Power tillers are particularly useful for ploughing, digging and preparing the soil for planting, considerably reducing the physical effort required and improving the efficiency of gardening work. This solution is particularly advantageous for gardeners who only need the tool a few times a year.
Vegetable shredder
Plant shredders are a popular way of managing garden waste. The average rental cost is between €25 and €40 per day, providing a practical and economical solution for reducing branches and shrubs to small pieces. This debris can then be used for mulching or composting, contributing to the environmentally-friendly management of green waste. Buying a plant shredder can cost between €200 and €800, making hire an attractive option for occasional gardeners or those with large volumes of debris to deal with on an ad hoc basis.
Why hire gardening equipment in Belgium rather than buy it?
Hire gardening equipment in Belgium has a number of advantages over buying. First and foremost, leasing offers significant savingsThis is especially true of expensive tools such as lawnmowers, brushcutters and tillers, which can cost several hundred euros to buy. By renting, users can access this equipment for a fraction of the initial cost, often between 15 and 50 euros per day, depending on the tool.
Secondlyrental offers a wide range of flexibility. Gardening equipment needs can vary throughout the year. Renting allows you to obtain the specific tools you need for seasonal tasks or one-off projects without the constraints of storing and maintaining equipment. For example, a lawnmower or shredder can be hired only during periods of intensive use, freeing up storage space for the rest of the year.
Thirdlyrental contributes to a circular and sustainable economy. By renting, gardeners can reduce their ecological footprint by sharing resources and minimising the production of new equipment. Platforms such as Qijco facilitate this process by allowing tools to be hired and sold between private individuals, thereby extending the life of equipment and reducing waste.
Finally, rental allows users to try out different models before deciding whether to buy. This approach helps them to make informed choices based on practical experience with different tools, avoiding impulse or inappropriate purchases.
Where can I hire gardening equipment in Belgium?
In Belgium, gardening equipment hire is a practical and economical solution for amateur and professional gardeners. Several platforms and specialist companies offer a wide range of gardening tools to suit every need.
Qijco
Qijco is an innovative platform dedicated to the hire and sale of tools and materials between private individuals and professionals. Whether you need a lawnmower, a brushcutter or other gardening tools, Qijco puts users in touch with offers close to home.
With quick and free registration, users can easily place and view ads. Qijco offers a targeted search by tool type, location, budget or condition, and offers the flexibility of online or in-person payment.
This option is ideal for those looking to save money while gaining access to quality equipment. The platform also encourages the circular economy by allowing users to give a second life to their unused tools.
(1)https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/digpub/housing/bloc-1a.html?lang=en
(2)https://www.apaqw.be/sites/default/files/uploads/Observatoire/2022/obs-edm-horticulture0922.pdf