Winter in Austin may be mild compared to other states, but it’s one of the busiest seasons for home projects, property cleanups, construction, and land prep. Whether you’re a contractor or a DIY weekend warrior, having the right equipment can save hours, reduce labor, and make winter projects far more efficient.

At Jon’s Rental, we see clear trends every winter in the types of equipment Austin homeowners and pros rely on. This guide breaks down the most important tools you’ll want to rent for winter projects — from land clearing to soil prep, concrete, trenching, and property clean-up.

Need equipment for your winter project?
Call Jon’s Rental today at (512) 331-1212 or visit our equipment page to reserve your rental.

Why Winter Is One of Austin’s Best Project Seasons

Unlike summer, winter in Austin brings cooler temps that make outdoor work much more manageable. Contractors and homeowners choose this season for:

Land clearing before spring growth
Tree trimming + brush removal
Concrete work (cooler curing temperatures)
Soil prep + grading
Fence installation and repairs
Site prep for spring landscaping
Property cleanups after storms

But to get these jobs done right — you need the right equipment.

1. Wood Chippers & Brush Clearing Equipment

Winter is prime time for trimming trees and removing brush. Austin’s oak, cedar, and hackberry produce massive debris that can pile up quickly.

Popular Rentals:

6”–12” Wood Chippers — handles branches, limbs, and post-storm debris
Brushcutters — clears overgrown lots and thicker vegetation
Stump Grinders — removes stumps from fallen or cut trees

With winds and occasional ice storms, winter clean-up can be heavy. These machines help you get ahead of spring growth and reduce fire hazards.

2. Skid Steers & Mini Loaders

Skid steers are among the most requested winter rentals because they can handle almost any job:

Spreading gravel or soil
Land clearing
Moving material
Leveling ground
Storm cleanup

Why they’re ideal for winter:

Better traction in damp soil
Less dust than summer months
Great for pre-spring grading

Attachments like buckets, forks, and grapples make them extremely versatile.

3. Concrete Tools for Winter Pouring

Winter is actually an optimal time for concrete curing in Austin. Cooler weather prevents concrete from drying too fast, which reduces cracking.

Top rentals include:

Concrete saws
Cement mixers
Plate compactors
Power trowels

Driveways, walkways, pads, patios, and foundations are commonly done between December and February — making concrete tools high-demand winter rentals.

4. Trenchers & Digging Equipment

Whether installing irrigation, utilities, drainage lines, or fence posts — trenchers save hours of manual labor.

Best winter trenching rentals:

Walk-behind trenchers for irrigation + utilities
Ride-on trenchers for large jobs
Post-hole augers for fencing and decks

Winter soil in Austin tends to be more workable than late-summer rock-hard conditions — making it ideal for digging.

5. Heaters for Job Sites & Workshops

Morning temperatures can drop quickly in Central Texas. Portable heaters keep crews warm and productive.

Forced air propane heaters
Electric space heaters
Kerosene torpedo heaters

They’re also helpful for garage projects, shop work, drying materials, and winter painting.

6. Trailers for Hauling Material

Winter projects often involve moving debris, lumber, soil, gravel, or equipment. Renting the right trailer saves multiple trips and a lot of time.

Popular trailer rentals:

Utility trailers
Dump trailers
Equipment haulers

Perfect for land clearing jobs and winter construction prep.

Cost Guide: What Austin Renters Can Expect

Equipment Type	Typical Daily Cost	Winter Use Case
Wood Chippers	$150–$325	Tree trimming, brush clearing
Skid Steers	$225–$450	Grading, moving material, land clearing
Trenchers	$120–$295	Irrigation, fencing, utilities
Concrete Tools	$45–$150	Winter concrete pours
Trailers	$65–$125	Hauling debris, equipment