How the Rate Index Is Calculated

Data source

The index is computed from the HeavyRentals machine catalog — a curated database of heavy-equipment models and model-year ranges, each carrying recommended daily, weekly and monthly rental rates maintained and reviewed by our team. Only approved catalog entries with a positive daily rate are included. The catalog currently covers thousands of machines across every major category rented in Canada.

What we report

• Minimum, median and maximum rates per category. We lead with the median (the middle value) because it resists distortion from a few unusually cheap or expensive machines, unlike an average.
• Size classes: within each category, machines are split into Compact / Mid-size / Large bands using horsepower tertiles — the actual HP cut-offs are shown on every band label. Categories with too few HP-rated machines report a single "All sizes" band.
• Scope: rates are national (Canada-wide) guideline rates per model and year — they are not offers, and individual owners on the marketplace set their own listing prices.

Update cadence & quarter-over-quarter movement

The live index recalculates continuously as the catalog grows. At the start of each quarter we lock a snapshot of every category and size-class aggregate; the published page then shows the percentage change of each category's median daily rate against the prior quarter's snapshot. We never display movement for periods where no snapshot exists.

Limitations

The index reflects recommended guideline rates, not transacted prices; regional variation, seasonality, attachments, delivery and operator services are not included in the headline figures. Treat it as a benchmark for budgeting and negotiation, not a quote.