Fortunately, you don’t need the budget of a television landscaping celebrity or the storage space of a production studio to get your hands on the perfect tools for your do-it-yourself project. Just rent a compact utility loader with a few attachments, use it to do the work faster and easier, and return it when you’re done.

Contractors have been using compact utility loaders – the landscaping equivalent of a Swiss army knife – for years. And thanks to renting, homeowners can use the same machine without having to buy one themselves. These multi-purpose units do the work of several different tools with a simple change of attachments, saving time and substantial effort compared to doing tasks by hand.

The Toro Dingo is one example of a compact utility loader that’s especially useful for residential applications, since it’s easy to use, reliable and compact enough to fit into tight spots.

Here are five ways you can use a compact utility loader and the right attachments to help ensure your outdoor projects have professional-looking results:

1. Digging Holes
Many outdoor projects involve digging a hole, whether you’re building a deck or fence or preparing to install a fish pond. Set aside the shovel and post-hole digger, and use the loader’s auger attachment – available in widths from a 6-inch bit up to a 30-inch bit. These powerful tools significantly reduce digging time, allowing you to move quickly past this basic first step for many projects.

2. Leveling Ground
Virtually every outdoor building project requires you to start out with level ground. A level surface will make gardening chores easier, ensure a good base beneath a patio or deck, and protect landscaping from erosion and run-off. But manually leveling uneven ground can be very labor-intensive. A loader with a leveler, tiller, utility blade or soil cultivator attachment greatly reduces time and labor, and allows you to achieve smoother, more even ground.

3. Digging/Filling Trenches
Digging or filling a trench is another labor-intensive soil-moving chore that can be much easier with the right equipment. A loader with a trencher attachment can quickly create a trench, even in the hardest soil or clay. And once you’ve placed the irrigation pipe or other material, you can use the trench filler attachment to fill and close the trench.

4. Lifting and Carrying Material
Need to move a load of stone, piles of dirt or lots of lumber? Lifting and carrying heavy loads by hand is not only time-consuming and difficult; it can be downright dangerous. For instance, it can lead to back strain – not to mention mashed fingers and toes if you accidentally drop what you’re carrying. Instead, consider renting a compact utility loader with a bucket, adjustable forks, multi-purpose tool or grapple rake attached to do the heavy lifting for you.

5. Cleaning up Debris
If you have brush, small tree limbs or rocks to clear away, a loader with a bucket or grapple rake attachment can make the job much easier. You’ll be able to carry more debris with every load – and with a lot less effort – than pushing a wheelbarrow. Need to remove a stump? A loader with a stump grinder attachment is another big time-saver.

Bottom line: If your project involves multiple tasks, renting a compact utility loader and the appropriate attachments can be a great alternative to renting multiple tools. You can find out more about the Dingo at www.Toro.com/dingo.

The professionals at your local rental store can help you identify the right tool to rent for your project. To find a rental store near you, visit www.rentalhq.com.

Outdoor projects don’t have to be back-breaking work. You just need the right tools for the job. A compact utility loader can help make your DIY project easier – and ensure those TV guys have nothing on you when it comes to creating a great outdoor environment.

The post Five Ways to Finish your Outdoor Projects Like a Pro first appeared on The How Do Gardener.