Ground Heaters for Rent

United Rentals' lineup of ground heater rentals excels at heating surfaces and thawing frozen ground so your crew can continue with any excavation, trenching or pipelaying projects without delay. Get these exclusive online rates by renting through our website or app.

For our full list of ground heaters for rent, view the items below. For more information, visit our resource section.

Yellow WACKER Hydronic Surface Ground Heater, 3,750 sq. ft., Winter-blend Diesel

Cat Class Code

250-6812

2,475-2,800 sq. ft. Ground Heater, Diesel

2,475-2,800 square foot maximum thawing area depending on model
Diesel ground heater
5600-7,500 square foot maximum curing area depending on model
120V/1PH or 120V depending on model
Uses: Ideal for thawing frozen ground, curing concrete and providing temporary heat on-site

White THOR Hydronic Surface Ground Heater, 6,000 sq. ft., Winter-blend Diesel

Cat Class Code

250-6815

5,600-6,000 sq. ft. Ground Heater, Diesel

5,600-6,000 square foot maximum thawing area depending on model
Diesel ground heater
11,200-18,000 square foot maximum curing area depending on model
115-120V depending on model
Uses: Ideal for thawing frozen ground, curing concrete and providing temporary heat on-site

White Dryair hydronic surface ground heater, winter-blend diesel

Cat Class Code

250-6821

11,200 sq. ft. Ground Heater, LP/NG

11,200 square foot maximum thawing area
LP/NG ground heater
120V
6,000 lbs.
Uses: Ideal for thawing frozen ground, curing concrete and providing temporary heat on-site
If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes

At United Rentals, our selection of ground heater rentals will keep your operations running smoothly all winter. Frozen earth caused by low winter temperatures can slow down construction projects, resulting in expensive delays. Our ground thaw machine rentals provide affordable, portable and timely solutions that heat the ground for excavation, foundation work, curing concrete, preventing frost and other commercial, residential, manufacturing and warehouse applications. Choose models from reliable brands such as Wacker Neuson, Heat King, Tamarack and Thor with the features you need, such as diesel-powered, dual hoses, quiet operation and more. Our hydronic ground heaters thaw larger areas efficiently, and our ground-thawing blanket rentals are easy to move from one area to another.

Learn more about ground heaters for rent in the FAQ section below.

What is the difference between hydronic ground heaters and ground thawing blankets?

Hydronic ground heaters have a heating hose that is laid out in evenly spaced loops on the surface that needs heating. Our hydronic ground heaters can cover large areas efficiently, thawing between 3,750 and 10,000 square feet. Meanwhile, ground thawing blankets are simpler to use and only require a power outlet. They can be thrown over surfaces to thaw them out or even over heavy equipment to keep the engine warm. For more information on the uses and types of ground heaters, check out our article Guide to Ground Heaters: Types, Common Uses & More.

How much time do ground heaters need to thaw frozen soil?

Without ground thawing equipment, it typically takes two days for the first few inches of soil to thaw. Depending on whether you are operating a traditional ground heater or a heating blanket, the ground thaws at a rate of about 6 to 8 inches (in depth) every 24 hours.

Can you use concrete blankets to thaw frozen ground?

Concrete blankets, also called concrete curing blankets, are designed to provide additional insulation to maintain the correct temperature while curing concrete. A concrete blanket cannot thaw ground by itself, but it can be used with hydronic ground heaters. For a portable ground thawing solution, our ground thawing blankets are easy to use and move from one area to another.