Benco FAQ
Frequently asked questions about compact machinery sales and rental.
46 consolidated answers about Benco and its distributed brands, sales, rental, mechanical service, parts, civil engineering, service areas and careers — for buyers, renters and operators in Montérégie and across Quebec.
Company & brands
When was Benco founded?
Benco was founded in March 1970 in Richelieu, Quebec. A family-owned business launched by Yves Benoit and now led by Sylvain Benoit (President), with over 50 years of expertise serving Quebec.
Which brands do you distribute?
Benco has been the exclusive Schäffer (Germany) distributor in Quebec since 1970. We also sell Hitachi and Caterpillar wheel loaders and forklifts, Transmanut forklifts and pallet jacks, our own Benco-Schäffer sidewalk snowplows (3650MAX, 4670MAX models), and Erskine excavation and snow-removal attachments.
Are Schäffer loaders manufactured in Germany?
Yes — Schäffer compact wheel loaders are designed and built in Erwitte, Germany. Benco is the exclusive Quebec representative and offers the full lineup (2428-2, 2430 SLT, 3650 SLT, 3650T, 4670, 5680T, 6680T, 9640T) with factory warranty and OEM parts.
What is the difference between Benco and Location Benoit Inc.?
Benco handles sales and after-sales service. Location Benoit Inc. is our sister company dedicated to short- and long-term rentals. Both businesses share the Richelieu mechanical workshop and coordinate directly (sales: 450-658-1802 / rentals: 450-658-2433).
Sales
Does Benco sell new and used Hitachi equipment?
Yes, Benco sells both new and used Hitachi excavators and loaders. Used units can be offered with a detailed inspection — ask us about current fleet availability.
Do you sell new and used Caterpillar equipment?
Benco offers purchasing options on Caterpillar equipment based on available inventory, both new and used. Trade-ins are possible to help renew your fleet.
Is financing available?
Benco supports clients with tailored financing solutions (lease-to-own, leasing subject to eligibility). We also provide technical specifications and official quotes to support a BDC or Investissement Québec application.
Are on-site demonstrations available?
Yes, Benco can arrange a demonstration at your site in Montérégie on request, particularly for Schäffer compact wheel loaders.
How can I get a quote?
Contact our team at ventes@benco.ca or by phone at (450) 658-1802 (sales) / (450) 658-2433 (Location Benoit rentals). Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
New or used wheel loader: which is the better investment?
New equipment is attractive for an up-to-date configuration, full warranty coverage and less uncertainty. Used equipment can lower the initial cost but requires careful verification of condition, hours of use, service history and mechanical components (hydraulics, transmission). The Benco workshop can inspect a unit before purchase.
What budget should I plan for a wheel loader in Quebec?
Budget depends on the model, condition (new/used), attachments, engine and options. The Benco catalogue lists, for example, a used CASE 621E at $49,000 and a Schäffer 5680T telescopic loader at $146,450. These figures must be confirmed by quotation since inventory and conditions evolve.
Rental
Do you offer rental with an operator?
Yes — through our sister company Location Benoit Inc. (450-658-2433), with or without CCQ-certified operators. Short- and long-term rentals are available across our full compact machinery lineup.
Can I rent with a certified operator?
Yes, Benco offers CCQ-certified operators trained to CNESST requirements as an option on rentals of excavators, loaders and other equipment.
Do you deliver in Montérégie within 24 hours?
Yes, site delivery in Montérégie is usually possible within 24 hours after confirmation, subject to fleet availability.
Do you cover Longueuil and Brossard?
Yes, Benco serves the South Shore including Longueuil, Brossard, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Richelieu and all of Montérégie.
What is the lead time to mobilize a job site?
For planned projects, typical mobilization is within 48-72 hours. Emergency mobilization within 24 hours is possible depending on fleet and operator availability.
Do you offer seasonal snow-removal contracts?
Yes, seasonal packages with tiered rates and priority response can be offered for commercial sites. Snow-emergency schedules are coordinated according to the terms of the contract.
Can I rent for a single day?
Yes, certain models can be rented by the day depending on conditions and availability. Rates vary based on model, time of year, transport and whether an operator is included. A quote is still required to confirm the exact price.
Do I need a permit to rent an excavator?
It depends on the context. For a rental without an operator, you need the skills required to use the equipment safely. On certain job sites, internal, municipal or CNESST requirements may apply. It is best to confirm the rules based on the location and the type of work.
What insurance is required?
Insurance depends on the contract, the type of rental and the job site. Review civil liability, equipment damage, deductibles, exclusions and any additional coverage. Do not assume everything is included: ask for the conditions before confirming.
Is delivery included in the price?
Not necessarily. Delivery can affect the final cost depending on distance, machine size, site access and rental duration. Request a quote that breaks down the rental rate and related fees.
Do rates include transport and fuel?
No, rate sheets are generally exclusive of taxes, transport and fuel. Ask for an all-inclusive package in the quote if you prefer a fixed envelope.
How much does a certified operator cost?
CCQ/CNESST operator hourly rates or daily packages are added to the machine rate based on job-site complexity. Pricing varies by trade (excavator, loader or grader operator) and whether work is performed during daytime or night hours.
Are there long-term rental discounts?
Discounts may apply beyond one month. They are reflected in a detailed quote based on duration and job-site profile.
Workshop & after-sales service
Do you offer mechanical workshop services?
Yes, our Richelieu workshop services all brands of heavy machinery: diesel engines, hydraulics, transmissions and electrical systems. OEM parts are stocked for Schäffer, Hitachi, Caterpillar, Transmanut and Erskine attachments. Mobile service is available across the South Shore and Montérégie for on-site breakdowns.
How do I protect hydraulics in winter?
Cold-temperature hydraulic oils, block heaters, filter checks and pre-start inspections reduce the risk of cavitation and premature wear. Ask our workshop about a winter maintenance program.
How often should I grease in cold conditions?
Follow the manufacturer intervals (typically 8 to 10 hours for pivot points). Saline environments or sites with abrasives (sand, calcium) may require more frequent rounds.
Can Benco provide seasonal maintenance?
Yes — request a winter inspection and wear-parts packages (filters, fluids, seals) through the service team. The workshop services all distributed brands.
Caterpillar after-sales service?
Benco offers parts and service support on Caterpillar units within the lines we distribute. For the M-Series 906M/907M/908M models, the workshop keeps a stock of common filters and consumables.
Parts & accessories
Do you rent attachments on their own?
Yes, rental and sales of attachments (buckets, hydraulic breakers, augers, grapples, snow pushers) are offered based on inventory.
How do I check compatibility with my excavator?
Benco validates tonnage, hydraulic flow rates and interfaces (universal quick coupler or pin-on) before delivery. Send us the brand, model and serial number of your machine.
Is custom fabrication possible?
For certain needs, specialized attachments can be designed or adapted — contact the technical team.
Which bucket capacity should I choose for a wheel loader?
The right bucket capacity depends on the material being moved (density), required volume, weight, the lifting capacity of the machine and the intended use. A snow bucket, gravel bucket, dirt bucket or forks do not address the same needs.
Which attachment for a commercial parking lot in winter?
A Schäffer articulated loader or a skid steer equipped with an Erskine Snow Pusher (96 in or 120 in) moves snow up to 5 times faster than a conventional blade. Round it out with a snow blower or a mechanical sweeper depending on the site layout.
Civil engineering & excavation
What size excavator for a residential job site?
For most residential foundations, a 13- to 20-tonne excavator offers the best power-to-cost ratio. Benco advises based on your soil and access. For narrow backyards, a 1-6 t mini excavator with a short wheelbase remains preferable.
Which mini excavator for a narrow backyard?
1-6 t models with a short wheelbase are often well suited; access (gate width) drives the size. Also check soil removal logistics and overhead cable height constraints.
Does Benco work on municipal projects?
Yes — road infrastructure, sewers, water mains and large-scale works on the South Shore are typical assignments. We coordinate multi-equipment fleet rentals with CCQ-certified operators.
Can I rent a full fleet with operators?
Yes, Benco coordinates rentals of multiple machines (excavators, loaders, compactors, graders) with CCQ/CNESST-certified operators for civil engineering projects.
Which compactors for road infrastructure and foundations?
Benco offers vibrating plates, tandem rollers and single-drum rollers based on the layer being compacted (cohesive soil, asphalt, granular base) and site access.
What is the difference between "pelle mécanique" and "excavatrice"?
In Quebec, the two French terms generally refer to the same excavation equipment. "Pelle mécanique" is very common in everyday speech and searches, while "excavatrice" is more technical. The actual choice depends on size, power and the type of work.
Service areas & delivery
Which regions do you serve?
Benco serves the South Shore of Montreal, Montérégie and all of Quebec, with extended service to Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.
South Shore service areas?
Longueuil, Brossard, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Richelieu and neighbouring municipalities in Montérégie and the Eastern Townships.
Site delivery in Montérégie within 24 hours?
Yes, after confirmation, delivery is often possible within 24 hours depending on fleet availability and convoy configuration (width, load, Transports Québec permits for oversize loads).
Careers & recruiting
What roles do you recruit for at Benco?
Heavy equipment mechanic (Richelieu workshop), machinery sales advisor, operator-driver (via Location Benoit), Class 1 or 3 delivery driver (machinery transport), and parts and service advisor.
Which certifications do you look for?
CCQ competency card (CCA or CCC) depending on the trade, driver licence classes 1 to 5 depending on the role, and the 30-hour ASP Construction health and safety training for any job-site position. Familiarity with Schäffer, Hitachi or Caterpillar is an asset.
How do I apply?
Send your resume to ventes@benco.ca or use the form on the Careers page. Our team will get back to you within 5 business days.