EXHIBIT 23(E) CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS We have issued our report dated January 21, 1998, accompanying the combined financial statements of Coran Enterprises, Inc. dba A-1 Rents, and Monterey Bay Equipment Rental, Inc. contained in the Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-64227) and Prospectus. We consent to the use of the aforementioned report in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, and to the use of our name as it appears under the caption "Experts." /s/ Grant Thornton LLP San Jose, California December 16, 1998