When a job needs heavy equipment to get done, it is not always viable to purchase what is needed, especially if it is a short term job. It is far more cost-effective to use a plant hire company because to pay for itself it needs to be in use all the time. However, hiring does not come without certain risks that can cost your business money and time: see this safety guide on equipment safety. Here are 4 tips to mitigate those risks and ensure that the job goes according to plan with no delays.
- Research the hire company properly.
Naturally, you will look at their website, but it is also a good idea to put your ear to the ground and find out what other people in the industry are saying about them. When hiring equipment such as dozers, dump trucks, crushers and screeners, excavators, graders and rollers you can do without any break-downs. A hire company that has a good reputation means that they also have top class equipment that will not break down on the job – and that they offer affordable prices and fair contracts.
- Understand the job
Or talk to someone who does. That way you can be sure of choosing the kind of equipment that will do the job. This not only means the type of equipment, but the size and the accessories it comes with. A smaller machine than is really needed is more likely to break down and it will certainly take longer to accomplish the same amount of work as one that is more suited in size. But if the machine is larger than necessary the operating costs will be unnecessarily high. Understanding the project may also mean finding out soil type and geographic features of the location, depending on what kind of job it is.
- Find out all the details
This includes how the equipment will be delivered and if the cost is included in the contract. It is also essential to know exactly when it will arrive so there will be no wasted time. It is a good idea to also see a maintenance schedule for the equipment so you can be certain it is in good working order. A machine that is not in good working order is a safety hazard as well as being likely to break down, or not do the job properly when it is working.
- Read the Contract
It is essential to read the contract carefully before you sign it and if you don’t understand something, ask about it. If you have any concerns at all, make sure they are settled before signing. If you have chosen a reputable company, there should be no problem with the contract, but you still need to know what you are signing up for. Check things such as dates and days to ensure that all is correct because mistakes can be made. Make sure all costs are itemised and that you know what they are.
Once you have put these tips into place you will have peace of mind that heavy machinery hire is right for your company, allowing the work to be done professionally and in a timely manner. And once the work is completed successfully, you will know who to hire from the next time you need some heavy equipment for a project.
