You’ve decided to hire plant equipment or machinery. But is dry or wet hire right for you?
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always clear-cut. There are plenty of variables that make it hard to weigh up which option will be best for you and your team.
To help, we’ve created a guide that’ll walk you through the process of establishing which one best fits your needs, depending on your next project. Let’s take a look now.
Dry Hire Meaning:
It can be difficult to decide whether dry or wet hire is best for you, due to all of the various definitions that are out there. Of course, the basic definition of the two is quite easy to grasp.
So, what does dry hire mean? Dry hire is when you hire equipment only, with all that follows in its use left up to you. Dry hire is rarely as simple as arriving at an equipment rental store and taking off with the equipment.
Wet Hire Meaning:
Wet hire is when you hire the equipment, and then operators come along with it. Furthermore, wet hire may often include some extra bells and whistles alongside the additional inclusion of an operator.
Why Dry Hire?
Often, hirers will opt for dry hire because of the wider advantages it offers a project. When you go for dry hire, you know you can budget accurately by arranging to hire an operator, and then the equipment they will use. This way you’ll have clarity surrounding what the operator and equipment will cost, ensuring you avoid a budget blowout.
As well as the cost benefits this method can provide, there’s the greater flexibility surrounding the management of the project to consider. By hiring the operator and then the equipment, you can fine-tune your requirements, should the need arise.
Because wet hire will always involve hiring equipment and an operator as a package deal, it can be a big drain on time and resources if you arrive at a stage in the project where neither your equipment nor your operator is needed. Going for dry hire helps to avoid these wasted resources, in addition to keeping your job site clear of extra personnel.
Effectively, dry hire offers the flexibility to use the equipment you need, when you need it – and to get it offsite when you don’t. That cost-efficiency is especially critical in the construction industry right now.
Cost-Efficiency and Control
While the construction machinery and operator hire sector still turns over $3 billion annually, the housing slump seen recently across many parts of the nation has had an impact. This has meant that efficiency and precision are more important than ever when it comes to the job site. It’s also important to note that wet hire can increase overall project expenses due to additional fuel costs, as clients are responsible for both the operator’s labour and the fuel required to run the equipment.
Not only will dry hire help keep your budget in check, it also helps ensure the job’s going to get done right. When equipment is hired, understanding the terms and conditions of the hire agreement is crucial for project success. Though wet hire will still see the operator under your control, the reality is that you’re working with a contractor, one who may not be familiar with your project or preferred work conditions, let alone the specific piece of equipment on hire.
With dry hire, this issue is avoided. The machine is in care of the operator you select, and the operator’s accountable to you. Choosing the right machine and ensuring it is operated by a competent person is essential. This helps ensure communication is clear-cut, and a clear progression on project timelines is maintained on the job site.
On the east coast of Australia, there has been a noticeable trend towards more wet hire arrangements compared to previous years.
Project Planning
When it comes to planning your next project, choosing the right equipment hire solution is a crucial step that can impact your timeline, budget, and overall success. Whether you’re considering dry hire or wet hire, understanding the unique benefits and risks of each option will help you make the most informed decision for your business needs.
Start by evaluating the specific requirements of your project. If you have a team of skilled operators who are familiar with the machinery you need—such as mini excavators or other earthmoving equipment—dry hire can be a cost-effective and flexible choice. This approach allows you to hire only the equipment, giving you greater control over who operates the machines and how they’re used on your job site. For many projects, this can translate to significantly cheaper hire costs and improved cost efficiency, especially when you’re managing multiple machines or working within a tight budget.
On the other hand, if your project involves complex tasks, limited access, or specialised equipment that requires a proven skill set, wet hire may be the safer and more convenient option. Wet hire agreements include both the equipment and an experienced operator, reducing the risk of delays or mistakes due to inexperience. This is particularly valuable for jobs that demand precision or when you don’t have extra personnel available to operate the machinery. Wet hire can also offer additional services such as fueling, maintenance, and insurance, providing a comprehensive package deal that minimises hassle and helps keep your project running smoothly.
When hiring equipment, it’s essential to partner with a reputable plant hire company that offers a wide range of machinery and flexible hire options. Look for a provider with a friendly team of experts who can provide advice tailored to your project, ensuring you select the right machines and attachments for the job. A good plant hire company will also prioritise sustainability, helping you minimise environmental damage and meet your project’s environmental goals.
Ultimately, the choice between dry hire and wet hire comes down to your project’s specific needs, available resources, and desired control level. By carefully weighing each option’s cost benefits, risks, and additional services, you can select the hiring method that best supports your goals. With the right equipment, expert advice, and a trusted hire partner, you’ll be well-equipped to complete your project efficiently, safely, and to the highest standard.
Making the Call
Sometimes, you’ll know exactly what you need for a job, and that’s that. But given the variables that can exist on a project, as well as the extras you may decide you need once you start your search for machine hire, it’s wise to factor in some flexibility in terms of budget and timing. When considering machine hire, be sure to weigh the differences between wet and dry hire, as each option affects cost and suitability depending on your expertise and project needs.
Just like the old adage ‘measure twice and cut once,’ a project will go much smoother when some extra oomph is applied at the beginning to ensure it starts off right.
There may be instances where spending more on a wet hire arrangement makes sense. But often, the opposite is true. Even if you originally thought you needed wet hire, some deeper thought may lead you to recognise that dry hire may better suit your requirements.
Keep an open mind, and spend some extra time planning out your needs beforehand. That way, you’ll find it easy to make the right decision about whether dry or wet hire is best for you. Both wet and dry hire options are available, so you can choose the most suitable arrangement for your project requirements.
Contact us today for a free quote on your machine hire or for any other equipment hire!
What has been your experience with wet vs dry hire? Let us know in the comments below: