Hiring excavators is often a far more cost-effective option than buying. Of course, if you use an excavator frequently, it’s worth purchasing. However, many construction industry professionals only have short-term excavator requirements, meaning it’s easier to hire. This also gives you more flexibility because you get the exact equipment you need for individual projects.
However, excavator hire can also be costly if you don’t deal with reputable companies or you don’t know exactly what you need. With that in mind, we’ve put together some tips to ensure you get the most out of your excavator rental.
Clearly understand your project requirements
The most important thing to do before hiring an excavator is to understand what you need. You should know the full scope of your project to ensure exactly what you need. Although it may be clear that you need an excavator, that doesn’t necessarily give you the full picture. What attachments do you need? How big is your work site? By clearly understanding what you need an excavator for, you can ensure you get one that’s fit for your purpose.
Always get the right size
The size and power of your machine are crucial aspects to consider. If you hire a machine that exceeds your requirements, you may end up spending more on fuel than necessary. If your excavator isn’t big or powerful enough to do the job, you risk damaging it or needing to hire something different. So, you can save yourself a lot of hassles by ensuring you get the right size.
Manoeuvrability is another consideration on worksites, so you need to know what spaces you’ll have to work in. Larger excavators don’t typically move as freely as smaller ones, so you need to get a balance between power and manoeuvrability.
Select attachments while hiring
Choosing your attachments at the point of hire saves you time and money in the long run. This is why it’s so important to understand the scope of your project clearly. By incorporating everything you need in one rental agreement, you can often save money. At the very least, you save time because you don’t have to keep returning to the hire company for extra attachments.
Ask about attachment availability during your initial enquiry, and this ensures you get the parts that are fit for your needs. It’s also better for planning, because you don’t want to get halfway through a project, need a different attachment, and not be able to find one.
Include maintenance in your hiring agreement
Depending how long you intend to rent an excavator for, you may have regular servicing and maintenance requirements during your rental. Some hire companies are more than happy to arrange for on-site servicing and maintenance to ensure your machine remains in good working order. It’s best to include this in your rental agreement from day one, because then both parties are aware of their obligations.
Look for flexible rental terms
Flexibility is crucial in your rental agreement. In particular, we’re talking about the rental period. For example, let’s say you hire an excavator for a project you estimate will take 6 weeks. If the job isn’t done and you still need the machinery after 6 weeks, you ideally want to extend the rental term. However, if your rental company doesn’t offer flexibility, you’ll need to return the machine and re-hire from elsewhere. Obviously, this is a major hassle and it’s also costly. So, plan ahead as best as you can, and check for flexibility in your rental term.
Consider delivery options
Needless to say, excavators aren’t small pieces of machinery. Most rental companies offer a delivery service where they will bring your excavator to the work site. This often attracts a fee though, so there are other options you can consider. If you’re nearby and have the appropriate trailer, you can pick up an excavator yourself and reduce the costs. Alternatively, many rental companies have a courtesy trailer that you can use to get the excavator where it needs to go.
Deal with experienced equipment rental companies
Finally, make sure you only deal with reputable rental companies. Solution Plant Hire has years of experience, an enormous machinery range and an expert team to help you get exactly what you need. By dealing with experienced professionals, you get better products, clear and accurate pricing, and you’ll save money long-term. Don’t let your excavator rental experience become a nightmare, because there are reliable options out there.
Need great value excavator hire?
Solution Plant Hire specialises in a wide range of construction plant equipment. Hiring excavators is often more cost-effective than buying, especially when you work on a range of projects with different needs. Our flexible service and huge range make us your number-one choice for excavator rental. We can even arrange regular maintenance and we’ve got plenty of excavator attachments to choose from. Contact our friendly team today to discover a better way to hire construction equipment and machinery.
FAQs?
How can I maximise the efficiency of my excavator rental?
Prioritise proper planning and training to ensure smooth operation. Optimise fuel usage by scheduling maintenance checks and avoiding idling. Plan excavation tasks efficiently to minimise downtime and maximise productivity.
What safety measures should I follow when operating an excavator rental?
Always adhere to safety guidelines provided by the rental company and regulatory authorities. Conduct thorough pre-operation checks, including inspecting the equipment and surroundings. Maintain clear communication with ground personnel and ensure proper use of safety gear.
Are there any specific maintenance tips for prolonging the lifespan of an excavator rental?
Regularly inspect the equipment for signs of wear and tear and promptly address any issues. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for tasks such as lubrication, filter replacement, and hydraulic system checks. Keep the excavator clean to prevent debris buildup and ensure optimal performance.