Excavators are a vital tool for any project that requires earthmoving. From mining and construction to residential landscaping, excavators have a wide range of uses. Therefore, it’s important to hire one that’s suited to your job. This includes making sure you understand what type of attachments the excavator has and how much weight it can handle. We’ve put together a few things you should consider when hiring an excavator. Read on to find out more.
Determine what you need an excavator for
Before you even start looking for an excavator, it’s important to understand what exactly you need it for. Several factors should be taken into account when determining the type of excavator you need, which means asking yourself some questions, including:
- What will your job entail?
- Will you be working on flat ground or rocky terrain?
- Is there water involved in any way?
- How much do I have available within my budget?
- Is the work area large, or do you need an excavator with better manoeuvrability for tight spaces?
- What size loads do you need to lift?
These are just some of the things to consider when hiring an excavator. Understanding your specific use requirements will help the excavator hire company recommend the best solution for your needs.
Research excavator hire companies online
When hiring an excavator, it’s important to research the hiring company itself. In today’s world, it’s easy to get an idea of the type of services on offer simply by checking out the company’s website. However, that doesn’t necessarily tell you everything you need to know.
Social proof is a concept that involves checking Google reviews, social media comments, and basically anything else you can find online about a specific company. The idea is enough people should have shared their experiences with a company for you to decide whether they’re the right fit for you. In addition, if you have other contacts in the construction or mining industry, ask for recommendations.
Compare the prices of excavator hire
There are a few ways you can compare the prices of excavator hire. One option is to get online and check the websites of any companies you’re considering using. Due to the flexible nature of most construction equipment hire contracts, most companies don’t have a set rate advertised. Therefore, the best option is to get a quote from several providers.
You can usually do this over the phone or by filling out a form online. Being able to speak to an experienced professional is always best though, as they may have additional questions to ensure you get prices for the right types of excavators. Plus, if they have any special deals at the time, you’ll be able to find out directly.
It’s worth mentioning that the upfront price isn’t everything. Getting the right machine for the job is the number one priority, as well as choosing a machine that’s durable, reliable and won’t lead to long periods of downtime due to repair needs. In some cases, there might also be extra fees for maintenance, repairs, attachments and other things you may need. Read the terms of the quote very carefully to understand exactly what you’re being charged for.
Can your excavator hire company also provide attachments?
Attachments are additional tools that can be used to perform a specific task. For example, an excavator with a loader attachment will be able to lift and move materials around the site. These attachments can be rented separately, however, it makes sense to hire everything at the same time.
For example, if you’re using an excavator hire company in Australia such as SPH, we’ll be able to recommend exactly which attachments you may need. You might also only need certain attachments for different stages of your project, meaning you can cut costs by hiring them separately at the most convenient time.
Thoroughly inspect equipment before hiring
Finally, you should thoroughly inspect equipment before hiring. This is true for anything you hire, but it’s especially true if you’re hiring a new excavator for the first time and don’t know much about its condition.
Your excavator hire company should take you through an inspection as part of the process, but if not, you should check for any signs of damage. Ask about all of the safety features and whether you can see them in operation. This gives you peace of mind, but it also ensures both you and the hiring company know the machine’s condition beforehand. It prevents any arguments if there is new damage upon the excavator’s return.
Thinking of hiring an excavator?
Are you looking for a high-quality excavator hire for your next project? Here at Solution Plant Hire, we offer a wide range of excavators depending on your needs. Our dry hire service gets you the equipment you need with flexible terms to ensure you maximise the benefit of hiring an excavator. So, whether the job is big or small, quick or long-term, we’ve got excavator hire solutions to suit your needs. Contact our experienced, professional team today to find out more.