5 Plant Equipment Items You Can Hire Instead of Buy

Did you know you can hire plant equipment instead of always buying them? This is a very useful option to consider if you’re running short term projects or only need certain plant equipment for some projects and not others.

Plant equipment are expensive items to buy. Plus, you have the hassles of repairing and maintaining them on a continuous basis. Sometimes, hiring plant equipment is the most convenient and cheaper way to go when managing construction and mining projects.

A wide range of options from scissor lift hire to crane hire is available. But make sure you only deal with reputable hiring companies so that your project runs smoothly.

Here’s a list of five plant equipment items you can hire instead of buy when next managing a construction project.

1. Boom Lifts

This aerial lift equipment gives you more flexibility than a scissor lift. Being supported by a hydraulic arm, it’s able to manoeuvre around objects easily. You also have the option of extending boom lifts for higher elevations.

You need to consider whether your project requires a telescopic boom lift or an articulating boom lift before deciding to hire this machinery. The advantage of a telescopic boom lift is that it can lift heavier loads. Just remember it has less manoeuvrability.

2. Compacting Equipment

A plate compactor is very useful for preparing foundations for concrete, flattening areas for landscaping and preparation work for paving projects. You can also use compacting equipment for combining soil, clay and other backfill.

The plate compactor is very useful for carrying out compacting work in tight spaces when you can’t use a large roller. This piece of equipment comes in different designs and features for different applications, but its main function is to compress soil.

3. Earth Moving Equipment

Whether you’re looking for a mini excavator or a bobcat, most earth moving equipment can be hired. This saves you on spending a large portion of your project’s budget on such equipment when you only need them for short periods.     

Their main role is to remove large quantities of earth. Once this job has been completed you may no longer need the machine on site. It’s important to know what different types of earth moving equipment can do so you hire the right machine for the job. Besides the ones already mentioned, you can also hire:

• Skid steers
• Augers
• Trenches
• Dingos

4. Generators

Hiring a generator is useful for projects that have no other source of power supply. Most times, a generator is needed for the duration of the project. They’re also useful for renovations and for backup during power outages.

The advantage of renting a generator is you’re not responsible for its maintenance and repair costs. You’re also improving productivity by limiting downtime should a generator break down. The hire company will replace the broken generator with another one while repairs are being done.

5. Jackhammers

The jackhammer is another piece of plant equipment you may not have to buy but rather hire. This machine is used to break up rocks, concrete and pavement. But they can also break up bitumen, remove tiles, break down brickwork and even remove plaster on walls.

These tools can be used for both heavy and light duty work. Use them to break up areas quickly for preparation of building or for gaining access to difficult areas. They’re often hand-held and run off compressed air or sometimes an electric motor.

What You Need to Know Before Hiring Plant Equipment

If you decide to hire rather than buy plant equipment, make sure of the following:

• The hire company keeps all its equipment well-maintained and can offer the latest models for more efficient operation.
• All equipment has been certified for safety reasons and all paperwork is kept up to date.
• The specified equipment is available when you need it for the smooth running of your project. You don’t want to be delayed because the hiring company is not able to deliver the equipment when you need it.
• The hiring company is able to give you good service support at all times. When a piece of machinery breaks down, you want to know the company can send someone as soon as possible to carry out repairs.

Hiring plant equipment will save you time and money in the long run. But it’s essential you hire from a professional hire company.

Final Thoughts

Make sure the hire company you use is well-equipped to support your project. If you opt to for scissor lift hire Melbourne hire companies have to offer, make sure you’re getting the right one for the job.

Hiring equipment removes a lot of hassles for you as a project manager. It saves you time and money, especially if you’re operating on a tight budget. It also means you can rely on the vendor to make sure all your equipment is well-maintained and functioning properly. All you have to do is ensure you’re dealing with professionals in the plant equipment hire business.