Equipment Rental Tips
As a contractor, you often hire equipment such as earthmovers, height safety equipment, machines and tipper trucks. Below is an extract with some detailed insights on how to ensure you get value for your money when hiring equipment.
Choose the Right Equipment
Although you might be conversant with construction equipment, slight oversights could affect your judgement as you choose the equipment. For instance, start by examining the operator's expertise. When dealing with novice operators, the rule is to go for the latest equipment with modern features. For example, modern earthmovers have operational assist features that make it easier to drive the equipment and help prevent accidents. You must also assess how the building crew intends to use the equipment. For instance, how long will the earthmovers work? What weights will the equipment lift? At what heights will the equipment work? Does the earthmover need additional attachments? These assessments will help you narrow your search to a particular equipment make and model.
Avoid Paying for Idle Equipment
You could find yourself paying for idle equipment at the site. The secret is examining the site operations to establish when you need each equipment. For example, you could need an excavator to dig and move earth at the site. However, the excavator could need special attachments such as augers and breakers as you near the project's completion. You will save costs if you rent the attachments on a need basis as opposed to hiring them together with the excavator.
Assess the Condition of the Rental Equipment
Critically examine the condition of the rented equipment. Although you might not be liable for repair costs, you risk slowing down your project and incurring additional costs. Besides, faulty equipment could cause accidents at the site. For instance, a scaffold could collapse with builders on board. In this case, your firm might incur significant costs compensating injured personnel.
Negotiate the Rental Conditions to Avoid Penalties
If the company offers exciting equipment rental packages, you could forget to read the rental contract. However, the rental contract terms could contain unfriendly clauses that inflate the rental costs. For example, the company could adjust the standard charge during weekends and holidays. Moreover, you could be liable for transport and repair costs. Read the contract and negotiate any unreasonable conditions. Most companies will adjust these conditions to ensure a long-term customer relationship.
When renting equipment, choose the right equipment, do not pay for idle equipment, assess the rental equipment's condition and negotiate the company's terms.
Contact a local equipment hire company for more information.