It’s not uncommon for a company to choose to rent construction equipment rather than purchasing it outright. Moreover, when it comes to a business that relies on different types of projects to get a job completed, sometimes it’s just not feasible to purchase all of the equipment needed to get the job done. In addition to this, you’ll also want to consider general storage as well as the maintenance and upkeep of the equipment you require.
It can certainly be challenging to find quality services provided by companies without being aware of the factors that go into the process of plant hire. With this in mind, here are a few key things to consider.
Is the rental company close to the project site?
Consider the fact that you are not merely covering the cost of the equipment you rent. You are also going to be covering the cost of the equipment that you rent, as well as the cost of transport which will be in the contract you sign.
Is the equipment up to date and functioning?
Renting is undoubtedly a cheaper alternative to buying plant hire; it’s not advisable to rent equipment that’s already seen a great deal of wear and tear. The last thing you want is any equipment breaking down mid-way through a project resulting in stalling progress and perhaps costing you extra in charges. Always query with the hire company that the equipment is fully up to date.
Is the equipment available for when you need it?
Always consult the hire company about availability prior to making any solid plans; you don’t want to be in a situation where you are unable to use the specific equipment you need on the day that you need it.
Does the company handle their own maintenance?
It goes without saying that maintenance is one of the most significant and important factors of heavy machinery. If you don’t have staff trained specifically in maintenance, extra charges due to poorly maintained equipment could very well tank the project.
Size things up
Before you can lift any kind of load, you need to take the time to measure the load and determine its weight. The crane used to lift the load needs to have an adequate capacity and be able to handle the size of the load without affecting the stability of the machine. If the load is too large, it may be difficult to move side to side or front to back without rocking the crane.
If you need a professional crane company to help with your latest construction project, contact S G Haulage. With a vast fleet of cranes and forklift trucks, we’re bound to have the right vehicle for you, and we’ll also provide all the necessary risk assessments, method statements and lift plans. Get in touch to find out more.
