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Hiring the Best Heavy Construction Equipment: Everything to Consider

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Hiring the Best Heavy Construction Equipment: Everything to Consider

If you are hiring heavy construction equipment for your business, there are so many things you need to consider, from driver training to safety features, from cost to supplemental insurance, and, of course, there are many other factors to consider. Hi, my name is Dave, and I used to work in the oil fields. During that time, I ran almost every type of heavy machinery you can imagine, and I also saw a lot of mistakes being made. I learned a lot, and now that I am semi-retired, I want to share a lot of that info. Before you hire a heavy machine, take a look at these posts.

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Excavator Hire Tips

14 January 2022
 Categories: , Blog

Excavators are essential in construction and demolition sites. In most cases, contractors opt to hire the equipment to cut the site management costs. If you intend to hire an excavator, this guide offers some critical insights to ease the excavator rental process. 

Examine The Site Work Plans

Your first objective is to determine why you need an excavator. Examine the site work plans to establish the excavator's work. For instance, it could be used for digging foundations, holes or trenches, loading trucks, demolishing structures, mulching, breaking rocks, removing debris or material handling. This assessment will help you determine the type of excavator(s) required at the site. Further, examine the site conditions. For example, a rough terrain excavator would be ideal when working in mine-like conditions. On the other hand, a tracked excavator would be suitable for muddy sites or clay soils.  

Choosing A Suitable Excavator

Once you are sure about the excavator(s) needed at the site, contact a reputable excavator hire company and inquire about the availability of the equipment you require. In most cases, the rental company will have a wide array of similar excavators to choose from. Below is a criterion to help you settle on one excavator.

  • The rule is that you should rent a reputable model that can withstand long working hours and abuse at the site. Interview other contractors to establish the models they prefer.
  • Inspect the excavator to ensure it is in good condition and fully functional. Most companies will provide paperwork to prove the equipment is serviced and safe to use.
  • Examine the design of the excavator cab. For instance, a closed cab with AC would be ideal when working at night or during the cold months.
  • The equipment should have modern safety features such as blind-spot detection, cameras, safety pins, and electronic fencing. 

Negotiate The Rental Terms

Read the rental contract to establish if the company has reasonable terms and conditions. If not, negotiate these terms to avoid extra costs and conflict as you use the equipment. For example, you could save significant costs if you ask the company to commence charges once the equipment arrives at your site rather than when it leaves the company's premises. Besides, negotiate for free transport, servicing and repair. Ensure that the excavator has a valid insurance cover and a trained operator. It helps you avoid compensation claims in case of an accident at the site. 

When hiring an excavator, examine the site work plans, choose a suitable excavator and negotiate the rental terms. 

For more information on an excavator for hire, contact a company like Statewide Hire Pty Ltd.