By now we know that it is really easy to hire machines and equipment , making even the largest jobs possible . We never need be put off by the size of an excavation or the amount of spoil to move .
But , we must always be aware that the hire company is there to make a profit and with that in mind be careful of the charges . The invoice you receive at the end of the hire will be made up of 1) consumables , 2)damage , 3) losses ,4) transport and the5) hire rate . In some cases the actual rate for the use of the machine will be the smallest number!.
Taking them in turn , 1} a charge will be made for any 'consumable' items that were delivered with the machine and not returned on termination of the hire , as an example this would be sand paper sheets taken with a floor sanding machine or grinding discs taken with an angle grinder , also , any fuel used during the hire .With fuel most companies will deliver the machine full of fuel so if you return it full there will be no charge - always get a signed note detailing what was delivered and what you are returning , so, if you had 6 grinding wheels delivered and you used 3 make sure the collection note shows that 3 were returned ,otherwise you will get charged!
2} You will find that the Hire Contract will always stipulate that the equipment will be inspected thoroughly when it is returned to their workshop , this means that YOU should do a check yourself,and , most importantly ,take photographs , a photo , even on your mobile , can give you the edge when disputes arise . The bottom line is that Hire Companies will charge the hirer , you , for any damage they can attribute to your use of the machine , so always check windows , tyres and general condition on delivery and collection , and write any comments onto the delivery and collection note , do this and they won't be able to charge you for anything not your fault .
3} Losses are to be treated in the same way as damage , make sure that what is delivered is what you sign for , and , make sure the Hire Company driver signs for what you send back - again they will try to charge for ignition keys, isolator keys , quick hitch ratchets - anything shown as delivered but not returned.Make sure you check and get everything signed for.
4}Probably the most variable item is the delivery charge .Most Hire Companies will negotiate readily on this cost , always query it and 99% of the time you'll get a deal - if not , you've lost nothing !
5}Finally , the cost of the hire itself , machines can be charged by the hour , by the day , over weekends , by the week , there is no set period , you can negotiate a hire for any period that suits you - always remember that the Hire Company needs your business so don't be patronised ! . When you discuss the cost the company will always refer to ' the hire rate ' , this is just industry speak , the rate per week is what you need , then talk about shorter or longer periods , generally , the longer you hire the machine for the less it will cost per day , a machine will cost more per day over 2 days than it will over 5 , and , be aware of the charging period as some companies base their charge on a 5 day week while others a 7 day week .
Friday 4 February 2011
Thursday 3 February 2011
How to hire a mini digger
This blog should really be titled ‘ How to Hire a mini digger and any other large construction equipment ‘!
Most people are not aware that they can easily rent powerful construction machines for use on their own projects and jobs . With very little effort you can mechanise almost any job , digging , earthmoving , skiploading all the time consuming and back breaking jobs that put most people off starting the project at all!
Remember – you can hire any of the machines the professional builders use !
With this in mind you can ; 1) Save time
2) Save money , doing it yourself will be cheaper
3) Get the job done faster
4) Learn some new skills and have fun !
So , the next time you are thinking about doing a job at home , and it looks ‘ out of your range ‘ , always bear in mind you can hire heavy equipment to make the job easier!.
First of all , don’t be put off by thinking hire companies only deal with trade customers , with the current economic squeeze they welcome all new inquiries , and , if they don’t there are plenty out there who will!
A quick search in any local directory or Yell.com will bring up a selection of possible suppliers , or you can jot down contact numbers you will see on machines working around your neighbourhood , always remember that all the large builders merchants will have a hire division capable of supplying a massive list of equipment , the next time you are near a merchants pop in and ask for a hire brochure , they will usually hand you a thick glossy catalogue containing every type of plant and equipment you can think of ( and a bit more! )
Once you have decided on what type of machine you need , telephone at least two companies and ask for ‘the hire desk’ , you will then speak to a ‘Hire Controller’ , this is industry speak for the guy who does all the work!
When asking for a quote there are several important things that have a direct bearing on the price ,
1) Where is the job? - this affects the delivery cost
2) When is the machine required? – will they have a machine available
3) How long will you need the machine? – just helps with forward planning
These three questions will always be asked and a price should be quoted .Remember , the listed price is usually negotiable and these companies want your business , always ask for a better rate than shown in the catalogue , it is probably easier to ‘ screw down the price’ of hire than any other industry , they hate to see you go elsewhere , and, they want the business , I repeat,always ask for a better deal . The other main costs involved will be insurance, a real necessity that is sometimes provided ,as an extra so check the cost and extent of cover ,and fuel for the machine .Usually equipment is delivered with full tanks and should be returned the same , check on delivery that this is the case before signing the drivers note.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)