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 .
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