Excavator Hiring Tips

About Me
The Big Build: How to Use Heavy Construction Equipment

My name is Jerry, and I run a small construction company in Perth. My team normally completes relatively small jobs such as plastering walls, repairing electrical systems and constructing patios. However, one day a big client got in touch to say they wanted me to help them construct a large apartment building. I have never taken on such a big job before, but I thought it was a good chance to grow my business and gain some new skills. A friend who has completed large scale jobs before advised me on how I should hire the people and heavy construction equipment needed for the job. I learnt a lot from him, and my company has since completed several more big construction jobs. I have decided to start this blog to advise others how to hire and maintain heavy equipment.

Excavator Hiring Tips

16 November 2021
 Categories: , Blog

Hiring an excavator can be a tricky experience, especially if you do not have any experience in the construction or equipment hire industry. This extract details some of the things to look out for when hiring an excavator. It will ensure you get value for your money when renting the excavator. 

Choose A Suitable Excavator

Although excavators perform the same work, they differ in their capabilities and design. An oversight made by most hires is that they go for the most attractive excavator without giving thought to whether it can conduct the excavation works. For example, it is quite risky to use a short-reach excavator if you will work uphill. Conversely, a wheeled excavator will perform dismally when working on clay soil. If you intend to operate the excavator, then you might be interested in comfort features such as AC, hydraulic seats and radios. The hiring company will have different excavator models. You should choose the most durable and reputable model. Additionally, ensure that the provided equipment is in excellent condition. 

Understand Your Insurance Obligations

You will require extra insurance coverage when the equipment is in your hands. Typically, most excavator hire companies will ask you to sign a damage waiver or hired-in plant insurance policy. A damage waiver is cheap. However, it only covers the equipment against specified perils. For example, it could cover fire and theft but exclude malicious damage, accidents and breakdowns. On the other hand, hired-in insurance offers excess coverage, pays legal costs in case of an accident and compensates you for the loss of hiring charges when the equipment is under repair. 

Determine The Need For An Operator

Dry hire (renting the excavator without an operator) seems like an obvious option if you have some excavator operation experience. Typically, this option is cheaper compared to wet hire (when the excavator has an operator). However, wet hire has its unique advantages. For example, you may not need extra insurance since the excavator is in the company's hands. Besides, you do not take responsibility if the excavator breaks down at your site. Finally, the plant operator provided by the company could provide essential services such as rigging, scaffolding and crane operation. As such, you should conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine which option suits you best. 

Choose suitable equipment, understand your insurance obligations and determine the need for an operator as you consider your next excavator hire.