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Contractors Can Improve Your Home

Hello! I would like to give you the warmest welcome to my blog. My name is Pete and last year, I decided to carry out some home improvements. Somewhat foolishly, I decided to try and carry out the work myself. As you can imagine, it was a bit of a disaster as I do not have many skills. Thankfully, I have a friend who works in the construction and contracting service. He called in some of his friends who were able to come in and fix up the mess I had made. I am really pleased with the results so I thought I would write about it here.

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Contractors Can Improve Your Home

Plant Hire Tips

by Regina Barnett

Plant hire is an ideal option for contractors who need excavators, bulldozers, cranes and graders to use in their construction sites. Below is a guide discussing the considerations to make when hiring plant equipment. 

Inspect The Equipment

Visit the company premises and inspect the equipment that you intend to hire. While you are there, be sure to do the following: 

  • Conduct some background research to determine the reputation of the equipment's manufacturer. Typically, avoid equipment that is prone to defects and malfunctions.
  • Ask the company to provide service and maintenance records. Poorly maintained plant equipment could cause accidents at your site.
  • The equipment should have a manual to guide the operator and help you conduct repairs.
  • Assess the equipment's ease of use. For instance, power take-off shafts will assist you when operating the various attachments. 

The site conditions will determine the type of equipment that you should hire. For instance, tracked equipment is ideal when working on uneven ground and unstable soils. Plant equipment comes with a wide variety of attachments. For example, an excavator could have a bucket, auger, breaker or clamps. It is cheaper to hire one excavator with different attachments instead of having multiple machines at the site. 

Check The Terms of Hire

Read the terms of hire to avoid conflict with the plant hire company. For example, check whether the company provides support services such as transport, repair maintenance and installation. Most companies insure their plant equipment. However, you will be liable for repairs if you intentionally damage the equipment. You should also assess the company's price policy. For example, do they charge per hour or per day? Does the company increase the hiring charges during the weekend and holidays? Does the company reduce the hire charges when the equipment is idle? Additionally, check when you should make the various payments. 

Wet Versus Dry Hire

It is probably every contractor's dilemma. Dry hire is ideal for contractors who have licenced operators at their site or those that can operate the plant equipment. When hiring the equipment, assess its fuel consumption and the required lubricants. Preferably, negotiate the terms of hire to ensure the company offers repair and maintenance services. If you opt for wet hire, the hiring company will offer a plant operator, fuel and lubricants. Although wet hire can be significantly more expensive than dry hire, you do not have to be liable for repairs since the company's employees operate the equipment.

When hiring plant equipment, inspect the machines, check the company's terms of hire and observe the recommended wet and dry hire tips. 

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