Are you a project manager looking to hire equipment for the first time? Does your new project require machinery you haven’t needed before and therefore don’t own? The solution may be machine or tool rental.
These days, it’s not uncommon for business owners to opt for the equipment hire Bendigo construction companies are relying on to get jobs done. Rental is an effective solution for companies on a limited budget or for instances when the piece of equipment isn’t needed for long-term use.
Make Equipment Hire Quick and Simple
If you’re hiring for the first time, it’s essential to note that there are several pointers to consider before you sign on the dotted line. Hidden costs and hiring the wrong machine are just two of the issues you may have to deal with if you don’t follow the correct procedure. We’ve compiled a list of pointers that you should review as you’re getting ready to hire equipment for the first time.
1. Establish Exactly What is Required
The first step is to know exactly what you need and for how long. This involves reviewing what needs to be done around your job site. It may be more economical to hire a machine or piece of equipment for a week than to have to hire it every second day.
Since some equipment and machines can perform different functions, it’s a good idea to opt for machines that can do more than one task. It may be cheaper to hire one machine with various attachments rather than having to pay for the rental of various machines.
Be sure to tell the rental agent exactly what you want to do with the machine and how long you think the job will take. You may find that they have a more effective solution to offer!
2. Consider the Logistics Involved
Step two involves using a rental agent close enough to the job site to ensure that there won’t be any issues with getting the machine to where you need it. Remember that moving a small tool or piece of equipment may be considerably easier than a larger excavator.
Another advantage of hiring a rental company close by is that there won’t be any delays in getting the machine to the job site on time. In an industry where time is money, being late can significantly affect your planned timelines.
3. Review Any State Regulations
It’s equally important to note that not all Australian states have the same rules regarding the transport and use of larger machinery. A credited rental agency will be able to advise you on any local regulations that you need to be aware of. However, it’s still a good idea to research these yourself.
Some of these may include whether the operator using the machinery needs to be licensed. This may be necessary in instances where you’re hiring earth-moving equipment such as excavators, tractors or even mobile cranes. Many rental agents also offer hiring services that include the use of a licensed operator. While this may be slightly more costly, it could be more affordable than having to hire a contractor for the period involved.
4. Reputation Matters
When it comes to the building and construction industry, reputation matters. The rental agents who work in this industry are regarded by the same rules. That means, that if you’re dealing with a company for the first time, it’s essential to do some research to establish whether or not they have a credible reputation within the industry.
You can do this by speaking to other contractors, checking online reviews and any customer testimonials on their websites or social media pages. Fortunately, you’ll quickly learn about fly-by-night agents trying to scam first-time renters.
5. Always Scrutinize the Contract
Understanding the fine print of your contract is critical as this will prevent you from having to deal with hidden costs and other issues down the line. A few of the essential aspects to check about your contract are listed as:
- What are the general terms and conditions?
- Are all the costs highlighted in the initial estimate? Here you want to check that there are no admin costs that appear later.
- Understand the exact process to follow if a machine breaks while your team is using it. You should check if a replacement machine will be available and how using a new unit affects your primary contract.
- Does the contract cover the transport to and from the job site? Are there additional charges to use an operator from the rental agency?
- What is the process to follow if you need to extend the rental period? This may happen if rain or any other unforeseen circumstances prevent you from finishing the job on time.
Final Thought
Rental is a very effective and efficient option. Not only do you get access to equipment with the latest technology, but you also save on storage and maintenance costs. Using the right equipment means that you will be able to get work done correctly and timeously!
