Heavy diggers are necessary for a number of jobs including landscaping, excavating, demolition, grading, digging, and moving large volumes of earth. Most construction and development sites require common heavy diggers such as excavators and backhoes. However, these pieces of heavy machinery can be quite expensive, so many contractors choose to hire heavy diggers instead of buying them. Despite the fact that hiring a heavy digger is cheaper than buying one, the operational costs can still be hefty. Fortunately, there are a few ways to reduce cost of a heavy digger.
1. Shop Around With Different Hire Companies
If you want to save money on your equipment, you need to find a heavy digger hire company that offers reasonable prices. Many companies have the same equipment, but the rates differ and some are far more economical than others. It pays to shop around and compare rates before settling on one company. These are a few things to consider to make sure you get the best price:
Look for a heavy digger hire company that offers flexible packages.
Opt for a company that offers a range of equipment. If you need more than one type of heavy digger, you’re better off hiring from the same company because the rates may be cheaper than renting from two different companies.
Make sure that the rates include attachments for the equipment you will need, such as grapples, augers, buckets and grading blades. You don’t want to hire them separately because that will cost you extra money.
Once you have used this criteria to assess the various hire companies, ask for quotes and decide which one will meet your needs at the most competitive prices.
2. Make Sure Your Digger is Serviced
Imagine that in the middle of operations, your heavy digger breaks down. You would have no choice but to repair it, and this could end up costing you much more than the initial hire costs. Before you take on the equipment, ask the hire company to do a thorough inspection and make any services or repairs necessary. You should be present while the inspection is taking place to make sure that there is no previous damage and all the parts are functioning properly.
Be sure to inspect components like the electrical system, hydraulic system, controls, undercarriage and the attachment system. Make sure that company changes the fluids. By ensuring the equipment is up to par, you can avoid paying extra for damages that might not be your fault.
3. Hire an Operator with Experience
You may think that hiring an experienced operator is a needless expenditure, but it can actually be more economical in the long run. Many hire companies give you the choice of renting the heavy digger on its own or with an experienced operator for an additional fee. It may end up costing you an extra £200 or so, but there are a few reasons why this might save you money.
An experienced operator has the skills to get the job done quickly, whereas you might take longer, especially if you don’t have similar skills. With an experienced operator, there are less chances of errors being made due to incompetence. This can save you both money and time. In addition, if an experienced operator damages the equipment, the hire company is responsible for the repairs.
Final Thoughts
Heavy digger hire is a vitally important service for construction and earth-moving projects. A plant hire company can be an affordable option if you keep these tips in mind. FGS Plant can help you with all your heavy digger requirements. Our prices are very competitive and we offer a range of packages to suit various needs. Contact us now to get a free quote and let us take care of all your plant hire questions, concerns and needs.
