Each project is unique, and the type and size of heavy construction equipment to be employed will depend on the job at hand and the conditions of the sites. Choosing the right plant is about more than availability, it’s about safety, efficiency, and keeping costs under control.
A reliable plant hire company should support you in making the best choice, as mismatched equipment can cause delays, inflate budgets, and even increase the risk of accidents. So, what should you look for before hiring heavy construction equipment? Here are the key points to consider.
Fit for Purpose
Choosing a modern, well-maintained construction plant from a trusted provider maximises reliability and reduces the risk of breakdowns and health and safety issues. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require that plant and machinery are kept in safe working condition so hiring from a company with rigorous maintenance standards is essential.
If lifting operations are involved, make sure equipment is supplied with appropriate certification for LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) regulations. This gives you peace of mind that the machinery is complaint and suitable for the task.
It is also worth asking whether the plant is fitted with visibility aids such as cameras or proximity sensors. These features help prevent accidents when manoeuvring in busy or restricted sites. At AE Faulks, for example, our machines are maintained to the highest safety standards and fitted with the appropriate safety technology.
Training and Operator Support
Training is a vital part of site safety. Even experienced workers may need refreshers, as equipment models are regularly updated with new controls and features. Investing time in training reduces risks and ensures machinery is used efficiently.
If your team doesn’t have someone qualified to operate a particular machine, it’s often more efficient to hire it with a trained operator. Many of our machines are available with fully accredited operators, so you can be confident in both safety and productivity.
Service and Back-Up Support
Breakdowns or equipment issues can quickly bring a project to a halt. That’s why it’s important to check what level of service support your hire company provides. Good service support should include:
- Prompt response times if a machine develops a fault
- Clear advice on choosing the right plant for the job
- Availability of additional equipment attachments to increase machine versatility
- Well-stocked fleets, so replacement machinery is ready if needed
When hiring with us, you benefit from our long-standing expertise across the Midlands. Our teams are available to advise before you hire, and our engineers ensure machinery is maintained to minimise downtime on site.
The Benefits of Hiring
One of the biggest advantages of hiring over buying is flexibility. Hiring allows you to match the equipment to the specific needs of a project without committing to a long-term investment. Key benefits of hiring include:
- No upfront purchase cost, insurance or storage worries
- Maintenance and servicing included in the hire agreement
- Freedom to choose from a range of machines for different jobs
- Access to the latest models with improved efficiency and safety features
- Ability to scale up or down depending on project requirements
For businesses managing multiple projects or seasonal workloads, this flexibility can make a significant difference to both efficiency and profitability.
Expert Plant Hire
At AE Faulks, we’ve been supporting contractors, local authorities and businesses across the Midlands for decades. Our wide range of operated and self-drive plant includes tracked excavators, dozers, dump trucks, agricultural tractors, tipper lorries and road sweepers.
Every machine is rigorously maintained for safety and performance, and our operators are fully accredited. Whether you’re managing a large construction project or a smaller local job, we provide the equipment and expertise to keep your project moving.
To learn more about our plant hire services or request a quote, get in touch with our friendly team today.
