Many business enterprises today have made the important choice of hiring (instead of purchasing) the machinery and different types of equipment they need. This is indeed a good idea, because when you hire instead of purchase, you can keep your expenses down and have the advantage of flexibility as well. Plus, you don’t need to worry about maintaining equipment and will have the best quality to choose from. But before you go ahead and sign up with the first plant hire service you find, here’s what you should know first.
Do your research
Even if you are in a hurry, it would be in your best interest to do some research first. Make a list of prospective plant hire services (preferably in your nearby area so it would be easier to visit them if necessary) and try to find out more about their service and reputation. And then, once you have made this list, you need to consider several important aspects, including the company’s availability, the length of their lease, and their terms of delivery and the logistics involved.
First: availability
The plant hire service you choose should be able to provide you with the exact machinery and equipment you need – when it is needed. You may find it inconvenient to wait for them to free up a particular piece of equipment, because then you’ll be holding up your own project. When you speak with a representative of the hire service, ask them about the availability of their machinery. If, by any chance, you are willing to wait, then ask them how long it will take.
Second: the length of the lease
Before doing anything else, you should ask the hire service regarding the length of their lease. This is because some may require a longer lease time than others, and you wouldn’t want to be stuck with equipment you no longer need and still be paying for it. On the other hand, you should also ask them about their policy on extended agreements, especially since construction and building projects are prone to delays. You may need to be able to work with a plant hire service that can be flexible with extensions.
Third: the terms of delivery and logistics
As mentioned, it’s always better to choose a company based locally, since delivery should be faster and easier. And when you choose a service, make sure it’s close to your site. For instance, if you have a project in Chesterfield, then it makes sense to look for plant hire in Chesterfield. This will also help with the expense, since the hire service is nearer. Also, a plant hire in the local area will have a better understanding of the local motorways and roads and will have a better handle on the traffic situation as well.
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