6 Questions to Consider When Hiring an Excavator

When it comes to hiring appropriate excavators there are so many different options to explore and important questions to ask. You need to be able to source the right kind of machine and put your trust in the potential operator. When you’re searching for the ideal supplier for you, it can seem like it takes a lifetime. Perhaps you’re looking for something every specific or you want to make sure the process is as environmentally friendly as possible, there are so many avenues you will need to navigate. Regardless of your individual project, there are a handful of questions you need to have in mind at all times. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of searching and interviewing potential excavation suppliers, then you aren’t the only person who feels this way. Getting a little lost along the way is what many people go through at this stage in the game. Try to approach this process thoroughly because you need to know exactly what you’re signing up for. As long as you keep all of the following six questions and answers in mind when making your final decision, you will always have peace of mind that you made all of the right choices for you.

1. What Is an Excavator?

Just for a little background information, you need to understand what an excavator is and how it can benefit your particular project. Also known as diggers, excavators are a popular type of equipment used most commonly in the construction and mining industries. The machinery is pretty adaptable with additional accessories that can be included or taken away depending on the job. A typical excavator will consist of a boom, dipper, bucket and cab which is positioned on a turning platform. There are also many different sizes to choose from depending on the scale of the project and job site. If you’re looking to use an excavator yourself you will probably be looking into local excavator hire. You need to be able to trust the supplier implicitly, so that your business is in the best possible position to achieve their goals without breaking your budget. Many excavators also come with their own operators, but if you do want to carry out the work yourself you will need a Verification of Competency or a VOC as well as an excavation licence in order to operate it.

2. What Type Do You Need?

First of all, you need to consider what type of excavator you need to complete your project effectively. Your construction team should go through the job description in detail and figure out the most suitable machine for the project. The type of excavator you choose depends entirely on the following situations, the size of the space, the geographical location, access into the side, the type of ground you’re working on, the kind of work being undertaken, other equipment present on side, how deep you need to dig and many other planning issues. Once your supplier is aware of the kind of job you’re trying to carry out, you should be presented with a number of different options to suit your job and your budget. For specialist projects you will probably have to look further afield for a supplier who has a lot of experience in the realm you’re dealing with.

3. How Do You Hire?

Once you have explored all of the different factors for your project, you will be able to figure out what the cost adds up to. If it works with your set budget you will be able to go ahead and start the hiring process with the supplier. If it turns out to be slightly more than you anticipated you might need to negotiate a better deal. In the short term you might think it’s better to opt for a smaller and cheaper machine, but you don’t want to get halfway through your project only to discover you need a different type to complete it. Talk the pros and cons through carefully and make sure you are in fact hiring the correct machine for your needs.

4. What’s Included in the Hire?

Make sure you are entirely clear on what is included within your hire. Most suppliers will rent out the equipment along with the crew to operate it, but make sure you’re clear on the terms and conditions before agreeing and signing the paperwork. Make sure you talk about the potential additional fees that might crop up in the near future. You might need to add accessories or pay for the clean-up once the project is completed. As long as you know where you stand and what you’ve paid for, there should be no confusion.

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5. Do You Need Accessories?

Your chosen supplier should always be completely transparent about what accessories you will need to complete your project adequately. Make sure you get everything in writing and it is abundantly clear which accessories you will need from the very beginning. If you think you’re paying an extremely low price for the hire of an excavator, then this might be the catch you need to look for.

6. Is Your Time Frame Guaranteed?

If you are being told that your work can be completed within two weeks, a month or sixty days, you need to ensure that they are guaranteeing that time frame. This should be clearly laid out in your contract, no matter what other jobs pop up in their diaries along the way. Make it clear that you need to meet a certain deadline otherwise you might require a refund on their part for their delay.

As long as you are well prepared with the right kind of knowledge, questions and queries you can have peace of mind that you are hiring the correct people and equipment for the job. Being in the know will not only help you to protect your budget, but it will also help you stay on track with deadlines. Overall, as long as you can put your trust in the suppliers and understand what is included with the equipment, you will always be able to make an informed decision.