What plant hire really costs.
A useful comparison aligns the whole commercial basis—not just the largest number printed beside “per hour”.
The base rate is only one line
Hourly, daily and weekly rates describe a time unit, not the complete work package. Confirm whether the clock includes operator mobilisation, pre-start, meal breaks, refuelling, travel or standby. Request itemised assumptions and exclusions so another supplier can price the same scope.
Minimum hours and shifts
A short task may attract a minimum shift or daily charge. Night, weekend, public-holiday and remote rosters can use different operator and support assumptions. Request itemised assumptions and exclusions so another supplier can price the same scope.
Mobilisation and demobilisation
Transport varies with machine weight, dimensions, origin, carrier, route, permits, escorts and waiting time. Compare the complete return journey. Request itemised assumptions and exclusions so another supplier can price the same scope.
Operator and wet hire
Wet hire commonly includes a competent operator, but overtime, travel, allowances, accommodation and site-specific training may be separate. Request itemised assumptions and exclusions so another supplier can price the same scope.
Fuel, water and consumables
Clarify who supplies diesel, AdBlue, water, wear parts, drilling media, welding consumables or pump hoses—and what return fuel level applies. Request itemised assumptions and exclusions so another supplier can price the same scope.
Attachments and configuration
Special buckets, hammers, grabs, forks, rigging and machine-control systems can add hire, transport, installation or cleaning costs. Request itemised assumptions and exclusions so another supplier can price the same scope.
Standby and delays
Wet weather, inaccessible workfaces, inductions, waiting trucks and client delays may be charged differently. Put the basis in writing. Request itemised assumptions and exclusions so another supplier can price the same scope.
Damage, cleaning and return
Define fair wear, damage waivers, tyre or track damage, cleaning, contamination and off-hire inspection before mobilisation. Request itemised assumptions and exclusions so another supplier can price the same scope.
A like-for-like quote request
Issue one written brief with the site address, dates, hours, quantities, equipment specification, attachments, operator arrangement, delivery constraints and requested rate breakdown. If a quote changes one assumption, record that difference rather than comparing totals without context.