Making the choice to hire plant for your project can be a game-changer, but there are certain steps you have to take to ensure a smooth process. There are a few pitfalls that can result in costly delays and safety issues, but with a few extra precautions taken, you can dodge all of the unsavoury consequences.
In this post, we’ll walk you through three of the most common mistakes companies make when hiring plant machinery, and, more importantly, how to avoid them to keep your project running.
Mistake 1: Not assessing your project’s needs
One of the biggest mistakes we’ve seen companies make is not fully assessing exactly what they need for the job. This is often down to a lack of time and certain tasks getting rushed, but this little cut corner can result in big problems.
The consequences
Picture this: Chris has hired an 18M articulated boom lift to help with his team’s building project. The heavy plant has been delivered, the operator is there, and the team is ready to go, only to realise that the wall is a little higher than Chris realised. Turns out Chris needs a 20M boom lift instead. This small slip-up costs money and time, both crucial to any construction project.
How to avoid
To avoid this mistake, double-check the specific needs of your project. Spending extra time confirming the details can be the difference between days of work and large sums of money that can be better spent elsewhere.
Mistake 2: Neglecting operator training and safety
Everyone in construction should be aware that knowing how to operate one machine doesn’t mean you know how to operate another. Plant can be dangerous when in the wrong hands, so it’s essential to ensure your operators are trained for the type of plant you’re hiring.
The consequences
If you assign an operator to a piece of heavy machinery that isn’t trained on it, accidents could happen, which may result in injury or even death. Assuming all drivers can operate any piece of plant isn’t worth the risk.
How to avoid
Ensure you have operators on your staff that can handle the machinery you’re hiring. Better yet, choose our operated plant hire service and we’ll arrange for a fully qualified operator to arrive at your project. They can operate the plant and get the job done for the length of time required.
Mistake 3: No delivery plan
More common than you might think are unclear logistics plans. A lot of machinery, both heavy and otherwise, has specific elements that can make it tricky to get on site, especially if your project location is difficult to get to or has adverse terrain. It is absolutely crucial to assess this before arranging your delivery to avoid mistakes.
The consequences
If you don’t assess and prep your site for receiving plant, you could hit a few snags. The plant might not fit through the gate, may not have the wheels for your terrain, or maybe can’t get in because there’s no one there to accept it in the first place. If any of these happen, you might suffer massive delays to your project.
How to avoid
Assess your site and factor in what needs to change to receive your hired plant. This could include putting down heavy-duty ground mats for plant to drive over, checking scheduling to ensure someone is there to accept the delivery, or making temporary fencing adjustments. For more tips on how to ready your project location, take a look at our guide to preparing your site.
Easy plant hire from Rockthorn
By avoiding these three mistakes, you’ll ensure a smooth delivery of your hired heavy machinery. If you have any questions about what plant your project needs, our plant operators, or how you can prep your site for delivery, just give us a call on 0330 118 5030. Our friendly team are on hand to help with whatever you need from your Norfolk plant hire and beyond, with years of expert experience under our belts.