How much does it cost to hire plant machinery?

Plant hire is a common practice in various industries, including construction, agriculture, and landscaping. However, understanding the cost involved in hiring this equipment in the plant hire industry is crucial for effective budgeting and project planning. In this blog post, we will explore the factors that affect plant hire costs, different pricing structures, popular rental companies, and real-life case studies.

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how much plant hire costs in the UK, and be equipped with valuable tips to minimise expenses. Let's dive in and explore the world of plant hire machinery!

Factors Affecting Plant Hire Costs

When it comes to determining the cost of plant hire machinery, several factors come into play. Understanding these factors will help you assess the expenses involved and make informed decisions. Here are the key aspects that affect plant machinery hire costs:

Types of machinery required and their prices

There is an extensive range of machinery and plant attachments that can be hired. Let's take a look at the ones we supply at Henson Plant below.

Excavators:

Excavators are versatile machines used for digging, trenching, and earthmoving tasks. The cost of excavator hire can vary depending on its size, reach, and attachments needed for specific applications.

Excavator Prices

Excavators (depending on the size) from us at Henson Plant can start from:

A day: from £75 a day and £55 for an extra day.

A Weekend: from £150.

A 5-day Week: from £150.

A 7-day week: from £320.

Backhoe Loaders:

Loaders are commonly used for material handling and loading tasks. The cost of hiring a loader can depend on factors such as bucket capacity, lift height, and whether it is a compact or large-sized machine.

Backhoe Loader Prices

Backhoe loaders (depending on their size) from us at Henson Plant can start from:

A day: from 75 and from £55 for an extra day.

A Weekend: from £150.

A 5-day Week: from £220.

A 7-day Week: from £320.

Dumpers:

Dumpers, also known as site dumpers or dump trucks, are heavy-duty vehicles used for transporting and unloading materials on construction sites.

Dumper Prices

Excavators (depending on the size) from us at Henson plant can start from:

A day: from £55 and from £50 for an extra day.

A Weekend: from £110.

A 5-day Week: £170.

A 7-day week: £220.

Roller/ Compactors

A roller is a type of heavy construction machinery used primarily for compacting and smoothing surfaces such as soil, asphalt, or concrete. It consists of a large cylindrical drum or set of drums that can be smooth or equipped with protrusions known as "knobs" or "feet" to create texture on the surface being rolled.

Roller/ Compactor Prices

Rollers (depending on the size) from us at Henson plant can start from:

A day: from £50 and from £50 for an extra day.

A Weekend: from £120.

A 5-day Week: £180.

A 7-day week: £220.

Welfare Units / Trailers

A welfare unit is a portable facility commonly used on construction sites or other remote work locations to provide essential amenities and support for workers. It is designed to ensure the well-being, comfort, and safety of workers during their breaks and downtime.

Welfare Unit Prices

Trailers from us at Henson Plant can start from:

A day: from £28 and from £28 for an extra day.

A Weekend: from £42.

A 5-day Week: from £84.

A 7-day week: from £90.

Attachments, Tools and their prices

Plant hire attachments are a valuable resource for construction and excavation projects. These attachments offer versatility and efficiency, allowing equipment such as excavators and mini diggers to perform a wide range of tasks.

Some common plant hire attachments include grabs, breakers, pulverisers, tree shears, and drilling equipment. With the proper attachment, an excavator can be transformed into a powerful tool for cutting, breaking, demolishing, and even drilling.

Considerations for specifications and size for plant hire

With comprehensive range, comes comprehensive costs. The specifications and size of the machinery required can impact the plant hire cost. Machines with higher specifications, such as greater horsepower or superior fuel efficiency, may come at a higher price. Additionally, larger machines often have higher rental rates due to their increased capabilities and capacity.

Rental duration

The duration of the rental period is another significant factor affecting machinery hire costs. Most rental companies offer daily, weekly, and monthly rates. Generally, longer rental durations result in lower daily rates, making it more cost-effective for extended projects.

Pricing Structures

When it comes to plant hire, rental companies typically offer different pricing structures based on the duration of the rental period. Let's take a look at the most common pricing structures:

Daily rates

Plant hire solutions companies often provide daily rates for short-term projects or when clients require machinery for a specific task. These rates are calculated based on a 24 hours, and they vary depending on the type and size of the machinery being rented.

Weekly rates

For longer projects or when clients need the equipment for an extended period, rental companies offer weekly rates. These rates are usually more cost-effective than daily rates, as clients benefit from a lower per-day cost.

Monthly rates

Monthly rates are suitable for large-scale projects or when clients require the equipment for an extended duration. Rental companies offer discounted rates for monthly rentals, making them a cost-effective option for long-term projects.

Additional charges and fees

In addition to the base rental rates, there may be additional charges and fees associated with plant hire. These charges can include delivery and pickup fees, fuel surcharges, insurance costs, and damage waivers. It's important to inquire about these additional charges upfront to accurately assess the total cost of the rental.

It's worth noting that rental rates can vary between different rental companies that hire nationwide and local. It's advisable to request quotes from multiple providers and compare their pricing structures to ensure you get the best value for your money.

Money Saving Tips:

Plan in advance:

• Determine the specific equipment you need for the project.
• Analyse the duration and scope of the task to estimate the rental period accuratly.
• Book the machinery well in advance to avoid last-minute rush and higher rental rates.

Choose the suitable machine for the job:

• Assess the requirements of your project and select the most suitable equipment.
• Avoid overestimating or underestimating the capacity and capabilities needed.
• Opt for versatile machinery that can handle multiple tasks to minimise the need for additional rentals.

Negotiate rental terms and rates

• Research and compare rental prices from different suppliers to find the best deal.
• Discuss your project details and rental duration with the supplier to negotiate better rates.
• Consider long-term rentals or package deals to potentially secure discounted rates.

Consider hiring from local rental companies:

• Local rental companies often have lower overhead costs and can offer competitive rates.
• Shorter transportation distances reduce delivery costs and minimise downtime.

By implementing these tips, you can effectively reduce plant hire costs without compromising the quality and efficiency of your construction projects.

Plant Hire is the way to go

Plant hire offers a range of benefits. If you're not already convinced, let's take a look at some of the main reasons why customers opt for plant hire over purchasing their own machines.

Cost-Effective:

Hiring machinery can be more cost-effective than purchasing it outright. It eliminates the need for upfront costs, depreciation, and maintenance expenses. This flexibility and access to modern equipment can contribute to increased efficiency and productivity on construction sites. 

Large Selection:

Plant hire gives you access to a diverse selection of equipment suitable for various tasks and project requirements. This allows for flexibility and the ability to choose the right machinery for the job.

No Storage Hassle:

When you hire plant machinery, you don't have to worry about storage or maintenance. After the job is completed, you can simply return the equipment to the hire company.

Environmentally Friendly

Plant hire can be environmentally friendly as it helps to reduce harmful emissions. By utilising modern and well-maintained equipment, you can contribute to a greener construction industry.

Final Thoughts

Now that we've established the prices and how you can be cost-efficient when needing the full range of plant hire equipment and services, what are our final thoughts?

Every supplier may charge different rates for delivery, and the cost of hiring equipment and the service they need is usually individualised to each customer. Hiring plant machinery rather than purchasing it outright is generally more cost-effective, as hiring eliminates the need for maintenance costs and allows for flexibility in equipment selection.

It is always recommended to evaluate your specific project needs and compare the costs of hiring versus purchasing to determine the most cost-effective option. Do not hesitate to contact us to get an accurate estimate of the cost of hiring plant machinery. You can find our contact page here.