The construction business use heavy machines for a variety of reasons and their use are dependent on various factors ranging from ‘project stage’ right up to the tasks that they are needed for. From mini dumpers, to skid steers, extended hydraulic tools and even the excavator. These machines are critical to just about any construction project and their use is not just limited to the construction business although they are synonymous with the construction industry more than any other industry.
Other industries that also utilise these heavy machines include road works, infrastructure projects, the mining industry, agricultural projects and even forestry and river dredging among others. The variety of heavy machines however may cause confusion and difficulties in choosing which machines to hire. The range of excavators for example that differ in size (mini, standard and large), differ in mobility (tracked, wheeled or legged), the versatility and capacity of the excavator (power, reach, space) all play an integral role towards choosing the right machine for the right project.
Sometimes, there might be situations that may require project managers to also hire mini dumpers, skid steers and excavators all at once. So what are the criterions for choosing a heavy machine for a project in order to ensure that the project does not go sideways and cause losses financially and time wise? This article provides a basic guide on how to choose an excavator for hire and extended hydraulic attachments based on the needs of a project.
First and foremost, project managers are required to determine the type of terrain that the project is on. In the event that the project is located in an urban like area, then a standard wheeled excavator would suit the project best, provided there is sufficient space for a standard sized excavator to move about, else a compact or mini excavator would serve better.
Nevertheless, if the project involves landscaping, then maybe a compact excavator fitted with rubber tracks would be a consideration due to the light weight and the rubber tracks which cause much less damage to the surface that they move on. Other considerations that may be taken into account includes the depth of the dig or the heights that the excavator is required to achieve in order to finish the task. From a totally different perspective, if the project is located on terrain that is uneven or ‘rough’, then a tracked machine would be the best option.
These are just the basic elements that project managers or contractors need to consider before the hire excavators. The attachments (hydraulic tools) such as augers, compactors, crushers, cutters and grapplers which are also usually available on hire also need to be hired according to the sequence of events. Excavator hire prices vary and it will not be cost effective for managers to hire these attachments before they are needed as they would just punch a lot of ‘holes’ right through the project’s budget.
Taking excavators for hire is in essence a business strategy that keeps capital requirements low and this goes a long way in keeping the construction company’s cash flow positive. The cost of hiring these heavy machines average at AUD 200 and by hiring, the company would also eliminate logistical issues as most of these heavy machine hiring companies provide delivery and pick up services for free.
Coupled with the elimination of maintaining these machines, which are also borne by the hiring companies, taking excavators on hire has become the most effective method towards keeping project costs and capital requirements low for construction companies, regardless if they are small, medium or large firms.
