Plant hire guides
Compare machines, estimate costs and prepare a request with the right details for your job.
Guide · Lorry loader, mobile crane or tower crane: which lifting option?Lorry loader (HIAB), mini crane, mobile crane or tower crane: reach, capacity, crane hire vs contract lift, permits and what to ask.
Guide · Mini digger sizes: which one should you hire?Compare micro, mini and midi digger sizes: width, dig depth, access, attachments and transport, with indicative UK weekly hire prices.
Guide · Plant hire prices: what affects the cost and how to compare quotesWhat makes up a plant hire price: rates, delivery, damage waiver, fuel, operators, VAT and minimum hires, with example UK weekly rates.
Guide · Plant operator cards explained: CPCS, NPORS, IPAF and CSCSPlant operator cards explained: what CPCS, NPORS, IPAF PAL and CSCS cards cover, and what to tell a hire company before self-drive hire.
Guide · Scissor lift or cherry picker: which access platform to hire?Scissor lift or cherry picker? Compare height, outreach, platform size, indoor use and IPAF training before you hire an access platform.
Guide · Self-drive or operated plant hire: which is right for your job?Self-drive or operated plant hire: costs, training, insurance, responsibilities and when an operator is worth it on your job.
Guide · Site cabins and welfare: what does a building site need?What welfare a UK building site needs: toilets, washing, drinking water, rest areas, towable welfare units, cabins and storage containers.
Guide · Skid steer loader: wheels or tracks?Wheeled or tracked skid steer? Compare ground conditions, running costs, attachments and sizes before you hire a compact loader.
Guide · Telehandler sizes: how much reach and capacity do you need?How to choose a telehandler size: lift height, capacity, load charts, attachments and ground conditions, with indicative UK hire prices.
Guide · Wacker plate, trench rammer or roller: which compactor to hire?Choose the right compactor: forward or reversible plate, trench rammer, pedestrian or ride-on roller, by material, layer depth and area.
Guide · What size generator do I need? Working out kVA for site, home or eventWork out generator size in kVA for a site, home or event: kW vs kVA, load lists, starting current, 110 V and a rough calculator.
Guide · Which site dumper should you hire?Site dumper sizes explained: tracked barrows, high-tip, swivel and forward tipping dumpers, access widths, safety and indicative UK prices.