Everything You Need To Know About Dry Hire
Operating plant and machinery is a specialized skill that not everyone has. Even if you do have the license to operate heavy machinery, chances are that you do not have every piece of machinery you need for big projects.
When hiring equipment, you will inevitably have to consider the Pros and Cons of both Dry Hire and Wet Hire to ensure not only that your project runs as efficiently as possible, but that your bottom line is as low as possible.
What is Dry Hire?
In short, dry hire is the hire of any equipment without an operator or driver.
When hiring a machine or equipment, you will usually get:
- The machine delivered in presentable working conditions serviced prior to delivery
- Option to provide COC to cover any damage or have the option of using the Hirers insurance at an additional fee of 12%.
- Signed safety forms and other complete paperwork
- Pre-start checklists and operating manuals and logbooks
- Operator keys
- A full tank of fuel and standard buckets with excavators.
- Fitted safety specs
- ROPS/FOPS canopy
- Other types of standard equipment such as tracks, lights, belts, and controls
What Isn’t Included with Dry Hire?
As previously mentioned, dry hires do not come with an operator. Many dry hires also do not come with additional items such as:
- Additional fuel for larger projects
- Lubricants, in case your machine needs to be serviced in the middle of your project
- Nonstandard Attachments
- Transport costs
If your project deems it necessary, you will need to source these additional items yourself.
Why Dry Hire Your Project Equipment?
This rental option is significantly cheaper than wet hire as you do not need to pay for the additional operator’s Labor.
It will also give you more control over your project and how it turns out. After all, your operators have worked with you before and already know exactly what it is you have in mind.
If for instance, you need specialized equipment to perform specific jobs, you may be better off going with a wet hire. Wet hire operators would have already been vetted VOC, d by professional companies and can complete the job faster and more efficiently. A skilled operator can often save time, money and damage, competence is key.
Dry Hire Licensing and Regulations
Because of the recent changes to Work Health and Safety legislation, you no longer need to present a license to operate specific types of plat equipment such as:
- Front-end loaders
- Rollers
- Graders
- Dozers
- Excavators
Using operating cranes, forklifts, and other high-risk equipment, however, will still require that you obtain a license.
If you’re employing an in-house operator, you’re responsible for ensuring that they meet the minimum requirements such as:
- Logbooks and other on-the-job records indicating that the employee has handled the same type of equipment previously
- Previously issued Work Health and Safety license from the employee’s home state
- Statement of attainment in the National Unit of Competency Conduct Civil Construction Excavator Operations
Conclusion
Before deciding that dry hiring is the way to go, remember to do the maths’ and consider what will end up being more efficient for your project. It is also vitally important to select the right piece of equipment. You want something that is large enough and with the right amount of power to get your project done.
For credible and reliable equipment, hire from us at KEE Group! We provide you with over 600 pieces of project equipment and offer full-service provision.
