Not all work requires a whole set of equipment or machinery. Whether home improvements, gardening, or building work, hiring is the way forward if the machinery’s only being used for a short period. There’s no use in buying something that will go to waste in a shed or van for months on end — particularly when it’s costly to buy and keep in good working order.
Renting ensures you have access to high-quality, well-maintained equipment without the initial investment. For small DIY or single jobs, it minimizes cost. And for contractors, it involves less money invested in equipment, fewer space problems, and more freedom to work on various types of projects.
Plant hire — encompassing big equipment such as diggers, dumpers, and rollers — is even more significant for large jobs. Not many individuals have the room, licence, or finances to own that sort of equipment. With hire, it’s delivered on-site, ready for action, and picked up once the job is finished.
Tools and Machinery You Can Hire
There’s an enormous variety of plant and tools available for hire. Most hire shops categorize their inventory as follows:
Building and construction: Scaffolding, tower systems, concrete grinders, breakers, cement mixers.
Gardening and landscaping: Rotavators, wood chippers, turf cutters, hedge trimmers, lawn rollers.
Lifting and handling: Genie lifts, pallet trucks, material lifts, hoists.
Cleaning and finishing: Floor sanders, pressure washers, carpet cleaners.
Access equipment: Scissor lifts, cherry pickers, podium steps, ladders.
Power tools: Drills, saws, planers, nail guns, SDS hammers.
For hire plant, it’s typically mini diggers, dumpers, telehandlers, and skid steers, often rented by day, week, or longer depending on the job.
Many hire firms also supply fuel, spare parts, and safety gear like gloves, goggles, and helmets. Some offer operated plant hire too, meaning the machine comes with a trained driver — useful if you’re not licensed or confident to operate heavy machinery yourself.
What to Expect When Hiring
Most tool and plant hire surrey shops aim to keep things simple. You’ll either book online or over the phone, choose the equipment and dates, then either collect it yourself or arrange delivery. For larger kit, delivery is usually included or charged at a flat rate.
You’ll be requested to provide ID and, occasionally, a deposit. If you’re hiring as a representative of a company, you may be required to open an account. Insurance is also something to look out for — some hiring companies factor it into the price, while others ask you to pay the cost of loss or damage.
Before it leaves the depot, it’s normally checked and cleaned. You should always ensure it’s in good condition, works well, and is accompanied by clear instructions or safety information. If you don’t know how to use it, ask. Most responsible firms will have the patience to show you how.
Late returns of tools can incur additional fees, so it’s worth sticking to the agreed schedules. And if the tool breaks or doesn’t function properly, tell them immediately — it’s generally covered, and they’ll normally replace it quickly to prevent delay.
Selecting a Trustworthy Hire Firm
Not every hire company is the same, so it’s worth doing a little research. Find a reputable company with good reviews, current equipment, and transparent terms. Local hire shops tend to provide a more individual service and can be more accommodating on price or delivery times. Larger national chains have greater stock and wider availability but are less likely to be personal.
Availability is a large issue as well — particularly in peak times such as spring or summer. Get in early if you know what you require, and most importantly, ask what’s included in the price. That way, you don’t get hit with hidden costs or delays on site.
It’s all about getting the job done without costing the earth at the end of the day. And with the right hire company, you receive the kit you require, when you require it — and only pay for the hours you truly utilize it.
