10 Questions to Ask About Equipment for Rent

Man operating a scissor lift on a job site

B2B equipment hire (also known as plant hire) is an important part of many construction, mining, industrial, and infrastructure projects. Having the right gear can be the difference between a job that runs smoothly and one that’s slowed down by delays, breakdowns, or budget blowouts.

That’s why it pays to ask the right questions before you hire, so you can choose the equipment and support that best fits your project.

In this blog, we answer the top 10 FAQs about equipment for hire.

Streamline your next project with reliable equipment rental services from Onsite Rentals. Call us on 13 40 40 today to get the right equipment ordered, delivered, and ready to go.

1. What Types of Machinery Can I Hire?

Onsite Rentals offers a wide range of hire-ready machinery and construction equipment.

This includes access equipment such as knuckle booms and scissor lifts; site accommodation like portable toilets, offices and caravans; material-handling gear; lighting towers; diesel generators; single-drum rollers; air compressors and pumps; and earthmoving equipment, including compact loaders and excavators.

You can also hire secure site storage containers, traffic-management equipment and welders.

2. What’s Included in Equipment Hire Contracts?

Legally binding contracts cover the full terms and conditions of your rental period. They include payment arrangements (fees, deposits, and late penalties), a detailed description of the plant equipment being hired, and the responsibilities of both parties, such as usage and maintenance guidelines.

They can also cover liability, insurance requirements, and conditions for delivery and return.

3. How Much Does It Cost to Hire Equipment in Australia?

Hire costs can vary widely depending on the type, size, and condition of equipment being rented, how long it’s needed, and if any accessories or additional support is required.

The daily rates for site hire equipment become more affordable the longer you rent it for.

4. Is Renting Equipment More Cost-Effective Than Owning Equipment?

Renting heavy machinery is often more cost-effective than owning if you need equipment for short-term or occasional use. It also means you avoid large upfront costs, maintenance and servicing, storage arrangements, and insurance fees.

5. How Long Can I Hire Machinery For?

Most companies offer hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly hire rates. The specific time period depends on the company’s policies and the machinery’s availability, with discounts often on offer for long-term arrangements. Minimum hire at Onsite Rentals is a full day, and extensions can be made through the branch from which the equipment was hired.

6. Do You Deliver Equipment to Remote Locations?

Yes, we can deliver machinery to any job site across Australia.

7. How Quickly Can Equipment Be Delivered to My Site?

Generally, it’s 24 hours, but we can do deliveries to a customer within 3 hours of them placing an order. It just depends on what and where the equipment is needed.

8. What’s the Difference Between Wet Hire and Dry Hire?

Dry hire involves renting just the equipment, requiring you to provide your own operator. Wet hire, on the other hand, includes both the equipment and a professional, trained operator.

Wet hire is generally more expensive due to the inclusion of labour, but it offers a complete solution for projects that need extra-skilled operators, whereas dry hire is a cheaper, more flexible option for clients with their own qualified staff. 

9. Do I Need Insurance When Hiring Equipment?

Yes, insurance is necessary to protect you while using another company’s equipment. It typically covers damage or loss of the rented equipment, as well as liability for any accidents or injuries that occur while using it.

10. What Happens if the Equipment Fails?

If the equipment you’ve hired breaks down, you should first ensure safety by turning it off and documenting the incident. Then it’s important to notify the company you hired the equipment from, as they can usually send a maintenance team or approve your own service team to inspect and repair the fault.

Get the Right Equipment for Hire With Onsite Rentals

When you choose the machinery hire specialists at Onsite Rentals, you get high-quality equipment, flexible hire periods, fast delivery, and safety support—all in one place!

With more than 35 branches across Australia, Onsite Rentals are trusted rental equipment suppliers for businesses. Whatever your project requires, we’re here to keep things running smoothly from beginning to end.

Our machinery is regularly serviced and well-maintained, ensuring you get maximum performance and excellent value for money.

Need site equipment for rent? Talk to the team at Onsite Rentals to find out more about our heavy machinery rental solutions.

Contact us

Get in touch

For immediate assistance call us on 13 40 40, or send us an enquiry below and one of our equipment hire specialists will reach out to you shortly.








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