Excavators, both the mini variety as the standard sized options, are some of the most versatile types of heavy construction equipment you can use for your residential project. And whether you have chosen to invest in this machinery and buy it outright or are looking to lease one from an equipment provider, the first decision you need to make is the type of bucket you should utilise. While this is dependent on your project, there are several considerations to be had in mind.
As an avid DIYer, I have spent a lot of time researching excavators, buckets and other accessories. In this blog, I have compiled information such as the differences between general-purpose and v-shaped buckets, how soil type will affect your choice of excavator bucket, various applications for the excavator buckets and so on.
Forklift Rental Guide
Rental forklifts suit contractors and homeowners who need the equipment for short-term use. However, most people do not quite comprehend the forklift hiring process. Below is an extensive guide with valuable insights to help you as you rent a forklift.
Once you establish the need for a forklift on your site or warehouse, your first task is to determine the kind of tasks that the equipment needs to perform. For instance, what kind of loads will the forklift lift? How heavy are the loads? At what height do you intend to lift the loads? Are there any barriers at the site or warehouse? What is the condition of the forklift's working surface? These assessments help you determine which forklift suits your site. For instance, a rough terrain forklift is your best bet if the site contains rocky or uneven patches and unstable soils. On the other hand, a telehandler has a long boom that allows you to counter obstacles. If you need the forklift to stack inventory in your warehouse, then you would for an order picking forklift. As a best practice, the forklift's maximum height and load should slightly exceed your working height and maximum load at the site.
Now that you know the kind of forklift you need, your next task is to find a reputable forklift rental company. Online reviews, referrals and government certifications should help you settle on one or two companies. Contact the company and ask about the forklift's availability. If the company has the required forklift, inquire about its specifications. Besides the height and load limits, assess the availability of modern safety features and the forklift's ease of use. Moreover, ensure the forklift brand is synonymous with durability and reliability.
If the forklift meets this eligibility criterion, visit the company premises and inspect its condition. Service and maintenance records will give you a clue about the state of the various forklift components. However, a visual inspection will help you verify whether the forklift is safe to use. For instance, worn-out tires, leaking hydraulic systems, damaged wiring and engine and transmission issues are all recipes for disaster as you use the equipment. Therefore, ensure the forklift is in excellent condition.
The last stage of the forklift rental process is examining the company's terms and pricing. For example, check whether the company deploys a skilled operator to drive the forklift. Remember, forklift operation is considered high-risk work in Australia. Then, check whether the company limits your forklift use. For instance, if you own a warehouse, you would want the forklift to run 24/7. Finally, negotiate the rental cost creatively. For example, you could ask the company for free transport and renters insurance.