Renting cranes is a great way to get your hands on quality crane lifting equipment at a fraction of the cost of ownership. If you plan to hire a crane, it’s important to know what to look for when receiving contracts from plant hire companies to ensure you are getting a fair deal. While rental contracts can be daunting, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the terms and conditions before you sign.
Here is a guide to understanding crane rental contracts.
Look for detailed equipment specifications
When looking through your crane rental contract, it’s important that it specifies the exact type and capacity of the crane lifting equipment. Plant hire companies provide a wide range of cranes such as mobile cranes, tower cranes and mini cranes. So make sure that the contract clearly details the crane’s lifting capacity. Reach and any attachments or accessories included.
Does the contract provide information about the crane’s condition and maintenance history? Any reputable plant hire company will maintain detailed records of their equipment’s upkeep. So make sure to review these records to give you the confidence that the crane will perform reliably and safely on your project.
Rental period and rates
When it comes to the rental period, see if the contract clearly states the start and end dates. Any ambiguities in the rental period can lead to disputes and additional costs. If your project end is unknown, check for clauses that allow for extensions or early returns.
Additionally, your contract should state the rental rates in detail. This will include daily, weekly, or monthly rates and any additional charges for overtime or special conditions. Make sure to be aware of any potential hidden costs like delivery, setup and dismantling fees.
Insurance and Liability
Using crane lifting equipment involves significant risk, so crane rental won’t come without insurance and liability clauses. It’s vital that you understand the insurance coverage provided by the plant hire company.
It should specify the extent of coverage for damage to the crane third-party liability and any exclusions. You should also be aware that you might need to provide additional insurance if there are gaps in the provided policy.
Review the liability clauses carefully. These sections outline who is responsible for damages or accidents that occur while the crane is in use. Ensure that the terms are fair and that you understand your responsibilities and potential liabilities.
If you are looking for plant hire companies that provide clear and reliable crane rental policies, give us a call at Macsalvors Plant Hire.
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