What to Know Before Your Next Construction Equipment Hire
Most people walk into a hire place saying “I need a concrete mixer” when what they actually mean is “I need to pour concrete.” The difference matters more than you think.
In fact, nobody will correct you if it means making a rental. A construction equipment hire company hands you what you asked for, not necessarily what you need. And by the time you figure out you’ve got the wrong gear, you’ve already paid for a day you can’t get back.
You're Probably Hiring the Wrong Thing
Don’t search concrete mixer rent per day and pick whatever’s cheapest. Start with what you’re trying to do. Are you pouring a 20m² slab? Mixing batches for garden edging? Doing a driveway? The job determines the equipment, not the other way around.
When you call, describe the actual work. “I’m laying 15 square metres of concrete, about 100mm thick” gets you better advice than “I need a mixer for the weekend.” Let them tell you what capacity you need and what makes sense for your situation.
If they just take your order without asking questions, find a different construction equipment hire provider.
The Real Cost Isn't What's Advertised
That daily rate you saw online? It’s not the actual cost. Delivery and pickup can add $100 or more. Fuel might be on you. Cleaning fees for concrete mixers are brutal if you return them dirty.
Some places charge more for weekends and others do weekend specials. It’s worth asking.
Before you commit, ask: “What’s the total cost if everything goes smoothly?” Then ask what happens if it doesn’t. That’s where building equipment hire ends up costing more than you budgeted.
They're Betting You Won't Check It
You’re signing that you received the equipment in good condition. If there’s existing damage at the time of construction equipment hire and you didn’t document, you’re paying for it.
Take photos before the equipment leaves. Every angle. Dents, scratches, worn parts, whatever’s already there.
Turn it on. Test the controls. Listen for weird noises. If something doesn’t feel right, mention it right away, not Saturday morning when you’re halfway through your job. Get a direct contact number for breakdowns. The main office voicemail won’t help you at 7am on a weekend.
Access Issues Nobody Mentions Until It's Too Late
Delivery trucks are bigger than you think. Your driveway is narrower than you remember. If the delivery truck can’t access your site, you still pay. Sometimes for delivery, sometimes for a wasted trip, sometimes both. And you still don’t have your equipment.
Walk your property before booking delivery. Measure gate widths. Check overhead clearance. For building equipment hire, you need more space than the machine itself for unloading and manoeuvring.
The Return That Costs More Than the Hire
“Clean” means cleaner than you think, especially with concrete mixers. Dried concrete inside the drum? That’s a cleaning fee that hurts.
Check what time you need to return it. Some places say 24-hour periods but mean “back by 8am the next business day.” Showing up Sunday night doesn’t always work. If you need the equipment longer, call before your time is up. Extending early is cheaper than late fees.
FAQs
What construction equipment is rented the most?
The most commonly rented construction equipment includes excavators, backhoe loaders, concrete mixers, dumpers, and compactors. These machines are used across residential and commercial projects, which makes them popular in construction equipment hire.
Who pays if equipment breaks down?
It depends on the hire agreement and the cause. Normal wear is usually covered, but misuse is your responsibility. Always check the breakdown policy before confirming your hire.
Can I extend the hire period if I need more time?
Usually, yes. You just need to inform the hire company before your agreed return time. Extending early costs less than late return charges.
Final Thoughts
Hiring equipment can feel simple at first, but costs can rise if details aren’t clear. The daily rate is only one part of construction equipment hire. Delivery, fuel, cleaning, or damage charges can appear later if not discussed upfront.
That’s why we always suggest asking a few basic questions before booking. It avoids confusion and unexpected bills.
No one likes surprises when it comes to hire charges. If you’re checking concrete mixer rent per day or planning building equipment hire, we at All Equipment Hire explain the full cost upfront.