Hiring a dumper - a Rabbit Plant Hire Guide
When any type of construction project is underway, there’s always likely to come a time when you need to move the waste created by it from one area to another, for example, into a skip. When the waste is extremely heavy or large in size, this is where you may find that hiring a dumper is particularly useful.
In this guide we look to answer some of the most common questions which are asked about hiring a dumper including the following:
- How much does it cost to hire a dumper?
- Do you need a licence to operate or hire a dumper?
- Can I hire a dumper operator?
- How big a dumper do I need?
- Do I need insurance to hire a dumper?
- Who is responsible for maintaining the dumper onsite?
The Cost of Hiring A Dumper
Quite often businesses will choose to hire a dumper only for the time they need it, rather than face the large cost of purchasing one. The cost of buying a dumper can be considerably more than the cost of hiring a dumper, so if you only need it temporarily this can be the better option.
At Rabbit Plant Hire, we have several sizes of dumpers for hire and these are priced differently depending on your location, the type of dumper you need and how long you want to hire it for. Location can make quite the difference, due to the costs of transport, delivery and collection, so you’ll find that using a local dumper hire company is always a good idea.
Another way to save money on the cost of dumper hire is to choose the right size for your project - in addition to ensuring you use the minimum amount of fuel, having the right size dumper will allow you to be more efficient with your time.
Why not ask us today about our dumper hire costs and see how much you could save? Contact our expert and friendly team on 01903 851957 or email info@rabbitanddowling.co.uk.
What Size Of Dumper Do You Need?
Your choice of dumper hire should always be dependent on the project which you are using it for. Construction, landscaping or demolition projects which require the use of a dumper, can range from a small back garden construction task, to a large scale demolition project. Clearly a completely different sized dumper would be suitable for each, so ask yourself the following questions:
- How much waste will I need to move?
- What size of dumper will I need to transport this waste with as few journeys as possible?
- Is there large enough access to the site available?
- Will there be enough room for the dumper to manoeuvre correctly?
- Can the ground take the weight of a dumper?
When heavy machinery is involved, there’s always a risk factor that something so heavy may disrupt the ground, or cause damage. When choosing your dumper weight, also be sure to factor in the weight of the load and the operator.
Once you are aware of the answers to the above questions, this should give you all you need to make the right choice of skip loading dumper size.
What Skills Are Required To Operate A Dumper?
When choosing someone to operate your dumper, it’s vital to ensure the person using this large piece of heavy machinery is properly trained, experienced and qualified to do so.
Dumper trucks can be much more complicated to manoeuvre and operate correctly than other pieces of plant hire. When in the wrong hands, they can cause extreme levels of damage and injury which could have been avoided by using a properly trained professional to master the controls.
While there are no government issued licences for vehicles at work (if they are driven on private land), the law requires that each operator is given adequate training by their employer to ensure health and safety compliance and competency (see the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998; regulation 9).
Unfortunately we aren’t able to provide operators for your dumper, however, we are able to provide a simple handover when we deliver it to your site. You can also ensure your workforce holds the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) Trained Operator card, also known as the CPCS red card.
The training involved in the course includes all of the skills and knowledge required to operate plant machinery safely.
What Insurance Do You Need To Hire A Dumper?
All of the people who hire our plant equipment are expected to take all reasonable measures to keep it safe and secure. This includes times when it is not in use overnight. In addition to taking good care of the equipment, it is also important to make sure it is properly covered by your insurance.
You can get more details of your responsibilities regarding loss or damage in our Loss or Damage waiver agreement.
Liability insurance is also recommended in the event that someone is injured and claims are filed. Bear in mind that your current policy may not cover hired-in plant equipment as all policies can be different.
Special Considerations For Dumper Hire
As mentioned previously, the operation of a dumper can be more complicated than certain other pieces of plant hire equipment, for example, because they are traditionally not the most well balanced. For this reason, you should always aim to load your dumper on stable, flat ground.
In addition to being flat, you should also check that the ground can carry the weight of a fully loaded dumper, with the weight of the operator.
Bearing in mind the balance issues, it’s a good idea to make it clear on your site where any uneven ground, obstacles, or trenches are located through the use of clear markings. This way the operator will know the areas to avoid. Again these are practical ways to help avoid damage or injury.
Before you hire any plant equipment it’s also important that a health and safety risk assessment is carried out. Steps to prepare the site should include a professional risk assessment and completion of a safety plan.
In addition, check that anyone operating the dumper will have access to all necessary PPE, be trained to use it correctly (and will do so) and that anyone working nearby cannot get too close to the machinery to cause injury.
Maintenance And Care Of Your Hired-In Dumper
It is a legal requirement that you make regular daily inspections of all your plant equipment, to ensure it is in safe and efficient working order. This includes equipment which has been hired in.
Checks can include ensuring that the brakes, tyres, lights and indicators are working correctly at the start of each shift. You may find it useful to give anyone operating the dumper a list of checks to make on a daily basis.
Any theft must be reported to the police immediately and the crime reference number recorded. Any loss or damage must be reported to us as soon as reasonably practical and in any event within seven days.
Upon delivery, a member of our team would be happy to help and advise you on any regular maintenance requirements which are expected. Please remember that you, as the hirer, are responsible for any loss or damage of the equipment which comes about from neglect when the plant equipment is in your care.
Get Advice On Which Dumper To Hire
Rabbit Plant Hire has a wide range of dumpers and you will find all your dumper hire options listed here.
If you’re still unsure which dumper hire would be right for your project, feel free to consult our dumper hire experts.
We can carry out a FREE SITE CHECK and advise you on which dumper is the best option for your requirements.
To find out more about Rabbit & Dowling Plant Hire’s plant hire services contact our expert and friendly team on 01903 851957or info@rabbitanddowling.co.uk.
