Plant Hire in Cornwall: The Smart, Cost-Effective Way to Access Heavy Equipment

Plant hire provides builders, farmers, and groundwork contractors in Cornwall with timely access to the right equipment without having to invest money in capital. You can stay away from depreciation, compliance headaches, and maintenance yet be sure that machines are on UK PUWER and LOLER regulations with professional hire providers.

Who This Guide Is For

• Construction companies needing short term or specialist equipment

• Agricultural operators with seasonal demand

• Landscaping & groundwork contractors needing flexible access to machinery

Equipment Available

• Excavators (micro up to 13t), dumpers and rollers

• Telehandlers (9-17m), tractors and implements

• Access platforms, compressors, and site welfare units

Available on ‘Local Hire Board’:

• Mini diggers from £80-110/day or £220 to £295/week

• Telehandlers from £550 to £650/week

The Essentials You Must Know (UK-Specific)

• PUWER 1998: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. This makes sure that all equipment provided is safe and maintained and only used by those trained to do so.

• LOLER 1998: This is the lifting operations and lifting equipment regulations that require certification and strict planning.

• CPA Terms: Generally, standard hire conditions that define responsibilities, off-hire terms, and liabilities.

• Fuel Rules (2022): During construction, white diesel or HVO must be used; red diesel can only be used in the agricultural sector.

• Insurance: Most suppliers insist on hired-in plant insurance or offer a waiver (around 15% extra charge).

Average Rental Fee Snapshots

• Mini Diggers (¾ – 3t): £80 – £110/day, £220 – £295/week

• 5 – 8t Diggers: £450 – £650/week

• Telehandlers (14 – 17m): £330 – £390/day, £550 – £650/week

(Exclusive of VAT, delivery and insurance)

When Hire Trumps Buying

Hire advantages:

• Low initial cost

• Latest machinery

• Inclusive of compliance and maintenance

• Flexibility in upsizing/downsizing

Ownership advantages:

• Available on a full-time basis; may pay off if heavily utilized

• Custom specifications

Worked Example: Mini Digger

Hiring a mini digger 1.5-3t at £250-£295/week would be economically efficient unless your utilization consistently exceeds £12-£15/hour, taking into account ownership costs (finance, depreciation, insurance, servicing).

Practical Checklist Before You Hire

1. Define type of machine, size, attach, and attachments

2. Request for a compliance pack and LOler (Legislation and OFFice or Road Equipment) certificates as applicable

3. Check CPA terms and fuel policy

4. Arrange insurance or waiver

5. Confirm delivery/collection charges

6. Satisfy yourself on operator competence/training

7. Check fuel rules (white diesel or HVO)

8. Provisional estimate of utilisation versus hiring costs

9. Condition recorded at handover/off-hire

Hire vs Buy: Comparison Table

Real-World Examples

• Groundworks (Truro): Three-ton digger and breaker hired for nine days at £295/week. Underuse of buying attachments is avoided.

• Farm (Launceston): £550/week paid during harvest periods for seasonal telehandler. Second handler purchase prevented.

• Steel Installer (A30): Decided to outsource planning, compliance, and insurance for the tandem crane lifting to a CPA Contract Lift.

‘Contract Lift’ is a term applicable when a company provides an Appointed Person along with planning and insurance.

• If you need more lifting expertise to arrange on your project, you can hire Crane Hire.

• If you need some more lifting know-how to get the service managed on your project, arrange Crane Hire.

Final Word

Plant hire in Cornwall can be the most cost-effective and flexible solution to many construction and agricultural needs.

Next Step:

1. Clearly define your scope and machine needs

2. Obtain competitive quotes from 2-3 local suppliers

3. Decide on either Insurance OR Waiver

4. Choose between Crane Hire or Contract Lift for lifts