How Plant Machinery Hire Works: From Booking to Delivery

17 June 2025

Plant hire is a great way to get the right heavy machinery for your next project without spending a fortune. But whether you’re hiring for the first or the hundredth time, getting it right can feel daunting. With that in mind, we’ve put together this quick guide to help you navigate plant machinery hire with confidence.



What is included in plant hire?


Plant hire includes the machinery required to build roads, buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. From mobile cranes to lorry loader hire, plant machinery is the heavy-duty equipment that gets the job done quickly and easily. To find out more, check out our specialist vehicle fleet guide.

 

If you’re wondering what licence you need to drive plant machinery, the answer is — you don’t. Our plant hire vehicles are operated by specially qualified drivers for your peace of mind. All you have to do is contact us to get the ball rolling.


Why choose plant hire for your next project?


There are numerous reasons why plant machinery hire is a great choice for your next project.


1.   Cost-effective


Hiring your plant machinery can work out cheaper than investing in heavy haulage equipment in the long run. The costs of storage and maintenance can soon add up, and that’s without mentioning potential vehicle depreciation! Hiring can take some of the financial burden off your business, letting you budget for plant hire with confidence.


2.   High quality

When you hire from us, you know you’re getting the best equipment in peak condition. We meticulously maintain our fleet of HIAB cranes and heavy-haulage vehicles so they are trustworthy and ready to use.

 

3.   Expansive fleet

Looking for the best in heavy haulage and crane transport? We offer a comprehensive choice of the best vehicles to suit your project.


How to choose a plant hire company


To ensure the best rental experience, choose a reputable plant hire company, such as Nick Sampson. Here’s what you need to look out for:

 

●     The right equipment for the job: Choose from our comprehensive range of well-maintained plant machinery.

 

●     Technical Support: Our HIABS and heavy haulage vehicles are supplied with licensed, experienced operators for your peace of mind.

 

●     Transparent pricing: Let us know the equipment you need, and we’ll be happy to provide a fair and competitive quote.

 

●     Great customer reviews: Don’t just take our word for it — check out our 5-star reviews.

 

Step-by-step guide to plant hire


Ready to hire? Here’s our handy step-by-step to hiring your plant machinery. Think of it like hiring a car for your holiday, but with cranes and lorry loaders. The essential steps are similar.


1. Choosing the right equipment


Are you moving heavy machinery or craning beams into place on-site? Is the ground uneven or access restricted?


Identifying the tasks you want to complete and your working environment can help you focus on hiring the right plant machinery. Site access and space constraints can also have an impact. Finally, determine how long you need to hire the equipment, as this will impact the overall price.

Once we know the details, we can help you find the best plant machinery for the job.


2. Let us know the details


Now you’re ready to get in touch and let us know the details. We’ll need the specifications of the equipment you require, the length of hire, and whether or not you need an operator for the duration. We can also discuss delivery and collection. We’ll then put together a quote tailored to your specific needs.


3. Get your quote


Once we know what machinery you’re looking for, we can put together a transparent and comprehensive quote. If you agree, we can confirm your booking.


4. Confirm your booking


At this stage, we’ll ask you to review your hire agreement. This document outlines the hire period, costs, maintenance requirements and return conditions.

           

Be aware of the start and end dates, and ensure you have adequate insurance coverage for the duration of the hire period. Be aware of who is responsible for any repairs and maintenance, and understand the payment terms and methods.

 

Once the paperwork is in order, we can agree on a delivery date for the equipment.


5. Be ready for on-site delivery


Preparing your site for plant hire delivery takes some consideration. Here’s what to think about before hiring heavy-duty plant machinery:

 

●       Site preparation: Is the site accessible for mobile cranes and other plant machinery? Is there one or more clear access routes, and a stable area for the vehicle to park up on? Reviewing your site now can save you hassle later.

 

●       Delivery timing: Contact us to schedule a delivery date and time that matches your project timeline. You must ensure that someone is on-site to take delivery and conduct an inspection of the equipment.

 

●       Inspection: This is a critical part of the delivery process, as it provides an opportunity to inspect the machinery for any issues or damage. Reporting your concerns up front can save you hassle later.

6. Return and review

At the end of the hire period, we’ll expect you to return the equipment in the same condition as when you received it. We’ll inspect the machinery for any damage beyond normal wear and tear. You may be asked to pay additional charges if the condition isn’t satisfactory.

 

We’ll expect you to return your plant machinery on the agreed end date to avoid any late fees. Need your plant hire for longer than agreed? Contact us as soon as possible to arrange an extension.

 

We value your feedback and use your insights to improve our service. So, don’t forget to leave a review outlining your experience with us, so we can keep doing better.           



Contact Nick Sampson for plant hire across the South West


We aim to make our plant hire service as hassle-free and straightforward as possible. Following these steps ensures the process is as smooth as possible, and you get the equipment you need for outstanding results.

 

At Nick Sampson, we’re the HIAB main agent for Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset. As one of the best crane hire companies in the South West, we offer a range of services from lorry loader hire to machinery repairs to meet your needs.

 

Contact us today to discuss your plant machinery requirements, and we’ll ensure you get the best equipment for the job.

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