What does plant hire typically include?

Basic plant hire includes the machine and standard attachments. It usually excludes fuel, operator, transport (delivery/collection), insurance excess waiver, and consumables. Always check what is included before confirming the hire.

Do I need a licence to operate hired plant?

For most construction plant, you need a valid CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) or NPORS card. Mini diggers under 1t may not require certification on private land, but most sites require proof of competence. MEWPs require IPAF certification.

How is fuel consumption estimated?

Fuel consumption varies by machine size and workload. A 1.5t mini digger uses approximately 2-4 litres/hour, a 5t excavator 6-10 litres/hour, and a telehandler 5-8 litres/hour. Hard digging and loading increase consumption significantly.

Should I take the insurance excess waiver?

Most hire companies charge a damage excess of £500-£2,000. The excess waiver (typically £5-£15/day) reduces or eliminates this. For expensive machines or inexperienced operators, the waiver provides peace of mind and is usually worth taking.

Is it cheaper to hire weekly vs daily?

Yes - weekly rates are typically 3-4x the daily rate (not 5x), so you effectively get 1-2 days free. Monthly rates offer even better value at roughly 2.5-3x the weekly rate. If you need plant for more than 3 days, hire for the week.

TradeCalculator

Plant Hire Calculator

Estimate total plant hire costs including delivery, fuel, and operator

Machine Type

Hire Period

Hire Rate (per period)

Number of Periods

How We Calculate This

Select a machine type and hire period, then enter the hire rate from your supplier. Add delivery and collection charges, estimated fuel consumption per hour, and working hours per day. If an operator is required, add their hourly rate. The calculator totals all costs and provides a per-day and per-hour cost to help with job pricing and budgeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.