4 Essential Things to Know Before Buying Civil Equipment for Your Hire Fleet

If you're in the market for civil equipment to hire out, you'll want to get it right. It's a big decision, and there are three key things to think about before you commit.

1. Know Your Customers' Needs

Before you buy, you need to be clear on what your customers will be using the gear for most often. Consider the types of jobs they’ll be doing. Will you be working in tight urban spaces or on bigger rural sites? For tight spots, a compact dumper with zero swing might be best, but for large development sites, a bigger model could save them time and money.

If you’re stationed in an urban area, you may want to lean towards urban construction equipment, such as Cormidi Tracked Dumpers or CF 2 Plate Compactors. However, if you are in a rural area, it may be more suitable to use larger and more robust machines, like Canycom Tracked Dumpers or TRIME Lighting Towers.

The right machine is about more than just the brand or price. It's about matching the equipment to the job.

2. It's Key to Prioritise Quality Over Price

It’s essential to prioritise quality over price. Having a machine that lasts a long time can help you get a better return on investment (ROI). Look for quality European or Japanese builds that have renowned lasting quality. It's even a good idea to ask the salesperson how long these machines generally last. Things like quality, well-known engine brands are also a good thing to keep in mind.

3. Consider the Whole Cost of Ownership

The initial price of the machine is only part of the story. When you own equipment, you have to factor in all the other costs. This includes things like ongoing maintenance, repairs, and unexpected breakdowns. You also need to consider storage, transportation, and insurance.

When you’re hiring out machines, ensure you give the user a thorough induction on the ins and outs of the gear. This will help prevent potential misuse of the machines, meaning you can save on parts and other wear and tear expenses.

It’s also a good idea to ensure that spare parts for your machines are stocked right here in New Zealand. If something breaks down, you don’t want to have to wait months for something to arrive. At OMC Power Equipment, we have a parts department stocked with the spare parts for the machines we sell to help you prevent downtime.

4. Think About Long-Term Flexibility and Asset Value

While hiring offers short-term flexibility, purchasing the right, high-quality machines is an investment that builds long-term equity and control for your hire company. When you purchase quality gear that’s frequently in demand, it becomes a reliable asset that continuously earns revenue for your business.

Unlike hiring, ownership means you can control your machine's availability for your customers, and you are building an asset that has a good resale value down the track. If you have core, high-utilisation items in your fleet, buying them is often the smartest business move, giving you more control and a better return over the machine's long service life.

In the end, choosing the right equipment for a hire fleet is about more than just the initial price tag. It’s about making a smart business decision that considers all the costs, ensures quality for a long service life, and meets your long-term fleet needs. By thinking about these four key things, you can make a choice that will help your business succeed.