Why Dry Hiring is Ridiculously Easy – Here’s All You Need!

Have you ever seen someone operating heavy machinery and thought to yourself: “There’s no way I could do that!” Well, we’re here to prove you wrong. Lack of skill, experience, training or even your own doubts can prevent you from taking that next step. But we’re here to share some guidance and wisdom. Absolutely anyone can operate these machines – given they meet a few minor requirements. Fancy yourself an excavator for the weekend? It’s completely doable – and not only that but if you’re serious about DIY, dry hire is your best friend. Here’s why.

What is Dry Hire?

One of the reasons why construction projects can get expensive very quickly is because of traditional methods of borrowing equipment and employing skilled workers. While this works well for large construction companies and projects, this is too much for the humble DIY enthusiast. For those looking to undertake a little side-project such as re-landscaping their backyard, installing a driveway, irrigated garden, gazebo, or retaining wall, hiring a whole team with equipment can be excessive and expensive. Also less rewarding, let’s be honest. This is where dry hire comes in.

With dry hire, you can hire all of the machines you need to bring your DIY project to life – and you can ditch the contractor. You operate the machinery yourself. This eliminates the need to pay for an operator (also known as wet hire), and can save you a massive amount of money – money that you can re-invest into your upgrade!

While you hesitate at the prospect of operating heavy machinery, we’re here to tell you that can be much easier than you think. And working with a trusted company like Ryno Hire, you get support along the way to ensure you feel confident operating our machines and are satisfied with your hiring decisions.

To learn more about the dry hiring process and its benefits, check out one of our previous articles where we’ve touched on this process and exactly what you can expect!

Before You Hire a Machine – Do You Meet These Simple Criteria?

While you previously needed a ‘special ticket’ to operate machinery, government legislation states it is no longer necessary. Now, the requirements for operating dry hire machinery is simple: If you are 21 or over and hold an open Australian driver’s licence, you’re good to get started! It’s the miracle every DIY-er has prayed for.

In fact, under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (the Act), you no longer need to hold an earthmoving or particular crane (EPC) certificate which was once required for the following types of equipment.

• Front-end loader backhoe (LB)
• Bridge and gantry (remote control) crane (LBG)
• Excavator (LE)
• Front-end loader (LL)
• Scraper (LP)
• Road roller (LR)
• Grader (LG)
• Skid steer loader (LS)
• Dozer (LZ)

A number of these machines – and more – are provided for hire at Ryno Hire. We’ve also got all the attachments you could possibly need, so we’ve truly got you covered.

Of course, just because you can borrow machinery without any training or special licencing requirements doesn’t mean that everyone will feel comfortable with this process straight away. If it’s your first time, we know it can be a little nerve-racking. You need a little guidance at first, which is why our friendly team at Ryno Hire will make sure they run through the correct operating procedure with you, explain what all of the levers and pedals do and how you can operate our machinery safely. On top of this detailed run-through, we provide the appropriate operator’s manual and phone support should you encounter any problems along the way.

The Dry Hiring Process

While it’s tempting to start a project with guns blazing, we like to help you plan methodically to ensure not a dollar more is spent than required, and you have a careful plan of what needs doing and what machines you’ll use. Before you dry hire equipment, you’ll also have a dry hire agreement to sign – so, it’s a good idea to give yourself a second to think before you bite off more than you can chew.

1. Consider All The Tasks That Need Doing

It’s easy to remember all the big jobs on a site and allow the smaller tasks to slip by; however, even the smallest tasks can lead to hours of tedious work for you, where a machine could have assisted and cut downtime tremendously. You may have considered the digging and lifting, but how are you moving the earth out of the way? How are making sure that it’s level and flat? Will you need holes drilled or heavy concrete sleepers moved around? Also – do you know the order in which you’ll complete everything? Going back to redo tasks wastes more time, money and effort, so planning is key.

There are many steps to completing a project successfully. Thankfully, we’ve guided many people through all different types of jobs. Talk to us about your upcoming project and we’ll suggest what machines and attachments you might need and how we can get you the best value.

2. Consider How You Will Transport The Equipment

Just because you can drive these machines doesn’t mean they take to the road – not unless they are being transported by a trailer or something similar. For those using a trailer, whether it be their own or a Ryno Hire trailer, it’s critical to know your car’s legal towing capacity. Towing overcapacity can cause unwanted damage to your car or the equipment and will void all insurances, including your own. You can find your towing capacity indicated in your car’s owner’s manual or on your registration paperwork.

Some things just make sense, and one of those things is combining a tipper truck with your machine hire – did you know our tipper trucks transport many of our machines? If you’re hiring out an excavator or skid steer loader then there’s a good chance you’ll need a tipper truck to move earth and materials in and out of your site. Hiring a tipper truck with these machines also means eliminating the need to attach a trailer – how convenient?

None of these options works for you? No worries. We also offer delivery! Our delivery rates are based on distance travelled. Feel free to ask us more about this option when making your enquiry or booking.

3. Know The Hiring Etiquette

We don’t like to boss our customers around, but we do have some simple housekeeping rules for hiring equipment. All we ask is that the equipment comes back in the same condition it left our facility – clean, lubricated, and with a full tank.

Think you’ll need a longer hire period? Too easy – just call in advance to let us know. Any concerns or further arrangements can be made with a simple phone call to (07) 3353 2230.

Dry hiring from Ryno Hire really is no-fuss. Just use your common sense and you’ll be fine. To learn more about our hiring protocols, read through our FAQs.

4. Signing the Hire Agreement

Legitimate rental companies have a hire agreement that you will be required to sign and complete before hiring equipment. It should outline what is included in your hire and the obligations/responsibilities you hold when operating the machinery. Make sure you ask questions about your hire and read carefully through this agreement and terms and conditions to ensure you’re clear about things such as insurance details or terms or service.

Regardless of your level of skill, dry hiring is a viable option for just about anyone. Don’t let any concerns get in the way of you living your DIY dream – let us rationalise any problems and help you achieve your goal.

The team at Ryno Hire is with you every step of the way through your DIY journey. We provide additional support for those new to dry hire and help you work through any construction project at hand through over-the-phone support and detailed explanations. Have a browse through our machines today, and contact us to make a booking or to learn more about our services.