“You can get all types of attachments, but they’re generally used for one specific type of job, and selecting the right tool for that job is essential.”
-Ian Brown, Sales and Plant Manager
When it comes to plant hire, you may have meticulously searched for and matched the machinery you intend to hire to the job in question. However, choosing the right attachment can be a daunting decision:
How do I select the right attachment for the job?
Does it come already attached or do I have to attach it myself?
How well are they maintained?
Our experienced Sales and Plant Manager, Ian Brown, has encountered all of these questions over the course of his career in the plant hire industry and is here to provide the answers.
“Having the correct attachment is crucial for the success of the job”
Choosing the right attachment makes the machinery work faster and better. It also boosts work quality and ensures safety.
Picking the right attachment adds versatility. It lets one machine tackle various tasks, saving the need to hire in extra equipment. It’s a good idea to make sure that the attachment is fitted and inspected before it leaves the yard to prevent problems with compatibility, which can cause on-site delays. When you hire the machine and attachment together, this is less likely to happen.
When choosing an attachment, consider the following:
- The type of job or project you’re working on – different tasks require specific attachments for the best results.
- Budget and return on investment – top-quality, heavy-duty attachments may have a higher upfront cost, but they can offer better long-term value.
- Timeframe – projects that need to be completed quickly mean you’ll need to prioritise selecting attachments that will boost efficiency.
- Frequency of use – repeated use of the same attachment means you’ll need to check they’re durable and can handle the consistent wear and tear.
Here at Rabbit Plant Hire, the most popular attachments we hire out are the riddle bucket and brick forks. A riddle bucket is used to separate stones from soil, while brick forks are used for transporting bricks on site. Both are frequently hired because they have been designed well for their specific tasks. In addition to the popular riddle bucket and brick forks, hydraulic breakers and other attachments are available on request.
“Understand limitations before hiring”
Understanding the limits of available attachments is important. It avoids inefficiency, cuts safety risks, and ensures good work quality.
For instance, most attachments rely on hydraulic systems for power, precision and control. But if the hydraulic hose is damaged, or the operator neglects to regularly grease the breaker before every use, it becomes less efficient. Also, not all machines can accommodate attachments without the proper set-up. At Rabbit Plant Hire, we ensure compatibility by only offering our customers the attachments that we know will work with our machinery.
Working with your plant hire expert during the early planning stages of your project, and before any equipment is hired, is worth its weight in gold.
“Attachments have evolved significantly over the years”
During my many years in the plant hire business, I’ve noticed attachments getting more specialised and efficient for all sorts of jobs. Thanks to tech upgrades, attachments are now better designed, packing more precision and power.
Take excavator buckets, for example. They’ve gone beyond just basic digging tools to include specialised types like trenching, rock and grading buckets. Each type is tailored for specific jobs, whether it’s digging narrow trenches, handling rocky terrain or smoothing surfaces.
Hydraulic systems have also stepped up attachment performance. Hydraulic-powered tools offer more power, precision and control compared to mechanical ones. Hydraulic breakers, for instance, are key for demolition, making concrete and rock breaking more efficient.
“Maintenance is key”
Maintenance is crucial for attachment performance and longevity. It usually involves regular checks and upkeep of attachment parts like mechanical or hydraulic components.
As a Plant Manager, I’ve rented out various attachments, like the pile cropper, a hydraulic tool for precise concrete cutting. Before renting, it undergoes thorough maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, visual checks and testing for safe operation. Neglecting maintenance can cause problems like reduced performance due to dirt buildup, safety hazards from malfunctioning parts, and expensive repairs, leading to downtime and unexpected costs.
Recap of important factors to consider
Selecting the right tool for the job is critical in plant hire, as shared by our expert Sales and Plant Manager, Ian Brown. From understanding attachment limitations to considering job type, budget and frequency of use, Ian emphasises the importance of compatibility and maintenance for efficient, safe and quality work on-site.
Rabbit & Dowling Plant Hire is an established and expert supplier of plant hire for commercial and domestic building projects throughout Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire.
To find out more about Rabbit & Dowling Plant Hire’s plant hire services contact our expert and friendly team on 01903 851957 or info@rabbitanddowling.co.uk.
Rabbit & Dowling Plant Hire is part of The Rabbit Group of companies, which includes Rabbit Demolition, Rabbit Skip Hire and Rabbit Toilet Hire.
