CONTRACTORS: GETTING THE BEST OUT OF PLANT

Whatever the application, whether it be a difficult trenching task or materials handling application, contractors have a strong range of equipment to choose from.

In recent years, innovative pushes in plant have not only improved the capabilities of compact equipment, but have also, via systems such as the quick-hitch, strengthened the versatility of a single machine.

One machine - one hire - for several jobs should prove a cost effective solution if used correctly, but according to some industry sources this does not always happen. Some hirers - generally site foremen or project managers - are limited in their understanding of a product's total capabilities.

Their poor product knowledge allied to poor operator skills restricts effective utilisation. Better planning and training are urged if the problem of poor utilisation is to be overcome.

'Early advice on forthcoming contracts would assist us in taking the necessary actions to ensure the best selection of plant,' commented a spokesman from Taylor Woodrow.

He added: 'Poor usage, abuse and the resulting increase in maintenance lead to high costs. Proper education and training of operatives and maintenance fitters would improve all aspects of a machine life and reduce costs.'

Another problem that confronts contractors, according to Taylor Woodrow, is the scant supply of contract planning information. Poor information makes it difficult to specifying plant needs.

The importance of planning in terms of reducing costs is highlighted by John Tull, managing director of Alfred McAlpine's in-house plant division: 'Reductions in costs can only be assured if we are given an early opportunity to review a site's needs. With this information we could build the site's needs into our yearly hire programme. Armed with an understanding of overall utilisation figures, and a corresponding perception of revenue, we would then be able to offer lower rates when packaging numbers of plant

Mowlem's site agent at the West stand project at Twickenham, Maher believes they have got the planning problem covered: 'Weekly site meetings with the site accountant, who has a list of every single item of equipment on site - from a tower crane to a pneumatic drill - ensure that plant is fully utilised and that the appropriate piece of equipment is hired for a specific task.

'Any items of plant that are not being used are immediately off-hired following discussions with the plant manager.'

Maher is also clear on the need for trained operatives: 'By hiring operators with plant, we know that they will get the most out of the machine and we are not left with operators sitting idle on site.'

A recent report by plant hirer Vibroplant cites high maintenance costs as one of the reasons for the demise of contractors' in-house plant divisions.

Burnt by the recession contractors are turning to hirers to avoid the prohibitive costs of maintenance. Mowlem, which hires in kit, confirmed the advantages: 'No specialist plant fitter has to be kept on the payroll.'

Vibroplant's solution to contractors' costly maintenance problem is a monthly service and on site maintenance programme for long term hire.

Alternatively, manufacturers such as VME, MF Industrial and Aveling Barford, offer contractors' in-house plant divisions comprehensive aftercare packages to facilitate maintenance programmes.

VME's standard repair and maintenance contract involves an hourly payment and ensures that a machine is serviced according to the servicing schedule - every 250 hours - and repaired in accordance with inspection reports.