Is equipment hire a viable option?

While leasing or outright purchase is still the preferred option for acquiring new equipment, a growing number of contractors are opting to hire. Whether renting jetting equipment on a short-term basis to meet increased demand, or taking on a long-term contract-hire with full maintenance coverage, the rental approach offers several advantages.

Long-term hire was traditionally seen as a route most often taken by companies without the resource or credit history to finance purchases. These days the thinking is a little different. Affordable hire packages mean that many companies prefer to try before they buy, or take advantage of full maintenance coverage, ensuring no unforeseen equipment costs

A good example of this approach can be seen with local authorities and housing associations. Where once outsourcing of key housing and environmental services to private companies was the norm, bringing services in-house and training staff is once more viewed as a preferable option.

Rioned UK have been involved in a number of local authority projects, and as Mark Cox, UK Sales Manager at Rioned, explains, sometimes the equipment hire option provides the best option: “It’s a bold move to bring services in-house, so we want to provide as much support and flexibility as possible. Particularly if it’s a pilot project, a van and jetter hire package may offer the best option, as it provides the client a fully compliant jetting vehicle and complete maintenance cover, without the need to commit to an outright purchase or long-term finance arrangement.”

The company also provide training where necessary. “We are able to thoroughly demonstrate how the equipment works in different situations,” explains Mark. “Including training in techniques for single-person operation, working in restricted access spaces, and the use of remotely operated camera equipment.”

Rioned’s CityJet van-pack rental units are fully equipped and available at short notice. The low-weight, high-pressure jetter is capable of cleaning drains and sewers up to 450mm, producing pressure up to 3600psi @ 13gpm. The industry-leading equipment includes a 180° pivoting hose reel that can accommodate up to 145 metres of 1/2” high pressure hose and features Rioned’s award-winning eControl+ panel with LCD screen, for ease-of-use in operating and monitoring the unit.

Designed to meet utility contractor requirements, all rental vehicles include a range of interior conversions, such as bulkheads, waterproofing, lighting, heaters, wash basins and shelving. All vehicles include exterior chevron signage for highways compliance and can be supplied with a range of add-ons, such as exterior lighting, CCTV camera equipment and jetting nozzle kits.

Mark Cox says the RioHire fleet of vehicles and jetting equipment has grown rapidly over the past three years: “We now have over have over 50 van-pack and combi units on hire throughout the UK. Simplifying the hire process and providing a flexible range of options is key. A simple hire agreement and proof of insurance can have you driving away in less than an hour. And with prices starting from £130 per week, it’s a cost-effective way to benefit from class-leading equipment.”

Alongside van-pack and jet/vac combination units, Rioned has added portable machines to the hire range. The portable units have been designed for residential and light commercial use, as well as areas with hygiene restrictions such as hospitals, and can be hired short-term for a minimum period of two weeks.