When you rent heavy equipment you are really making two decisions: which machine, and who runs it. Here is how the second one usually goes.
Bare (dry) rental
You provide a licensed, experienced operator. The daily rate is lower, but you manage productivity and the daily checks. It makes sense when you have skilled operators on payroll and the rental runs for weeks rather than days.
Operated (wet) rental
The unit arrives with a trained operator. The rate is higher because it includes labour, but it is the right call for short jobs, for specialised machines like cranes and graders, and any time you do not have someone certified for that equipment class.
Confirm these either way
- Operator certification for the specific equipment class
- Who pays for fuel
- Working hours, and how overtime is charged
- Daily inspection and greasing — whose job it is
Safety comes first
An unqualified operator is the quickest way to damage a machine or hurt someone. For lifting equipment especially, operated rental is often the safer default.
Tell us about your project and we will advise which option fits.