Power access equipment, cherry pickers, and MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) are highly versatile pieces of equipment with applications across a wide range of industries from warehousing to retail to construction to events, to name just a few sectors. A variety of types are available, and many businesses find it more effective to hire access equipment when they need it rather than commit money to purchasing it outright. Here are five reasons why that is.

1. No Long Lead Times When You Hire Power Access Equipment

When you choose to hire power access equipment, you have the advantage of choosing from readily available access platforms from the hiring company’s fleet—this means no waiting around for equipment to be delivered from the manufacturer. You can hire it as you need it, when you need it. At Power Plant Hire, we can proviide with powered access equipment in a matter of hours rather than days or weeks.

2. Hiring Power Access Equipment Means You Can Try Before Committing to a Purchase

Even if your business would benefit from owning its own power access equipment or MEWP, hiring can still be beneficial when it comes to assessing if a given piece of power access equipment is suitable for your requirements. As with any equipment, purchasing access equipment can mean a substantial financial outlay, therefore it makes to be sure said equipment is suitable for your needs before committing to a purchase.

3. Hiring Power Access Equipment Means You Only Pay When You Actually Need It

If your business only needs MEWPs for a short period of time (for example, a renovation project) then it doesn’t make sense to spend a lot of money on a piece of equipment you only need once or for a few weeks of a year. In such situations choosing to hire the access equipment makes much more financial sense, for you only need pay for it when you’re actually making use of it. This also applies to situations where you do have your own full time use, but need an extra one on a temporary basis.

4. Hiring Power Access Equipment Saves You Money and Admin on Maintenance and Compliance

When you own your own power access equipment, you are responsible for its upkeep, including the need to meet compliance standards and arrange safety inspections, etc. However, when your business hires power access equipment, this responsibility rests with the hiring company, not you. Once you keep the MEWP in good order while using it, you need not worry about maintenance fees, compliance standards, and all the admin time that goes with it.

5. Hiring Power Access Equipment Gives You More Versatility 

As with many areas of equipment and machinery, there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to choosing a MEWP for a job. Even if you’re regularly using access platforms, you may find that what’s suitable for this week’s project may not at all be appropriate for next week’s work. You could buy several types of access platforms to have on hand and always be ready, but that’s a lot of financial outlay on equipment that isn’t in constant use, not to mention the associated storage and maintenance costs. However, by hiring power access equipment rather than purchasing, you have access to a variety of different types of MEWP without needing to hire all at once, simply hire and return different types as and when you need them. It’s far more cost-effective. 

If any of the above points sound like something of benefit for your business, please do get in touch, we’d be delighted to advise on the best piece of power access equipment for your needs. Contact the Power Plant Hire team today on 053 923 5003 or email sales@powerplant.ie. You can also visit our showroom at Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. Power Plant Hire has been meeting the access equipment needs of Wexford, Wicklow, Waterford, Kilkenny, and Carlow for decades, and we know we can help your business too.

Mucking out and stable cleaning are the types of jobs that can’t be neglected, but nobody particularly enjoys doing them. As with many areas of farm work, the adage ‘work smarter, not harder’ applies. In this article, we’ll take a look at two choices of loading equipment that we feel are superb options when it comes to streamlining your mucking out work. In fact, once you’ve used one you’ll wonder how you ever did without them.

The Kubota RT100 Loader

Ideal for Mucking Out in Tight Spaces

Farm buildings, by their very nature, can be cramped and awkward to maneuver machinery in. However, thanks to its pivoting articulation ability, tight spaces simply aren’t a problem for the Kubota RT100 Loader; it can articulate 40° and has an oscillating angle of 4.5°. This makes it ideal for mucking and stabling work in constricted spaces, without fear of damaging property, the equipment itself, or anyone involved in the mucking out process. It has a lift height of up to 2.98m and an operating capacity of between 0.325t and 0.75t depending upon the load centre with pallet forks.

Tilting Steering Position

The versatility of the Kubotra RT100 Loader extends to operator comfort, with an adjustable tilting steering position so they can choose the most comfortable and practical position appropriate to the job in question. Combined with the articulation ability discussed above, this makes for a highly versatile loader ideal for mucking jobs that require a bit of finesse. 

An Ideal Loader for Mucking Operations in Dark Conditions

Even on the brightest of days, cramped farm buildings and stables can make for very dark working environments. However, darkness isn’t an issue for the Kubota RT100 Loader. A working light is fitted on the lifting arm as standard, and up to 5 additional working lights (LED or halogen) can be fitted to the loader. Road lights can also be fitted if required.

The Manitou MT625 H Compact Telehandler

Ideal for Lifting at Lower Heights and Compact

The Manitou MT625 H Compact Telehandler is designed to work at lower heights, which is ideal when it comes to mucking out and stable cleaning work. Only 1.8m wide and 2m high, it’s also highly suited to working in constricted areas such as stables and other farm buildings. Its size does not compromise its capabilities, with a maximum lift height of 5.85 and a lifting capacity of 2.5t

A Telehandler With Great Maneuverability & Control

With a 3.3m turning radius and three steering modes, the Manitou MT625 H Compact Telehandler gives excellent maneuverability for working in tight spaces as is often the case when carrying out mucking work. Precise load positioning and progressive control are granted through its hydrostatic transmission, another boon when mucking out in a tight space. Again, another great option for lifting jobs on farms that require finesse. 

A Highly Versatile Piece of Lifting Equipment

Simultaneous movement of the boom and telescope is enabled by the MT625 H’s90 l gear pump, giving great flexibility and versatility when carrying out mucking work on farms. All machine functions can be operated from the JSM-equipped joystick, which is designed with ease of use in mind. 

Both of these models are available for hire from our showroom in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. The Power Plant Hire team has been hiring out plant equipment for decades, across the counties of Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow, and Wicklow. If you’re interested in hiring a telehandler for mucking out work on your farm or would like to discuss other options for machinery hire, call them today at 053 923 5003 or email sales@powerplant.ie. 

The Husqvarna 540i Battery Chainsaw is one of the most powerful battery chainsaws available.

Batteries are being used in more and more machines these days, from tools to transport, and chainsaws are no exception. Battery chainsaws carry quite a few advantages over petrol or corded electric models, let’s take a look at some of them.

Battery Chainsaws are More Ergonomic and Easier to Manoeuvre

Petrol-powered chainsaws can be quite heavy pieces of equipment, especially with a full fuel tank. Battery-powered models tend to be much lighter and thus easier for the user to carry and manoeuvre. This means less user fatigue and ease of handling, as well as being easier to use when working at a height. They are also quieter than petrol chainsaws, making them better for both the users’ ears and those of people nearby. Battery chainsaws produce less vibration too, which is another benefit for the comfort of those operating them. The lack of a cable to trip over or cut through makes them safer than corded electric models.

Battery Chainsaws are Better for Tight Spaces

One of the disadvantages of a heavy petrol-powered chainsaw is that it can be quite cumbersome and thus unsuited for use in tight spaces. Cordless battery chainsaws, on the other hand, generally take up less space (having no fuel tank) and are thus much better suited than their fossil-fuelled powered cousins when it comes to trimming branches in restricted areas such as corners.

Battery Chainsaws Are Easy to Start

Once charged, battery chainsaws can literally be started with the click of a button. There’s no laborious activation of chokes or decompression valves. This makes them more efficient and user friendly than petrol versions.

Battery Chainsaws Are More Versatile

With a battery chainsaw, you can use it pretty much anywhere, even if it’s a long job it’s far easier to carry a spare, charged battery than a fuel tank. And while corded electric models restrict use to within a few feet of a power outlet, there’s no real restriction on how far you bring a battery chainsaw from an electricity source. 

Battery Chainsaws Mean Less Maintenance

Battery chainsaws require relatively little maintenance compared to petrol-powered variants. They’ve no spark plugs to replace, for one thing, nor do they require air filter cleaning or oil top-ups. Naturally, this means less associated cost for replacement materials and other sundries. Petrol-powered chainsaws require all of these things at regular intervals so battery models are more efficient in terms of both upkeep and cash outlay.

Battery Chainsaws Have a Low Environmental Impact

Naturally, battery chainsaws have a far lower impact on the environment than petrol-powered chainsaws. They’ve no CO2 emissions, which is better for both the environment and the user. As mentioned, they a lot quieter than petrol models, so this is noise pollution is another area in which they score well in terms of environmental impact.

Battery Chainsaws Require Less Storage Space

As mentioned earlier, battery chainsaws are usually smaller than petrol versions, lacking a fuel tank which itself can take up a lot of space. In addition, you don’t to store quantities of fuel on-site, which increases their associated physical footprint further still, 

What Brands of Battery Chainsaw are Available?

A 14″ battery chainsaw from the EGO Power range.

Husqvarna and EGO are among the leading manufacturers of battery chainsaws. Power Plant Hire is a stockist for both ranges. Examples include the Husqvarna 540i XP battery chainsaw and the EGO Power+ models.

If you’re considering switching to battery chainsaws, call into our showroom at Enniscorthy Co Wexford and our team will be happy to show you the latest models in our range. Can’t make in person? That’s no problem, give the Power Plant Hire team a call on 053 923 5003  or email sales@powerplant.ie and they’ll be happy to advise on the best battery chainsaw for your requirements. 

Lighting towers, temporary fencing, VMA signs, these are all things that might spring to mind when asked to think of equipment you might need when planning an outdoor event. However, the humble ground protection mat should never be overlooked, for this simple device can save you countless amounts of damage and injury costs after your event, making the venue safer not only for your visitors and staff but the ground itself too. This article will explain how.

Ground Protection Mats Have Environmental Benefits

While protecting the visible grass surface may be the first thing that springs to mind when one thinks of ground protection mats, they have considerable benefits for what you can’t see too. Whole ecosystems thrive in and under grass surfaces, and without adequate protection, serious harm can be done when masses of people or equipment are brought across it. Laying an adequate ground protection mat over such a surface can mitigate the effects your event will have on these ecosystems. 

Ground Protection Mats Mitigate Injuries to Event Staff and Visitors

Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common injuries to befall people. This risk is amplified when uneven ground is involved, as is often the case for outdoor events. Ground protection mats can help smooth over these uneven surfaces, reducing the risk of falls.

Ground Protection Mats Can Protect Equipment 

Ground protection mats don’t just protect the ground from people and equipment, they can actually help protect your equipment from the ground too. How does this work, you ask? It’s quite simple really, ground protection mats help make uneven ground easier for plant equipment to traverse and/or be sited on, without compromising stability, and preventing accidents and breakages to machinery. It also helps to reduce the amount of debris and other dirt that can end up in mechanisms, etc.

Ground Protection Mats Are as Easy to Install as They are to Remove

Laying ground protection mats doesn’t take a great deal of skill or specialist equipment. Likewise, after the event, they can easily removed and before long it will be like they were never there in the first place. 

Ground Protection Mats Help Avoid Costly Damage Repairs

Events can be costly enough to run without having to pay for damages after the event. Without adequate protection, masses of people and/or equipment traversing your event site will leave their mark on the ground surface. For this reason, ground protection mats are an absolute must when you’re holding an outdoor event that’s likely to have a heavy impact on the grounds. The cost to hire ground protection mats is far less than that to repair a damaged field, so for peace of mind be sure to add them to your event equipment list in the planning stage.

Ground Protection Mats Bolster the Ground’s Stability

Unprepared, fields and similar spaces are not often well-suited to deal with crowds of people and/or heavy equipment that go part and parcel with outdoor events. As mentioned elsewhere in this article, uneven ground can lead to injuries to visitors and damage to equipment (if it can hold them at all), and laying ground protection mats can be a highly effective way to bolster the strength of soft or uneven ground surfaces.

As you can see, ground protection mats really are an essential item for many outdoor events, especially if you’re planning one in a field. They are inexpensive to hire, and you don’t need to worry about storage costs when they’re not in use. Power Plant Hire have experience in providing ground protection mats and other equipment for events all across Leinster, being based in Enniscorthy Co Wexford and regularly serving customers across Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow, and Wicklow. For more information, get in touch with our team on 053 923 5003  or email sales@powerplant.ie.  |

A powerful EGO blower

They may not enjoy the same profile as lawnmowers or hedge strimmers, but the humble leaf blower is a garden godsend in its own right. Efficient, environmentally friendly, and effective, cordless leaf blowers are small but practical machines that can turn hours of work into minutes, whether it be in a domestic garden or a major industrial complex. And, as you will read, they have used beyond merely clearing leaves…

Handheld Leaf Blowers are Faster Than Rakes

Raking leaves and other garden debris hand can be quite a time-consuming chore—time that could be spent on more enjoyable activities and, in autumn/winter time, warmer ones too. Handheld leaf blowers contain powerful motors that blow away the leaves at high speed, effortlessly and efficiently. After one session you’ll wonder why you ever wasted all that time and energy with rakes and brushes.

Blowers can Blow More Than Just Leaves

While in common nomenclature we do indeed often refer to such equipment as ‘leaf blowers’, they can be effective in tidying up more than just leaves. For example, garden sheds can become quite dirty places, with an accumulation of dust and other debris over time. A leaf blower can be a quick solution to save you hours of manual work. Simply point the blower at your dusty tools and blow away the dust (and other dirt) in seconds. Likewise, cordless blowers can also be quite handy for sweeping footpaths and patios of grass cuttings, loose soil, and other dirt that may have gathered. Certainly easier than having to stoop down or sweep—not only is a blower far quicker, but your back and limbs will thank you for it. 

Leaf Blowers Are Better for Your Back

It pays to be conscientious of the impact of manual labour on your back. When you use a rake or sweeping brush to clear leaves away, you end up putting gradual strain on your back and indeed limbs. This is where a handheld blower makes a world of difference. You simply point the blower at the leaves (or other debris) that you’re trying to clear and let the blower do the rest.

Clean Gutters in No Time with a Blower

Gutter cleaning is one of life’s necessities when it comes to property maintenance, whether it’s your own home or a business facility. As easy as it might sound, it can be quite a protracted and onerous task when you manually clean them. This often involves physically poking and prodding your gutters and then flushing them through with water. Not a particularly efficient method. However, with a cordless leaf blower, you can clear your gutters of leaves and other debris in seconds and without much manual effort. 

Leaf Blowers Make Tidying Up Fun

Let’s be honest, a cold autumn afternoon sweeping stubborn leaves and clutter isn’t always the most enjoyable of outdoor experiences. However, when you choose to use a handheld leaf blower, not only does it make the task less onerous but it can actually be quite fun too. Under supervision, you may even be able to let the kids join in—in no time they’ll have gone from fighting over having to do garden chores to who gets to do garden chores.

What’s the Best Brand of Cordless Blower?

Two of the top brands of cordless blowers are Husqvarna and EGO, both of which we stock at Power Plant Hire. Both brands produce high-quality, battery-powered blowers that are ergonomically friendly and environmentally sound. Their powerful motors produce relatively little noise so won’t disturb the peace while carrying out their job quickly and efficiently.

To view our range of handheld blowers, visit the Power Plant Hire showroom in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford today and our expert team will be happy to show you our selection. We’ve been serving the gardening equipment needs of the southeast for decades, and are happy to advise on the most suitable product for your needs. 

One of the most popular services we offer at Power Plant Hire is forklift rental, with models in a variety of sizes and in both diesel and battery variants. We’ve been providing forklift trucks for hire across Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow, Kilkenny, and Waterford for decades, and we’ve found that many businesses actually find hiring such a vehicle more effective than buying one, granting them greater flexibility in areas ranging from choice of forklift to cashflow. Let’s take a look at some of these benefits.

Hiring a Forklift Means No Cost of Ownership

When you choose to hire a forklift rather than purchase one, you don’t need to worry about ongoing maintenance or servicing costs, for these rest with the hire company, not the hirer. Not only does this remove the ‘cost of ownership’ from your budget, but it also removes the need for your business to expend resources on forklift compliance and other admin costs associated with forklift ownership. 

Hiring a Forklift Allows You to Try Different Types

Choosing which forklift you purchase is a big commitment, for once you’ve bought it you’re going to be stuck with it for quite some time. However, when you choose to rent a forklift rather than purchase one outright, you are afforded more flexibility to try different types. For instance, you may been considering the idea of using battery forklifts but are reluctant to purchase one in case you find it unsuitable. However, if you hire a battery forklift you can simply hand it back if it proves a bad fit for your operations. At Power Plant Hire we can supply battery forklifts and diesel models, contact us for details.

Renting a Forklift Means Instant Availability

One of the disadvantages of purchasing a new forklift is that you may end up having to wait a considerable period before the forklift is delivered from the factory. This is not an ideal situation when you need one in a hurry. In contrast, if you choose to hire a forklift then you can have ready access to their available models, no need to worry about waiting for a delivery from the manufacturer. 

Forklift Hire Can Help Cashflow

While purchasing a new forklift can mean a major financial outlay, the hire option means you pay a smaller amount at intervals (and only when you actually need the vehicle). This means that renting a forklift can be better for your business’ cashflow than purchasing one outright.

Forklift Rental Means Access to Newer Models

Once you purchase a new forklift, chances are your business will not be in a position to upgrade it for quite a few years. And while this isn’t necessarily a problem, it does mean that you may miss out on the chance to try new technology in the world of forklifts as it comes out. On the other hand, should you choose to hire a forklift, you can have access to newer models without having to finance substantial capital outlay. This also means that your business won’t be affected by depreciation as the forklift ages.

You Can Hire a Forklift for as Long (or Short) a Period as You Need

Renting a forklift gives you flexibility as to the actual length of hire; at Power Plant Hire we can provide forklifts for rent for a fixed period, for just a day, or for an indefinite period—the choice is yours. This makes the forklift rental option ideal for those who only need a forklift for a few hours, and purchasing would definitely not be cost-effective.  

Hiring a Forklift is Ideal for Emergencies or Boosting Productivity

Even if it makes more sense for your business to purchase a forklift outright, there may still be times when hiring a forklift can be of benefit. For example, if your own forklift is out of action, whether it be due to routine servicing, a breakdown or an accident, hiring a forklift is an effective way to cover this downtime so that your business’ productivity doesn’t suffer. As mentioned earlier, at Power Plant Hire we can hire forklifts for as short or long a period as you need, even for an indefinite amount of time, so you don’t need to worry about how long your own forklift will be out of commission. Similarly, in particularly busy periods where the work is too much for your own vehicle to handle on its own, hiring a forklift can help ease the pressure and help maintain this increased productivity.

Interested in hiring a forklift? We’d be happy to quote for your needs. Call our team on 053 9235003 or email sales@powerplant.ie. You can also visit us in our showroom at Enniscorthy Co Wexford to discuss all your plant rental requirements.

Chainsaws, pruning saws, we associate both with cutting but beyond that they’re quite different beasts. What’s the difference you ask? Quite a lot, actually, and while they’re both used to cut back growth, their applications are very different and in most cases far from interchangeable. In this article we will take a look at the key differences between pruning saws and chainsaws, jobs each type is best suited to and other environmental and safety considerations to take into account when choosing a saw for your cutting job.

Chainsaws are Less Precise Than Pruning Saws

Chainsaws are intended for less precise jobs than pruning saws, for instance, felling a tree. In this instance you’re probably more concerned with getting the tree down safely than the level of finesse to which you can apply to the cut. However, when it comes to neatly trimming back branches, a chainsaw will likely be too cumbersome to achieve the level of detail required.

Pruning Saws Offer More Finesse

When it comes to maintaining branches or shrubs, a steady, sleek cut is key to gaining a smooth finish, rather than sheer power. Pruning saws are ideally suited to such work, enabling the user to trim back unwieldy growth without being too harsh on the tree itself. While not necessarily as powerful as a chainsaw there’s no real need for them to be.

Chainsaws Offer More Power Than a Pruning Saw

Chainsaws have more powerful motors than pruning saws, making them better for cutting large, bulky material such as trees or logs.

Pruning Saws have Smaller Cutting Diameters 

The cutting diameter of a pruning saw will be less than that of a chainsaw. Whether or not this is an advantage comes down to the job requiredçif you’re cutting a large log then the wider cutting diameter of a chainsaw will naturally be an advantage. However, a small cutting diameter is all that is needed for trimming back branches and stubborn shrubbery (in fact, a large cutting diameter would likely cause more damage than good in this scenario).

Pruning Saws are Safer for Cutting Above Shoulder Height

Safety should always be foremost in your mind when using a saw. Consider the position you’ll be taking while cutting—if you are cutting above shoulder height, pruning saws are considered safer to use, you should never use a chainsaw to cut something in such a position, for you don’t have adequate control which can lead to severe injury or worse. Of course, no matter what type of saw you are using, you should always ensure that you are adequate PPE and remain vigilant at all times.

What are the Best Brands of Saws?

There are a number of excellent saw manufacturers on the market, and we stock an extensive variety at Power Plant. We’ve recently become agents for EGO, which produce some really efficient pruning saws such as the PSA1000. For chainsaws, the Husqvarna range is a market leader, with popular models including the Husqvarna 540i XP battery chainsaw.

I’m Still Not Sure Whether to use a Chainsaw or a Pruning Saw

The above gives an overview of what jobs are best suited to chainsaws and pruning saws respectively. However, if you’re still not sure which saw is the best option for your needs, feel free to give the Power Plant Hire team a call on 053 923 5003 or call into our showroom in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, and speak to a member of staff. We’ve been serving the tool and equipment needs of Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow, Waterford and Kilkenny for decades and are only too to pass our knowledge on. You can also email us at sales@powerplant.ie. 

There once was a time when power washers were generally the preserve of businesses. Indeed, they are an essential part of the maintenance arsenal across many industries, from transport to construction to facilities management. However, they are also becoming increasingly popular hires for home and garden use too, with the Kranzle range being particularly popular.. Power Plant Hire regularly hires out power washing equipment to homes across Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow, Waterford and Kilkenny. Why are they becoming so popular with home owners, you may ask? There are plenty of advantages for sure, let’s take a look at some of them.

Power Washing Can Save You Money on Repainting Surfaces

While all paint needs replacing at some point, lack of regular cleaning can shorten its life considerably. This is why it’s good to wash away algae, moss, lichen and contaminants before it can take hold and do to much damage. Power Washers are ideal for this, you may well find that the cost of hiring one for a day is substantially less than that of more frequent repainting. Of course, it should go without saying, Power Washing does wonders for your property’s aesthetic appearance too.

Power Washing Can Help Maintain Your Driveway

There’s more to power washing than simply keeping your home and garden clean. It can actually save you money on maintenance and repairs too. Take your driveway, for example. Naturally, driveways have to withstand a lot of dirt, oil, grease and other pollutants. Over time, this can not only make them unsightly but can actually slowly damage the surface leading to you eventually having to replace them. A thorough power wash can prevent this, and increase the lifespan of your driveway surface (saving you time and money).

Power Washing is Good for Your Roof

As with driveways and walls, the roof of your property is also susceptible to gradual damage from algae and other growth or contaminants that can build up considerably if left unchecked (while also clogging up gutters and drains, leading to further potential damage). Once again, it’s well worth hiring a power washer for a weekend to get your roof gleaming again and preventing long term damage. Not only will it look better, it’ll save you money on costly repairs too.

Power Washers Keep Patios Pristine

Patios are another area that can tend to get unsightly if algae and other growth is allowed to prosper unhindered. Being often the focal point of a garden space, they’re an area you’ll want to keep aesthetically pleasing as much as your house itself. Power Washers such as those in the Kranzle range are ideally suited to keeping patios looking pleasant, being a lot quicker (and less labour-intensive) than manual scrubbing. 

Power Washers Can Save on Water Usage

It might seem counter intuitive, but washing a surface with a Power Washer tends to use less water than you would using more manual methods to achieve the same result. So, less water, less time, less effort, what’s not to love?

What Power Washers are Suitable for Home & Garden Use?

The Kranzle QUICKLY. Kranzle 1152TST, Brendon 35 KPE and  Kranzle 2160 TST are all ideal for home & garden use. Further Kranzle power washers can be seen in our showroom at Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.

The Kranzle Quickly is one of our newest models and is built on a robust, all-terrain chassis that is suitable for stairs, and includessurface cleaner Round Cleaner UFO as standard. Other features include the Kränzle axial pump + total stop system, Hose holder for the 8 m high-pressure hose and storage for gun and lances. We can supply this model for sale.

The Kranzle 1152 TST has a powerful, slow revving motor and comes with a 15m professional quality high pressure hose and hose reel. Other features include a Flat Jet lance, dirt killer lance and Starlet 4 quick release gun. We supply the Kranzle 1152 TST model for sale.

The Brendon35 KPE petrol driven washer is one of our hire models, and sports a heavy duty triple piston CAT pump,15m of 3/8″ double braided hose fitted with couplings and 4.5m of 3/4″ suction hose fitted with a Brendon stainless steel suction strainer, all powered by a Honda GX390 engine. 

The Kranzle 2160 TST features Dirtkiller and vario jet lance and is powered by slow running 1400 rpm electric motors wand which can provide  working pressures of up to 180 bar.  We can supply this power washer model for hire.

To find out more about our extensive range of Kranzle power washers, why not call into our Enniscorthy showroom for a look? Alternatively, call the Power Plant Team on 053 923 5003 or email sales@powerplant.ie and they’ll be happy to help. 

If your business involves the use of plant equipment to get jobs done, then you know how important it is to maintain it in optimum operational condition. Regular servicing of your plant equipment is vital, and this article will go through why neglecting a plant service can have negative ramifications for your business.

Plant Servicing is a Safety Must

Proper machinery maintenance is not only essential for your equipment’s continued functionality, but it is also vital for the safety of its users and those working around it. Should an accident occur due to a lack of adequate servicing, your business may well be liable for damages to property and/or persons affected.

Inspectors May Look For Evidence of Plant Servicing

When your work site is undergoing a Health & Safety inspection, the inspector may ask to see evidence that your plant equipment has been serviced when it pertains to safety matters. Therefore it is important to be able to show the inspector documentation to prove that your machine(s) have been serviced and maintained according to manufacturer guidelines and by qualified professionals.

Regular Servicing of Plant Equipment Avoids Costly Breakdowns and Revenue Loss

When your business depends on its plant equipment, it is crucial to keep said equipment in tip-top condition. The last thing any business owner wants is to have to postpone, or worse, cancel, a valuable job because their machinery has failed. Imagine having to turn away revenue because you neglected to bring your plant for its service when it was due.

Always Ensure Your Plant is Serviced by Qualified Professionals

Plant machinery is highly specialised equipment, requiring precision care and maintenance. For this reason, it is of the utmost importance that all servicing is carried out by professionals qualified to maintain the equipment in question. Failing to do this can not only void your warranty but can lead to expensive equipment failures and even dangerous situations. Power Plant Hire has fitters qualified to service a range of different types of plant machinery, contact us for details.

Preventative Maintenance is Key to Plant Efficiency

When your business is reliant on the availability of your plant equipment, it makes sense to be proactive rather than reactive. Regular plant maintenance and servicing help to identify small issues before they escalate into big (and potentially show-stopping) problems.

A little Bit of Downtime is Better Than a Lot

Downtime is something all operators prefer to avoid. However, a little bit of downtime can go a long way towards saving your business from a lot of downtime. Sometimes, plant operators skip services to avoid being down equipment for a day or two. This is very much a false economy, for it is far, far more preferable to take a machine offline for a day than to have it out of service for weeks (if not outright written off) because a service was skipped. Don’t think of a service as a waste of time or money, think of it as an insurance policy.

Servicing Helps You Get Better Value from Your Plant Equipment in the Long Run

If you want something to last long, take care of it. This is as true for plant equipment as it is for all other areas of life. The time and money you invest in regular plant servicing and maintenance will pay dividends in the long run, often serving to increase the lifespan of your machinery and giving you more bang for your buck in the long run. This also means less expenditure is required on equipment replacement. 
Regular servicing and maintenance of your plant equipment doesn’t have to be a chore. As we have seen above, it can actually be a benefit for your business. At Power Plant Hire, we have technicians qualified to service a vast range of plant equipment and are already a trusted maintenance partner for plant operators across Wexford, Waterford, Wicklow, Kilkenny, and Carlow. Call our team to find out more, 053 923 5003 or email sales@powerplant.ie.

When we think of plant equipment used on construction sites, one probably thinks of excavators and concrete mixers. And, these are of course very common and in many ways essential to such sites. However, the telehandler is also a quite popular piece of plant equipment for construction sites, if often overlooked. In this article, we shall look at some of the reasons why telehandlers have come into their own as a favoured piece of plant equipment on construction sites.

Telehandlers Can Easily Reach Over Obstacles

Telehandler booms can be adjusted so that even if the vehicle itself can’t get around an obstacle, it is possible to manoeuvre a load over it. This can be especially useful on construction sites where the items required to lift are situated behind a mass of concrete blocks or plastic piping, for example. It’s far quicker, and more efficient, to simply reach over the other items with a telehandler than to spend potentially hours removing the other items, grabbing the required one and then putting the other objects back.

Telehandlers Can Lift Heavier Loads Than Forklifts

Construction work often involves lifting loads that are simply beyond the capabilities of a standard forklift. However, it’s not always practical for a large crane to be used either, and this is one of the reasons telehandlers are a popular choice of lifting equipment on construction sites, being able to lift more than a forklift yet being less cumbersome than a full-size crane.

Telehandler Booms Have More Operating Range Than Forklifts or Cranes

With a forklift, operators must be content with using the forks to simply move a load up or down, with no back-and-forth movement available along the forks. Telehandlers, however, allow their operators to move loads backwards and forwards too. This is extremely helpful on construction sites where a heavy load needs to be adjusted for stability or ease of movement across uneven ground. Likewise, while full-size cranes allow for the loads to be adjusted along the jib, the fact that they’re fixed in places tends to lessen their versatility somewhat.

Telehandlers Can Be Used at Dfferent Angles

The vast majority of telehandler booms are designed with a frame tilting ability so as to enable their operator to approach objects from different angles, unlike a forklift where the arms are at a fixed angle. This greatly adds to their overall versatility on construction sites, where a more rigid piece of lifting equipment such as a forklift might be at risk of toppling over.

Telehandler Tyres are Suitable for Uneven Terrain

Unlike forklifts which are usually only suitable for operation over smooth, even surfaces, telehandlers tend to be fitted with tyres suited to working over more uneven terrain. This is yet another reason why telehandlers can be quite an effective piece of plant equipment for construction site use.

A Wide Range of Attachments Can Be Fitted to Telehandlers

In addition to their lifting booms, telehandlers can be fitted with a wide range of attachments, increasing their versatility. For instance, buckets, and scoops can be fitted to a telehandler.

Telehandlers Are Easier to Move from Site to Site

Telehandlers can be registered for use on roads, which is not the case with forklifts. This means that they can be driven between locations under their own power, which can save operators on transport costs.

Telehandlers Have Less of a Footprint Than Cranes and Are More Stable

Not every construction site is suitable for a fixed crane, and even where they can be used, can not be readily moved around without considerable time and effort. Telehandlers not only take up less space than a crane but can be moved around a construction site almost immediately. Effectively, this means that in some situations not only are telehandlers safer than standard cranes, but are more time-efficient too.

If you are looking to hire a telehandler for use on your construction site, the Power Plant Hire team would be happy to quote for your needs. We have decades of experience providing telehandlers and other types of plant equipment to all sorts of construction projects across the counties of Wexford, Wicklow, Waterford, Kilkenny and Carlow. This background has enabled us to readily come with the optimum equipment solution for construction sites no matter what the shape, size and scope. Call us today on 053 923 5003 or drop us an email to sales@powerplant.ie. You can view some of the telehandlers we have available for hire here.

Since we started stocking the EGO gardening equipment range in our Co Wexford showroom, one of the most popular products has been their battery-powered lawnmowers. But why are they proving so popular, so quickly? Well, EGO mowers have quite a few benefits going for them compared to petrol models. We’ll discuss some of them in this article.

Battery Power Makes For an Environmentally Friendly Lawnmower

Battery lawnmowers are, of course, emission-free, and can serve as another step towards reducing your carbon footprint. It also makes them healthier to work with, with no need to worry about breathing in noxious fumes as you mow your lawn. This makes them cleaner to operate too, for you need not worry about spilled fuel getting on your hands or clothes and the lingering smell of petrol afterwards.

Battery Lawnmowers are Lighter and Easier to Move Around

With no heavy engine and fuel tank to carry around, battery lawnmowers tend to be lighter than their petrol-powered cousins. Not only does make them less laborious to move up and down the lawn (well worth bearing in mind if your garden is on a slope), it also makes them easier to maneuver and turn when it comes to corners. 

Battery Lawnmowers Vibrate Less Than Petrol Models

In addition to being easier to maneuver, another way in which EGO battery lawnmowers make cutting the lawn more comfortable is their lack of vibration compared to petrol machines. Your hands and arms will thank you for it.

Battery Lawnmowers Take Up Less Storage Space

With petrol lawnmowers, you not only need to have secure storage space for the mower itself but also its fuel. When you choose to go with an electric lawnmower, you only require storage space for the mower itself and need not worry about fuel being stored in your shed (and the risks that go with it).

EGO Battery Lawnmowers Need Less Servicing

Compared to petrol lawnmowers, battery models have a relatively simple power setup. This means service and maintenance on battery models is less intensive, with no filters or plugs to be changed. This means the cost of ownership for battery lawnmowers can be significantly less than that of petrol models. You’d be amazed how maintenance costs can add up, so be sure to bear this in mind when choosing your next lawnmower.

Battery Lawnmowers Are Quieter 

We’ve all been woken up on a Sunday morning by that noisy lawnmower your neighbour insists on starting at 8 am (or, worse, are you that neighbour?).  Well, convince your neighbour to get a battery-powered lawnmower and you can enjoy those lie-ins. Just like cars, electric models tend to be much quieter than their fuel-drinking counterparts. 

EGO Battery Lawnmowers Are Available in Both Push and Self-Propelled Models

Perhaps another reason why the EGO range of battery lawnmowers is proving particularly comes down to the options available. While many chose the traditional ‘push’ model, EGO also produces self-propelled versions, which make maintaining a garden much easier for the less agile or even those who simply don’t fancy spending an afternoon pushing a machine around. Whatever your preference, EGO has a battery lawnmower to suit your needs.

In addition to lawnmowers, EGO offers a range of other powered gardening equipment; as we discussed last week, their line trimmers are another popular option, and the perfect accompaniment to your battery mower, reaching tricky grass in restricted areas. You can view our EGO line in our showroom at Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. For more information give the Power Plant Hire team a call on 053 9235003 or send an email to sales@powerplant.ie.

At Power Plant Hire, we recently started to stock the EGO range of gardening equipment. The range includes lawnmowers, hedge cutters, line trimmers, blowers, pruning saws, and more. For this week’s blog, we’re going to take a look at some of the advantages their electric line trimmers offer over not only their petrol-powered equivalents but even lawnmowers in some instances. Let’s explore.

EGO have developed line trimmers that can retract in just 10 seconds.

Line Trimmers Can Access Areas Lawn Mowers Can’t

You know the feeling. You have your lawn trimmed almost perfectly but there’s that one stubborn crop of grass in a corner or under a tree stump. Despite your best efforts, the lawn mower just isn’t able to cut it back effectively. This is an area where lime trimmers prove to be extremely versatile, allowing you to trim back grass in tight areas that lawnmowers simply cannot reach. It also makes them effective for certain types of terrain where a lawn mower would be impractical. 

No Fuel Tank Means That Electric-Powered Line Trimmers are Less Cumbersome to Carry

Unlike petrol-powered models, electric-powered line trimmers, the EGO Power+ Powerload™ Line Trimmer, don’t require anything more than their own battery to be carried with them. Apart from the obvious environmental benefits, this helps to reduce the overall weight of the strimmer which makes them much easier for the user to carry around. Naturally, it also means less time is spent stopping and starting while you replenish the fuel tank.

Electric Line Trimmers are Easy to Start and Operate

Starting an electric line trimmer couldn’t be simpler, simply click a button, and off you go. This makes them much more user-friendly than petrol versions, without needing to tug at a cord that has become stubborn with age.

The EGO Power+ Powerload™ Trimmer is Speed-Adjustable

The EGO Power+ Powerload™ Line Trimmer features a speed selection switch, which means you can adjust the speed of the trim as you go, and as appropriate to the job in question. Sometimes a fast cut is effective, but sometimes, a more delicate touch is needed.  The EGO Power+ Powerload™ Line Trimmer can easily handle both. Another benefit of this is it allows for a consistent trim each time. A safety lock-off is included.

Electric-Powered Line Trimmers are Quieter 

Be it lawnmowers, line strimmers, or cars, there’s no denying that the petrol engine isn’t the quietest of humanity’s inventions. Nothing quite disturbs a pleasant Sunday morning in the neighbourhood like petrol-powered gardening equipment. This is yet another area where electric-powered line trimmers score points over their petrol-guzzling brethren. The noise emitted by electric models is far, far less intrusive. Not only will your ears thank for it, and so will nearby residents. The EGO Power+ Powerload™ Line Trimmer features a brushless motor which enables longer running times.

Electric-Powered Line Trimmers Vibrate Less

We all know that vibrating feeling your hands get after equipment such as a strimmer for a few minutes. Once again, this is a factor that is reduced when you switch to an electric-powered model. This is yet another way in which switching to an electric line trimmer reduces the impact on your body.

Electric-Powered Line Trimmers Require Less Maintenance

Electric-powered line trimmers require very little maintenance compared to petrol models. Usually, it’s simply a case of clearing any dirt or grass at the end of a trim and then putting it away safely (remembering to charge it, of course!).

As you can see, there are plenty of benefits to adding an EGO line trimmer to your gardening arsenal. Why not call into our showroom at Enniscorthy and have a look at our range? If you can’t make it in, you can always call our team on 053 923 5003 or email sales@powerplant.ie for a consultation on your garden equipment needs.

They say the devil is in the details, and in few industries is this more apt than it is in events. Whether indoor or outdoor, summer or winter, what all events have in common is the painstaking level of attention to detail that needs to be put in by their organisers to pull them off successfully, efficiently, and safely. The type of equipment used in the production and staging of an event is a crucial factor here. For this week’s article, we’re going to take a look at a selection of equipment you can hire to help ensure your event is the success that it deserves to be.

Ground Protection Mats for Events

Setting up an outdoor event can in of itself put extra stresses on the ground; for example, if you are setting up for a festival in a field or open-air concert, you may require heavy machinery to traverse grassy areas. Not only does this damage the soil (something which won’t make you popular with the venue owners), it can also compromise the stability of the site leading to potential accidents during the setup process, not to mention making for an unsightly venue when the public arrives. This is why it’s well worth hiring ground protection mats if you are setting up for an outdoor event. This will not only make the ground easier to negotiate for heavy plant equipment, it will also protect it from it. 

Lighting Towers for Events

If you’re holding an event in dark or even dusky conditions, hiring a lighting tower is a must. Firstly, from a safety perspective, a well-lit event is crucial to avoid slips, trips, and falls, which in a crowded venue can have especially dangerous repercussions. They’re also invaluable for event security, giving operators an adjustable, sweeping view of their venue and allowing potential hazards or disturbances to be quickly identified. It also enables easy identification of people. Aside from these safety and security benefits, lighting towers can greatly enhance the atmosphere of an event too.

Variable Message Signs (VMS) for Events

Normally associated with traffic or construction works, Variable Message Signs (VMS) can be used to great effect in the Event Management world too. They can be used for both entertainment purposes (for instance, ‘warm up’ messages to get the crowd excited) and also to communicate important messages at short notice (perhaps a last-minute change, or to alert guests of a potential traffic issue in town). VMS can also be used to good effect for managing event car parks, advising drivers of capacity, etc. Their great advantage over traditional printed or written signs is, of course, that they can be quickly updated throughout the event as and when the need arises.

Space Heaters for Events

For producers of events in the colder months (or even the summer ones, this is Ireland) hiring space heaters is well worthwhile to keep your attendees and staff comfortable. Power Plant Hire can provide a selection of space heaters ideal for event use, discover more here.

Temporary Fencing for Events

Temporary fencing is a must for adequate crowd control at events, while also adding to security. Power Plant Hire can provide easy-to-assemble, anti-climb, temporary fencing equipment (complete with fittings and blocks) for your event. Find out more here.

Scissors Lifts for Events

Access equipment is another must for discerning event producers, whether it be an indoor or outdoor event. Their ease of manoeuvrability gives them quite the edge over traditional steps and ladders. They can be far more efficient than scaffolding too, which in itself can take hours to set up (even though if it in turn is there to help set up props or stages in turn). They are safer than ladders too, as event staff don’t need to constantly dismount to gather further props and equipment, while also offering superior stability to that of a ladder. They also require less storage space, handling, and transportation than scaffolding does, with one scissors lift being able to fulfil the job of 100s of metres of scaffolding. You can view our range of Scissors Lifts here.

Generators for Events

Events generally require a reliable source of electric power close at hand. When it comes to outdoor events, for example, festivals, it is not always practical to simply connect them to the grid. This is where the portable generator comes in; simply wheel your generator(s) into your venue and you need not worry about reels of cabling to connect to a far off mains. In fact, even in situations where mains power is available, having a portable generator on standby is a good insurance policy should the power go out during your prestigious event. Find out more about the Power Plant Hire range of generators here.

To find out more about hiring any of the above equipment for your event, call the Power Plant Hire team on 053 923 5003 or email sales@powerplant.ie. 

A recent survey conducted by Off-Highway Research revealed that a whopping 365,000 mini-diggers were sold worldwide in 2023, with sales increasing 5-6% every year over the past two decades. Mini diggers actually see the highest volume of sales of machinery in Europe, along with other territories. People may wonder why this relatively humble piece of plant equipment is proving so popular on a worldwide scale—as experienced players in the plant hire world, we thought we’d offer a few thoughts on why mini digger sales continue to rise year on year.

Some Mini Diggers Can Be Used on Indoor Projects

By their very nature (clue is in the name!) mini excavators can traverse areas simply too tight for their larger counterparts. This means them ideal for use on home and garden renovations (some are actually small enough to enter houses) so they can find themselves deployed on interior rebuilds as well as external ones. This means that not only are they a useful piece of plant equipment for commercial developments, but they can also have domestic use, in ways a full-size excavator cannot. Since Covid, more and more people have begun home and garden refurbishment projects and this may be a contributing factor to their popularity.

Going Underground—Mini Diggers and Subterranean Use

Another advantage to be gained from the small size of mini diggers is that they can be used to good effect on underground projects, being able to fit into nooks and crannies that their bigger brothers cannot.

Mini Diggers are Extremely Versatile Pieces of Plant Equipment

There’s more to a Mini digger than, well, digging. Mini excavators are customisable with attachments and tools to take on other tasks too. For example, mini diggers can be used as rock breakers and hedge trimmers, to give to examples. We’ve already discussed their ease of maneuverability and compact size, so when you add this extra versatility, they really can do the work of many larger types of machinery in a small space.

Ease of Use is Key to Mini Digger Popularity

The easier something is to use, the more likely people are to use it. Makes sense, right? Mini Diggers require significantly less training than larger machines and also have less complex controls. It should follow, therefore, that with more people able to use them, their popularity is going to be higher than that of more complicated plant equipment and machinery.

Mini Excavators are Easy to Transport

Full-size diggers require large loaders or similar-sized vehicles to transport them from site to site. Mini diggers, however, can be transported on a domestic trailer, without the need for rigorous loading and unloading. Once again, the word ‘easy’ is at play, no doubt contributing to their continued growth in popularity across both domestic and commercial markets.

Mini Diggers are Less Obtrusive Than Larger Plant

We’ve already discussed how mini excavators take up less space than full-size diggers, and this has attractive benefits beyond being easy to manoeuvre. For one thing, their smaller nature means their impact on the environment around them will be significantly less than that of larger plant equipment. They’re also quieter, which may be another factor behind their popularity in domestic, garden, and residential projects.

These are just a few thoughts on why mini diggers are Europe’s most sold piece of plant equipment. Certainly, in our years of hiring them across Wexford, Waterford, Wicklow, Kilkenny, and Carlow we’ve seen customers of all types and sizes enjoy great success from using them. If you’d like to know more about our mini digger service please do contact the Power Plant Hire team today. Simply call 053 923 5003 or send an email to sales@powerplanthire.ie.

Power Plant Hire is proud to announce that it is now an official agent for the EGO garden power tool range for the southeast of Ireland. The range includes blowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, long-reach hedge cutters, pruning saws, and, walk-behind lawnmowers. This comprehensive range covers gardening equipment for both professional and domestic use. This week’s blog will take a look at the EGO Hedge Cutter range and how it can save you time, effort, and even your hearing. Let’s begin.

Hedge Cutters Save You Time

Trimming a hedge using handheld shears can be a thankless and laborious task, even in a small garden. Should you have a larger garden or estate to maintain, trimming the hedges with shears can be a very daunting task indeed. With an EGO Hedge Trimmer, the time spent pruning hedge growth is cut back to a fraction of what it would take using traditional hedge-cutting equipment. On larger gardens, it may well be the only practical option, particularly if the time you have available is limited (perhaps due to an upcoming event, or even just down to the weather, it is Ireland after all!). Even for those maintaining small gardens an EGO Hedge Trimmer can still come into its own as a time saver.

Hedge Cutters Reduce the Effort Required

We’ve just discussed how EGO Hedge Cutters save time in garden maintenance, so, logically, they save on effort too. On a scorching hot day, you might want to be out enjoying the garden, but perhaps not so much expending manual labour in the heat. And it certainly isn’t a coveted task on a cold day. When you use a Hedge Cutter, the equipment takes care of the hard work, all you need to do is guide it.

Cordless Hedge Cutters are Safer and Less Cumbersome

One great advantage of EGO Hedge Cutters is that they’re cordless. This means that they’re less cumbersome—you don’t need to keep plugging and unplugging the equipment as you move along. Their cordless nature actually makes them safer too, for it removes the risk of the operator tripping over extension cords, or, worse still, cutting through a live cable.

EGO Hedge Cutters Enable Precise, Efficient Trimming

EGO Hedge Cutters are designed with sharp, precise blades that enable the user to produce clean, exact cuts as they trim their hedges. Their precise cutting control also allows gardeners to craft shapes and edges with meticulous detail that simply isn’t possible with garden shears.

Safety is a Priority with EGO Hedge Cutters

User safety is a key component of the EGO Hedge Cutter design process. Features include an electric brake which turns off the blades upon trigger release. EGO Hedge Cutters also have blade guards to protect the user. 

EGO Hedge Cutters are Less Obtrusive than Petrol Models

The EGO Hedge Cutter range is electric-powered and thus quieter (not to mention better for the environment) than their petrol-powered counterparts. They also have less vibration, adding to user comfort.

Hedge Cutters give a Consistent, Even Finish

When using manual shears to trim a hedge, it takes quite a lot of skill and attention to detail to get a smooth, consistent finish. In fact, for many people, it’s just not attainable with a shears at all. EGO Hedge Cutters have specially designed blades to give your hedges a smooth, even trim, making for a garden border that looks neat and clean-cut. Different blade sizes are available to suit different hedge sizes.

We hope that this has been a useful insight into the benefits EGO Hedge Cutters can bring to your garden maintenance efforts. A whole range of EGO garden equipment has just landed in our Enniscorthy showroom, so call in and chat with our experts about your needs. For more information call 53 9235003  or email sales@powerplanthire.ie.

The summer is here and whether we get weeks of sunshine or just a few days, in Ireland we savour every second of it we can. Thoughts turn to the garden, and on a nice sunny day, there’s no reason why you can’t work, dine, read, and play while catching some rays. However, a clean environment is a happy environment after months of minimal attention, your garden can suddenly become a less inviting place when you see all the dirt and debris that have built up during the ‘off-season’. Speaking of things that aren’t inviting, the prospect of getting down on your knees to scrub away the dirt must surely qualify. Not to worry. This is where hiring a Power Washer can be a godsend…

Keep your Patio Prim and Proper with a Pressure Washer

In the warm months, patios can be very much as much a living space as the inside of your home. Whether it be for family dinners, Friday evening drinks, or entertaining guests at the weekend, a well-kept patio can be very inviting but can quickly become less aesthetically pleasing if clutter and debris are allowed to accumulate. Once again, a Power Pressure can make light work of what might take an hour to tidy manually. Have guests arriving in an hour and need to clear the patio quickly before you set out the table? Just grab the Power Pressure and blast the dirt and debris away, from loose soil to animal droppings to brambles.

Blast Away Algae Growth with Power Washers 

Algae and moss growth can be a bugbear for proud garden owners. Imagine, your lawn is perfectly trimmed, and your flower beds are exquisite, but your otherwise perfect home and garden are blemished by green algae growth along the walls and patio. Manual scrubbing is strenuous and the algae is so stubborn that you’re really making any progress despite the effort. In such a situation, it’s well worth hiring a Power Washer to contend with your unwanted algae growth. A prior application of detergent and steady sweeping motion will see the algae blasted away in a fraction of the time it would take to scrub it off manually. It can be quite fun too.

Clean Garden Furniture with a Pressure Washer

As the summer arrives most of us are tempted to make use of our garden furniture, whether it’s for an al fresco dinner or a weekend afternoon spent reading a book. However, we often find that, having left our garden furniture exposed over the winter, it isn’t always the most appealing thing to look at by the time the weather warms up. Grime, dirt, and natural stains can accumulate during the colder months, and the idea of kneeling down and scrubbing it all away can be daunting. Yet again, a Power Washer can reduce this time-consuming, monotonous task from hours to just a few minutes. That’s more time to enjoy the sun and less spent on dealing with dirt.

Using a Power Washer is Often More Efficient Than Manual Cleaning

Not only does using a Power Washer save you time on manually scrubbing your patio, wall, or vehicle, but it can actually save on water usage too—it might surprise you to learn that manually washing a surface generally uses more water than Power Washing it.

If you think a Power Washer would help speed up your garden renovation or tidy-up, contact our team at Power Plant Hire today. We’re official dealers for the Kranzle Power Washer range and will be happy to advise on the best option for your requirements. We are based in Enniscorthy and regularly supply Power Washers and other Garden Renovation Equipment to homes and businesses across Wexford, Wicklow, Waterford, Carlow, and Kilkenny. Call us today on 053 923 5003 or email sales@powerplanthire.ie. 

These days, it seems like there’s an app to make nearly every aspect of our lives easier, be it for work, home, or leisure. Of course, there are some areas where an app can’t directly help, mowing the lawn being one of them. However, there are ways to make this fact of life a bit easier for garden owners and greenkeepers: enter the Automower. Introduced by Husqvarna in 1995 (you can read about its history here), this invention has been continuously developed ever since with benefits beyond simply reducing manual labour. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Automowers Turn a Chore into a Pleasure

Let’s face it, for many of us, mowing a lawn is more of a chore than a pleasure, perhaps even something we procrastinate over in favour of more pleasurable activities. Even on smaller lawns, having to push around a traditional lawn mower can become tiresome very quickly. With a ride-on lawn mower, you simply sit up and relax as the machine does the hard work, be it a sunny summer afternoon or a wet autumn morning.

Robotic Lawn Mowers are Less Strenuous on the Body

Husqvarna Automowers make light work of hills and slopes without you needing to lift a finger.

Unlike traditional lawnmowers, there’s no real heavy lifting or shoving involved with an Automower. Does your garden involve a steep slope? Not a problem, the robotic lawnmower can simply power up the gradient. It also means no more hassle with manually lugging a heavy machine back over a missed clump of grass to go over it again. This also makes Automowers an ideal choice for those with back problems and other conditions that may hinder their ability to use a traditional lawn mower comfortably.

Robotic Lawn Mowers Take Up Less Space

Automowers are smaller than ride-on lawnmowers, and most manual ones too. As such they demand less storage space, freeing up room in your shed, and are well suited to smaller gardens where a larger, manual model might be cumbersome. As we already mentioned, they are an ideal solution for those with mobility problems, particularly in cases where a small garden makes a large ride-on lawnmower impractical. 

Automowers are Better for the Environment

We’re all looking for ways to reduce our impact on the environment. Well, you’ll be pleased to know that a Husqvarna Automower is an excellent way to achieve this, for they are battery-powered. This means you can rest assured that no matter how often you mow your lawn, the machine won’t produce any harmful emissions. They tend to be quieter than petrol mowers too, thus reducing their noise impact. Your neighbours will thank you for that!

Automowers Enable More Frequent, Precise Lawn Trimming

Let’s face it, a lot of us have a habit of leaving the lawn cutting until the grass starts to look too long if not unwieldy. With an Automower, it’s far more feasible to trim the grass frequently, even daily if you desire, so that it remains at a consistent height without ever getting unkempt. Not only does it require less effort than a manual lawnmower, but it can actually be set to run on a daily schedule if needed, without you having to even step outside.

At Power Plant Hire, we’re authorised dealers for the Husqvarna range of Automowers, with happy customers all across the southeast of Ireland, including Wexford, Waterford, Wicklow, Carlow, and Kilkenny. If you’re considering investing in a ride-on lawn mower, be sure to call into our showroom at Enniscorthy Co Wexford and discover our range firsthand. In addition, we are authorised service agents for Husqvarna lawnmowers. To discuss your needs contact the Power Plant Hire team today at 053 923 5003 or email sales@powerplanthire.ie.

Power Plant Hire has been supplying access equipment to businesses across Leinster and the South East for decades. We often get asked about the different types of access equipment available, and which ones are best suited to particular jobs. This article will examine some of the more common ones and their advantages.

Low-Level Access Equipment

When we think of access equipment, one may imagine cherry pickers and aluminum towers. However, sometimes the height isn’t particularly great and you simply need a wide, solid surface to work just a little bit higher than ground level. This is where low-level access equipment comes in. For example, if you’re working on a ceiling for a sustained period of time, a low-level access platform can provide a safer, more practical solution than a ladder. You’ve room to move across and can store extra tools alongside removing the need to constantly head up and down a ladder, which of course increases the risk of injury. Power Plant Hire can even provide foldable low-level access platforms for easy transportation from site to site. They are very suited to indoor use, where a larger piece of access equipment might be at best cumbersome, or at worst, not fit the space at all.

Scissors Lifts

Ideal for indoor use as well as outdoor, scissors lifts tend to have a higher reach than low-level access equipment while providing more space for tools, equipment, and even extra personnel, than a ladder would. This of course makes them safer than ladders, as workers need not dismount to collect extra equipment. By their very nature scissor lifts have superior stability to ladders, which is another reason why they are safer for working at a height. Scissors Lifts also offer an advantage over scaffolding, as they can be quickly set up and moved along without needing to dismantle and re-erect scaffolding. This also makes them more efficient for jobs involving working at heights, for they take up less room and negate the need for a large amount of equipment—one scissor lift can do the job of 100 meters of scaffolding, for example. This also means that there is less equipment to store or transport.

Vertical Mast Booms

Vertical Mast Booms are designed for ease of use in tight areas. They are compact and can be easily manoeuvred around obstacles that would hinder the use of other types of access equipment, such as scissor lifts. They are also designed so as to be portable while not compromising on their reach capability. 

Cherrypickers

Cherrypickers are perhaps one of the most flexible types of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). They consist of a bucket or small platform fixed to the end of a hydraulic arm. Generally speaking, their height range exceeds that of scissor lifts allowing for a wide range of applications from window cleaning to overhead wire maintenance. They can also be used on various terrains, so it’s not uncommon to see them in use on construction sites, being rugged enough to be safely used on uneven surfaces. They offer an advantage over ladders and scaffolding in that they require relatively little time to set up. They also include guard rails making them a safer option for working on a height. Naturally, they don’t require the user to physically climb any ladders which reduces the likelihood of worker injury on the job. Cherrypickers can also be utilised to good effect on exterior building painting projects.

There are two principal types of Cherrypicker—Articulating booms and Telescopic Booms:

Articulating Booms

Articulating Booms go from smaller electric booms (mainly but not exclusively for indoor use) through to diesel articulating booms, which are designed for outdoor use at greater heights. 

Telescopic Booms

Telescopic Booms are outdoor machines and have a higher reach than articulated booms. As such, they are the preferred lifting boom in many construction applications, for example, steel erecting. 

Call the Power Plant Hire team today at 053 923 5003 to find out more about our range of access equipment. You can also email the team at sales@powerplanthire.ie. 

Perhaps the less prolific cousin of the forklift, telehandlers are extremely versatile pieces of equipment with a range of applications from container yards to farms to construction sites and everything in between. They hold plenty of advantages over forklifts too, and even cranes in some situations. These advantages range include increased safety and stability, off-road use, and generally greater flexibility. Power Plant Hire has been hiring out telehandlers for years in areas such as Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, and Tipperary. We’ve seen customers reap these benefits firsthand, so we thought we’d put this article together to go through some of them. Let’s explore them in detail.

An example of a telehandler in agricultural use, lifting bales on a farm.

Telehandlers have Great Stability

Telehandlers have a much lower centre of gravity compared to cranes and forklifts. They also have a wide base. These two attributes combined gives operators one of the safest types of lifting equipment around, even when they’re being used for reaching far or carrying heavy loads. 

Telehandlers have Fantastic Height and Reach Capabilities

Telehandlers generally have greater reach and height capabilities than traditional forklift trucks. This means that they are ideal for use in moving containers and other large items that would be beyond the lift and carrying capabilities of smaller vehicles.

Telehandlers can Be Used on Rough Terrain

Unlike most mobile cranes and forklifts, telehandlers are suitable for on-road and off-road use. Whether it’s a perfectly smooth container yard, an uneven construction site, or a lumpy agricultural field, telehandlers can be deployed. And, as mentioned earlier, the low centre of gravity of a telehandler reduces the risk of it toppling over when operating on an uneven surface, making it a much safer option than a crane or forklift in such circumstances. 

Telehandlers are Capable of Lifting Larger Loads than Forklifts (and Even Some Cranes)

Not only is the reach capability of a telehandler usually better than that of a forklift, but they are also capable of lifting heavier loads too. Examples would include metal beams on a construction site and heavy farm machinery. They can even outperform some small cranes when it comes to lifting operations. As mentioned earlier, they also do so with far more stability than either a crane or forklift, thus making for a safe, versatile piece of lifting equipment.

Telehandlers Can Be Customised With Different Attachments

An example of a telehandler with a pallet fork attachment in use on a construction site.

As with forklifts, telehandlers can be customised with different attachments to suit the job they’re tasked with. Examples of such attachments include pallet forks, lifting jibs, tipping skips, and even platform cages for those working at heights.

What are the Advantages of Hiring a Telehandler over Buying a Telehandler?

For businesses that only require the use of a Telehandler for a fixed period of time, the Hire option gives plenty of advantages over buying the equipment outright. Obviously, you only pay for the time you actually need the telehandler, so there’s no large upfront cost nor do you need to worry about ongoing maintenance and compliance costs. Hiring a telehandler also means that you don’t have to pay for storage costs when not in use, you won’t be affected by depreciation either. 

We hope this article has given you some insight into the wide range of advantages that choosing a telehandler can bring. If you’re interested in hiring one or are struggling to work out what type of lifting equipment is suitable for your project, give our team a call today at 053 923 5003 or email sales@powerplant.ie. Power Plant Hire has decades of experience in hiring plant equipment across Ireland, and would only be too happy to consult you on your requirements.

You can explore some of our telehandler models here.

Forklifts are highly versatile pieces of equipment, with a wide range of applications from warehousing to construction sites to workshops, to name but a few. However, they can be costly machines to own and operate, which is why many businesses are now choosing to hire forklifts rather than purchase them outright. Indeed, Power Plant Hire has regular customers all over Leinster who choose to hire forklifts from our Enniscorthy base. In this blog article, we examine five benefits businesses have when they choose to hire a forklift rather than buy one. Let’s take a look.

1. You Don’t Need to Worry About Forklift Maintenance

A significant advantage of choosing to hire a forklift rather than purchase one outright is that it removes any ongoing responsibility for maintenance and servicing, for this rests with the hirer. This means that your business won’t be affected by the cost of ownership and all the finance and admin time that goes along with it.

2. Forklift Hire Means No Long Leadtimes

Purchasing a forklift may mean that you end up having to wait for the forklift to arrive from the manufacturer before you can actually use it. Forklift hire companies, such as ourselves at Power Plant Hire, have forklifts ready for hire all year round, so you need not worry about lead times. For this reason, forklift hire services can also be useful to those who own a forklift but need to take it out of service suddenly for repairs.

3. Hire a Forklift for as Long as You Need, Nothing is Too Long or Too Short

Like much of the machinery we hire, some businesses only require the use of a forklift for a fixed time period; it could be months, it could be hours. For this reason, it’s not often practical or feasible for them to purchase a forklift outright, and hiring one is an ideal solution. 

4. Hiring a Forklift Makes it Easier to Control Cashflow

It goes out without saying, that purchasing a new forklift is a major financial outlay. For small businesses, this can take a major chunk out of their operating budget and may only be feasible partially. Hiring a forklift is often a much more practical solution, for you need only pay when you need it, making it much easier on your budget. And, as mentioned earlier, it also means there are no ongoing ownership costs such as maintenance.

5. Access to Modern Forklift Trucks

When you purchase a forklift outright, in all likelihood you’ll be stuck with the same forklift model for many years—even if you purchase the latest forklift model at the start, in time it will be superseded by newer versions while your one depreciates. However, should you decide to hire a forklift, you’ll have access to the latest models without the need to splurge every time an updated model arrives on the market. 

Power Plant Hire is an Accredited Forklift Hire Provider

In addition to being a member of the Hire Association Europe (HAE), Power Plant Hire also holds SafeHire Accreditation—one of only five Irish companies to do so. This means that we have achieved the gold standard for our industry in areas such as Health & Safety, CSR, Management of Contractors/Suppliers, HR compliance, and many other areas. You can read more about our SafeHire Accreditation in this article. As such, when you hire a forklift truck from Power Plant Hire, you can rest assured that you are hiring from a company that fully complies with all the required standards.

To find out more about our forklift hire service, call the Power Plant Hire team today on 053 923 5003 or email sales@powerplanthire.ie.  You can explore some of our range on our Forklift Hire page.

As the summer draws upon us, some of us will be considering a renovation project. Perhaps it’s finally time to finish that living room repaint you’ve been putting off for so long. While many people initially enjoy the creativity of painting, the tediousness of the project can put them off fairly quickly. And that’s without getting into the preparation work before and tidying up work after, your paint job. This is why it’s well worth looking at hiring powered painting equipment to speed up your project without compromising on the quality of the result. In this article, we shall look at some popular painting and decorating equipment pieces to make your project a pleasure to carry out.

Wallpaper Removal Doesn’t Have to be a Chore

Manually scraping off wallpaper by hand is a monotonous chore that few if any enjoy (and those who do enjoy it certainly don’t do so for long). But what if we told you there was a way to remove the monotony of wallpaper removal? A steam-powered wallpaper stripper is a far more effective way of removing wallpaper (and its residue) than merely scrapping it by hand. They work by forcing steam through the old wallpaper which not only helps to remove the paper itself, but also any residue or glue that may be left on the surface. You’ll save yourself hours if not days of tiresome scraping and get a much cleaner surface to paint on too.

Clean Your Surface with a Power/Pressure Washer

Cleaning the surface that is to be painted is an essential part of any decorating job. Manual scrubbing methods are all well and good but in the interest of effectiveness and efficiency hiring or purchasing a pressure washer will save you both time and effort. Different projects have different requirements, and Power Plant Hire can supply power washers in both petrol and electric versions, and of varying PSI. Grease can be a particularly tricky substance to remove from surfaces but it is essential that you do so if the paint is to be applied properly. This is where a power washer with a chemical feed can be highly effective, cutting through any oil or grease present. 

Fume Extraction Fans are Essential When Spray Painting in a Confined Area

Anyone who’s entered a newly-painted room knows how pungent the fumes can be. These can be both harmful and unpleasant, so it’s important to remove these toxic fumes as quickly as possible, particularly in an enclosed space where air circulation is poor. A fume extraction fan will make light work of this, and can also be effective in removing dust from the area. Fume extraction fans work by pulling these fumes and dust particles from the air and into a concentrated filtration system. The Power Plant Hire team will be happy to advise on the best fume extraction fan for your requirements.

We hope that this article has been helpful in giving an overview of the various types of painting and decorating equipment that can speed up your project. If you’d like to find out more, or perhaps look for other options, please call the Power Plant Hire team on 053 923 5003 or email sales@powerplanthire.ie. 

There are so many different types of handy tools to aid in garden renovation and maintenance, that it’s difficult to list them all in one article. As such, we thought we’d follow on from our previous Garden Renovation Equipment blog by looking at some more of our favourite garden tools and how they can make your gardening project easier.

Tillers for Revitalising Your Garden Soil

Garden tillers are used in soil preparation to break the ground before planting a lawn. They work by striking the earth with powerful blades which help reduce soil compaction by breaking it up and mixing it (particularly handy if you’re adding fertilizer or compost to the soil). Garden tillers come in various power ratings and are ideal for use in cultivating vegetable allotments and borders. They can also be used to remove weeds and other unwanted growth from your lawn. Power Plant Hire supplies garden tillers with adjustable handlebars for user comfort. Apart from their use in preparing new lawns and beds, you can also use a tiller to help revitalise an existing garden, for instance, to improve drainage, remove old sods, or break up soil that has been compacted.

Rotavator for a Healthy Happy Lawn

Manually preparing a lawn for seeing can be a tiresome and labour-intensive process, not to mention an inefficient one. However, hiring a rotavator machine will make light work of all this. Larger than tillers, rotavators are highly effective at aerating and cultivating soil, with their powerful blades also serving to cast out hidden debris. They can also help to reduce soil compaction and enable the soil to access nutrients and water for continued health more freely. Power Plant Hire can supply rotavators of various power ratings, find out more about our rotavators here.

Stump Grinder for Dealing with Pesky Tree Stumps

Nothing is quite as irritating when it comes to a garden makeover than a protruding tree stump. Imagine, you’ve spent all this effort and time smoothing your grass and hedges to perfection, and there’s a pesky tree stump spoiling your otherwise perfect lawn surface. Enter, the Stump Grinder. Stump Grinders allow you to cut away stumps with ease and efficiency, and are designed for handy movement meaning even tree stumps in tight corners can be accessed without hassle.

Wood Chippers, an Environmentally Friendly Piece of Garden Machinery

If your garden renovation project involves removing a mass of bushes, shrubs, and trees, hiring a Wood Chipper can make your life a lot easier. Available in different sizes, wood chippers are highly effective ways to reduce discarded trees and bushes to manageable, easy-to-transport, sizes. It’s also a far more environmentally friendly wood disposal method than burning; the wood can even be reused for other purposes after shredding. There’s no need to purchase one outright, Power Plant Hire can hire you a Wood Cheaper at a competitive rate, so you need not worry about ongoing storage and maintenance, and you only pay for the time you need it.

Knap Sack Sprayers for Effective Pesticide Application

If you need to spray fungicides, pesticides, and/or insecticides in your garden, then a Knap Sack Sprayer is well worth consideration. Our range includes a Knap Sack Sprayer capable of generating a flow rate of over 15-20 litres per minute. Some Knap Sack Sprayers can also be used to spray fertilizer in your garden, a more efficient method than manual spraying. The handheld nozzle can be adjusted for precise spraying, meaning that if you only need to treat a specific plant you need not worry about accidentally spraying adjacent ones.

Back Pack Garden Blowers make Swift Work of Garden Clean Ups 

Still on the theme of back-mounted equipment, Back Pack Garden Blowers have a range of uses well beyond their most obvious application (leaf blowing). They can actually be used to great effect to aid the drying of wet surfaces. And if you’re tired of having to manually sweep stray grass cuttings left in the wake of your lawnmower, then a Back Pack Garden Blower will have your paths and patios swept clean in no time at all.

These are of course just some of the vast selection of garden equipment and tools we can supply for hire or purchase. If you’re looking for another solution or would like to find out more about any of the above items, then feel free to give the Power Plant Hire team a call on 053 923 5003 or email sales@powerplanthire.ie. 

With longer evenings here and the summer well on its way, many are turning their attention to the garden once more. As you stare out on a sunny evening, perhaps thoughts of that dream garden renovation start to dance in your head. It doesn’t have to be a dream, nor does it have to mean exhausting manual labour.

Mini Diggers for Garden Renovation

Mini-diggers take the strain of any digging necessary in the garden renovation process, you’ll be particularly grateful for one should you hit a hard rock base. Unlike their bigger cousins, Mini Diggers can get into quite tight corners and are surprisingly maneuverable even in small gardens. Why spend hours of backbreaking labour when a Mini Digger can do the job in a fraction of the time?

Scarifiers to maintain a perfect Garden Lawn

Scarifiers remove dead grass and other sediment from your lawn’s surface, allowing it to breathe better and ventilate. It is recommended that they be used once a year; overuse can damage the lawn. Our Lawn Scarifier fleet is detailed here.

Flail Mowers stop ungainly growth

In some cases, unwieldy grass may have grown to a point where a regular lawn mower simply can’t trim the growth effectively. Don’t let this put you off a full garden renovation, you just need a Flail Mower. Not only can Flail Mowers handle long grass, they can even be used to get rid of unwanted shrubbery. Ideal for large lawn areas, Flail Lowers are also more effective when it comes to tackling lawn growth on slopes and other awkward-to-reach areas. You might be thinking that a Flail Mower is an expensive purchase for something you mightn’t need as often as a regular lawn mower, so why not consider hiring one?

Rotor Stone Rakes Rid Your Garden of Hidden Debris

Embedded stone and other debris can often be a hindrance to attaining a perfectly smooth lawn surface. That is why you should have a Rotary Stone Rake when lining up your Garden Renovation Equipment. Rotar Stone Rakes work by penetrating the soil and casting out stone, roots, and other unwanted elements. One such example is the Blec Motor Stone Rake, which has a powerful Honda engine that eliminates the need for tough manual effort on your part.

Garden Rollers for a Smooth Garden Surface

Garden Rollers are an ingenious, simple piece of garden renovation equipment. Consisting of a water-filled cylindrical device, you simply roll them over uneven lawn surfaces to smooth them out, in some ways they’re like a mini steamroller for your garden. One example of use is for repairing surfaces damaged by animals or a harsh winter. Garden Rollers can also be particularly effective at helping to bed in freshly laid but loose seeds into the soil. You can find out more about our Garden Rollers here.

Seed Sower/Fertilizer Spreaders Cut Out the Tediousness of Planting a Lawn

Manual seeing of a lawn can be a tedious and inaccurate process, even for smaller lawns. This is why hiring a seed dower is a must for garden renovation. Some models can also be used as Fertilizer Spreaders. Generally, Seed Sowers will have a large hopper for holding the material and an adjustable feed to control the volume of seeds distributed. They’re efficient in seeing both large and small lawns they can even be used on golf courses so the average home garden renovation is well within their capability. Discover more about our Seed Sowers here.

As you can see, there is a vast array of tools out there to make your garden renovation easier. These are just a cross-section of what’s available, we’ll look at more in a future blog article. All of the above can be hired from Power Plant Hire Enniscorthy so don’t delay, contact our team to discuss your Garden Renovation Equipment needs and you’ll have that dream garden ready for summer. Call us on 053 923 5003 or drop an email to sales@powerplanthire.ie.

Regular lawnmowing is essential to maintaining a healthy, and aesthetically pleasing lawn. However, what is equally important, and sometimes overlooked, is to ensure that a Lawn Scarifier is used on your lawn once a year. This article will explore the world of Lawn Scarifiers, how they work, what their benefits are, and what the right (and wrong) times to use them are.

What is a Lawn Scarifier?

A Lawn Scarifier is a piece of lawn maintenance equipment that removes dead grass, moss, leaves, and similar clutter from your lawn’s surface, while making holes in the soil to allow for the circulation of water, fertilizer, and air can properly circulate. One example of a Lawn Scarifier used by Power Plant Hire is the Camon LS42 Lawn Scarifier.

What are the advantages of a Lawn Scarifier?

One of the main advantages of a Lawn Scarifier is that it enables your lawn to thrive by improving airflow and the soil’s access to nutrients. It allows for better water absorption, so instead of having the water sit on the top of your lawn surface, it can be put to good use by allowing the soil to absorb it.

Why should I use a Lawn Scarifier?

By using a scarifier on your lawn, you can remove debris (such as leaves, moss, and dead grass) from your lawn, which ensures that the soil underneath the lawn can breathe and aerate properly. Removing the debris also stops water from accumulating on the top layer.

What happens if I don’t use a Lawn Scarifier?

If you don’t use a scarifier on your lawn, you run the risk of dead grass and other debris building up on the grass surface and potentially depriving the soil of oxygen. This in turn will affect the health of your lawn. In addition, debris on a lawn’s surface can allow water to linger on the surface, causing sogginess.

Are Lawn Scarifiers more effective than Aerators?

While both pieces of lawn maintenance equipment have their benefits, Lawn Sacrificers are known to be more effective at removing moss from lawn surfaces than aerators, which tend to have a less heavy impact on the grass. Lawn Scarifiers are also more suited to large areas of lawn, including parks.

How often should I use a Scarifier on my lawn?

While using a scarifier is important to clear your lawn of accumulated debris, overuse can have a negative impact on the grass. Therefore, it’s important that you only use a scarifier on your lawn sparingly—once a year should suffice.

But if I only need to use it once a year, is it really worth buying a Lawn Scarifier?

Who said you need to buy one? Power Plant Hire can hire you a Lawn Scarifier for the time you require, then you simply return it to us. Not only will this save you the financial outlay on purchasing the equipment, but will also save you on storage and maintenance costs.

When is the best time to use a Lawn Scarifier?

Autumn is a recommended time to use a scarifier on your lawn, helping to ready the grass for a harsh winter. After the summer months, your lawn will likely be quite compacted.  Obviously, autumn is also generally when leaves will start gathering on your lawn’s surface. However, some lawnkeepers prefer to use a Lawn Scarifier in the spring, in order to help the grass to thrive in the summer.

When should a Lawn Scarifier NOT be used?

As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t use scarify a lawn when it’s under stress. For example, using a Lawn Scarifier during a heat wave or drought is unwise. Scarifying your lawn during such times will only add to its stress and potentially harm your grass.

What sort of lawns can Lawn Scarifiers be used on?

Lawn Scarifiers are particularly useful when you need to treat a large area of lawn. For this reason, they are an essential piece of lawn maintenance equipment for those in charge of maintaining parks, sports pitches, big gardens, and other large areas of grass. 

We hope that this article has answered your questions on Lawn Scarifiers. However, if you have more, then why not get in touch with our experienced team? Call us on 053 923 5003 or email sales@powerplanthire.ie. We are authorised retailers, hirers, and repairers for the Husqvarna range of lawn maintenance equipment and are more than happy to pass our decades of experience to assist you with your requirements. 

In the previous blog article, we looked at five pieces of equipment that can work wonders in transforming your Concrete Finishing operations. Well, they say you can’t have too much of a good thing so for this article we thought we’d look at more pieces of Concrete Finishing equipment. 

Vibrating Concrete Poker

When mixing concrete, it is essential to ensure that any trapped air bubbles are removed or you risk compromising the structural integrity of the concrete, and in turn a poor-quality concrete surface. Air bubbles should be removed while the concrete is still wet. Vibrating Pokers are an effective way to do this. They work by vibrating wet concrete, which removes any trapped air bubbles. This results in the fast compaction of the concrete. At Power Plant Hire, we can supply Vibrating Pokers in electric and petrol models.

Floor Grinders

Glue stains on your concrete floor? Is your surface not quite smooth enough to lay tiling on? Don’t martyr yourself scraping manually—Floor Grinders are a highly effective way to have your concrete surface evened out in no time at all. They can also come into their own in heavy cleaning jobs.  Power Plant Hire can supply powerful Floor Grinders that can be fitted with blocks for concrete grinding or with scarifying blocks or steel brushes for heavy-duty cleaning. We can supply Floor Grinders in both electric and petrol models. Dust-control options are also available.

Floor Scabbler

Should you need to have a key or grooved profile for non-slip surfaces, Floor Scabblers should be a key component in your Concrete Finishing armory. Sometimes known as Floor Planers or Floor Scarifiers, strike the concrete surface with small, rotating cutters that break the concrete down. They are very effective in removing top layers to expose a rougher layer which is better suited to taking adhesives, etc. They can also be used to reduce the height of a concrete surface. Concrete Finishing projects that see the use of Floor Scrabblers include everything from council footpaths to supermarket tiling and even swimming pools. Power Plant Hire can provide Floor Scabblers in electric variants. 

Electric Tile Lifters

Sometimes, getting to the surface you need to prepare for the concrete finish can be as difficult as preparing itself. One such example is when you need to remove tiles from the concrete. With traditional equipment, this can be a very laborious and tedious undertaking. Enter the Electric Tile Lifter. Simply push along and let the equipment do the work for you. This Electric Tile Lifter is ergonomically designed to include an adjustable handle to suit the operator’s height. It’s lightweight enough so as to be easy-to-manoeuvre without compromising on having the power to make light work of a heavy tile lift.

If any of the above pieces of equipment sound like something you could use on your Concrete Finishing project, call our experienced team today at 053 923 5003 or email sales@powerplant.ie. And if you don’t see something that matches your requirements, just ask. We’ll be delighted to advise on the best Concrete finishing equipment for your project.

At Power Plant Hire, in addition to hiring and selling large pieces of plant machinery, we also specialise in smaller pieces of handheld equipment. As powerful as large machines are, some jobs require additional finesse and precision that only handheld tools can deliver; the arena of Concrete Finishing is no exception. In this article, we’ll take a look at five types of handheld Concrete Finishing tools that not only enable you to provide an exquisite finish on your surface but will reduce the time and effort involved in your project.

Dimple Rollers

Dimple Rollers, also referred to as Indent Rollers or Crimping Rollers, are used when the concrete is at a plastic stage. They are applied to the concrete to create a non-slip surface by creating dimples/indents in the concrete. This type of concrete finishing equipment is often used when creating footpath surfaces, for example, making them safer to walk on in wet conditions. You can find more information on our Dimple Rollers here.

Hardwall Stiller

There’s no getting away from it—construction projects are messy environments, especially when it comes to concrete work. Indeed, sometimes the post-job tidying up can be more laborious and tedious than the concrete application itself. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to reduce the mess in the first place? Enter the Hardwall Stiller. Ideal for mixing paint, mortar, resin, or plaster, the electronic Hardwall Stiller gently plunges into the material to be stirred without creating a messy spillage that will add unnecessary time and effort to completing the job. Find out more about Hardwall Stillers here. Add one to your Concrete Finishing Equipment arsenal today.

Handheld Electric Concrete Planer 

Handheld Electric Concrete Planers are used in Concrete Finishing to smooth the surfaces of both floors and walls. They are also helpful in removing sealants and for leveling out bumps and dents in the concrete. Handheld Electric Concrete Planers reduce the effort (and time) needed when using purely manual concrete planing equipment, without compromising on finesse. One of our favourite Electric Concrete Planers is made by Hilti. The Hilti DG 150 model incorporates a unique “spike” diamond cup wheel which allows debris to pass through without clogging up the wheel itself. The Hilti DG 150 also collects dust to reduce its impact on both the operator and the working area, making for a cleaner and safer working environment.

The Easy Screed Beam Vibrator

The Easy Screed is a petrol-powered beam vibrator that enables the leveling of concrete surfaces to be completed by one person working alone in an efficient manner, with no compromise on accuracy. 3m beams are included with the Easy Screed. The centrifugal force can be varied according to beam width and concrete slump, making for a highly versatile piece of Concrete Finishing Equipment. The Easy Screed is ergonomically designed with an adjustable handle height to suit the individual operator.

Bull Floats

Bull Floats are another essential part of your armour when it comes to Concrete Finishing Equipment. After a screed has been used to level the concrete surface, a Bull Float is applied to smooth out any discrepancies, dents, etc, in the concrete finish. The name “Bull Float” comes from the curved, bull-nosed shape of the blade, which serves to prevent lap marks or digging of the surface. They come into their own when you need Concrete Finishing Equipment for hard-to-reach concrete areas (such as driveways, for example). The swivel head of the blade allows flexible push-and-pull application across surfaces. Discover more about our Bull Floats here.

The above is just a selection of our vast array of Concrete Finishing Equipment available for hire or purchase. You can view the full range here. We hope to look at some more examples of useful handheld tools in a future article, but if you’re looking for something that isn’t covered here, or aren’t sure as to which piece of Concrete Finishing Equipment is best for your project, please do get in touch with our team on 053 923 5003 or email sales@powerplant.ie. Our team has decades of experience in meeting the plant and tool requirements of Irish tradesmen and will be only too happy to share their knowledge.

In the world of construction, anything that decreases effort while boosting quality is a worthwhile investment. Concrete finishing is no exception. In this article we’ll look at Power Trowels, what they do, and the advantages they give over manual trowel efforts. Not only do they increase efficiency, but they can actually help you earn more revenue. How? Read on and we’ll explain.

How do Power Trowels work?

Power Trowels have rotating blades that spin as the operator pushes and steers it over a concrete surface. The rotating blades ensure an even surface, while the motor takes the strain of manual swiping away from the operator. All they need to do is guide it along.

Power Trowels give you a speed advantage

Power Trowels give the user enhanced speed when completing concrete finishing work on a given area; we estimate they can get it done in one-sixth of the time in some situations. Generally, Power Trowels will have adjustable speed settings, so you don’t need to worry about a high-speed Power Trowel causing damage to your concrete finish; you simply tweak it according to the job area in question. Contrast this to completing a concrete finish manually, it’s particularly laborious work should you need to finish a large area. And even for smaller concrete surfaces, Power Trowels can still give you an edge. Indeed, choosing a Power Trowel can make or break whether or not your workers are able to complete a contract on time.

Power Trowels ensure a smooth, consistent concrete finish

Finishing a concrete surface with a manual trowel runs the risk of an inconsistent, imperfect finish. With Power Trowel equipment, you can be confident of a smooth, even surface when the job is completed. This is achieved through the Power Trowel’s rotating blades, resulting in a concrete finish that would be extremely difficult to obtain using manual labour.

Power Trowels are efficient

Power Trowels are highly efficient—as mentioned earlier, they enable contractors to complete concrete finishing work far quicker than a more manual method. Not only do they save you time, but they also save you on manpower; consider how many workers would be needed to finish a large concrete area during the same time a Power Trowel (manned by one person) does.

Power Trowel increases the strength of your concrete and reduces the likelihood of cracking

As a Power Trowel moves over a concrete surface, it squeezes out water in the process (a process known as floating). Removing this water decreases the risk of your concrete surface cracking once set. Compressing the concrete surface decreases porosity and makes for a much stronger concrete base.

Power Trowels can help you increase revenue

Yes, you read that right. We’ve discussed how Power Trowels allow contractors to complete jobs faster and with less labour; therefore, this saving on time enables contractors and builders to take on more jobs in the time purely manual methods would. And more jobs means more revenue—a win-win for all involved.

Do Power Trowels come in different sizes?

Yes, Power Trowels come in a range of different sizes. Common sizes include 24”, 28”, and 36”, you can view some of them here.

But I only need a Power Trowel for a short time, is it worth buying one when I can do it manually?

Who said you have to buy one? Many contractors find it efficient to simply hire in a Power Trowel as and when needed, reducing both financial outlay and ongoing storage costs, not to mention maintenance. Power Plant Hire is a leader in the field of Power Trowel hire in Ireland and would be happy to assist. Call us today on 053 9235003 or email our team at sales@powerplant.ie. 

They say cleanliness is next to godliness, which rings through in work environments like anywhere else. Manual cleaning can be an unpleasant, laborious and tedious process, and in some situations, almost impossible. Yet, maintaining a hygienic and well-presented work environment is crucial for every business, in terms of safety, efficiency and publicity. This is where Power Washers come in, not only leaving you with a finish not achievable by manual cleaning alone but saving your business on time and money in the long run.

Kranzle is a world leader in Power Washer equipment, and Power Plant Hire is proud to be an official Irish retailer. Let’s take a look at how and why they’re used in different industries, and if you operate in these sectors you simply can’t afford to be without one.

Power Washers for the Agricultural Industry

Farm yards and associated buildings can be particularly mucky and dirty environments, yet conversely, they mustn’t be let remain dirty, particularly in locations such as milking parlours or animal sheds. The prospect of having to manually scrub such areas is not an enticing one for anybody, nor is it something that be quickly carried out by hand and brush. This is where Kranzle Power Washers can really come into their own; save yourself all that back-breaking, unpleasant manual scrubbing and just blast the accumulated muck away. A Kranzle Power Washer truly is a solid investment for any farm. Models recommended for agricultural use include the Kranzle 2160 TS Power Washer and the Kranzle 2160 TST variant. 

Power Washers for the Transport Industry

Nothing advertises a transport business like seeing its vehicles out on the road looking their best. Unfortunately, life on the road can be pretty grimy, and, left unchecked, a small film of dirt can grow into a grubby mess that not only makes your vehicle look unsightly but reflects poorly on your business too. We’ve all seen that white van with ‘clean me’ marked on it! Of course, scrubbing vehicles is very labour-intensive, so make your life easier by equipping your garage or depot with a Kranzle Power Washer. No fleet should be without one. Recommended Hot Water Pressure Cleaners for transport use include the Kranzle Therm C 11/130 Pressure Cleaner and the Kranzle Therm 895-1 Pressure Cleaner.

Power Washers for Home & Garden use

We all want a home that looks nice, yet few of us enjoy the effort in keeping it so. Be it algae growth or general weathering, keeping your walls and patios clean can be a never-ending battle. Life can be tough enough without adding unnecessary labour to it, so do yourself a favour and add a Kranzle Power Washer to your arsenal today. You wouldn’t cut grass with a blade when you have access to a lawnmower, and the same should apply when keeping your home and garden tidy. Power Washers we recommend for Home & Garden use include the Kranzle 1050 TST Power Washer and the Kranzle 1152 TST Power Pack.

Power Washers for the Food Production Industry

Hygiene and cleanliness are paramount in the Food Production industry. Whether you’re producing fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy—or any type of produce—you must be equipped to keep your work areas clean and tidy. A Power Washer such as those from the Kranzle range is a vital piece of equipment that no Food Production facility should be without. Likewise, we also find that they are in big demand in the horticultural industry. For Food Industry use, we recommend the Kranzle Therm 895-1 Pressure Cleaner and the Kranzle Therm C 11/130 Pressure Cleaner.

Power Washers for the Automotive Industry

Garages are, by their nature, oily and dirty work environments. Such accumulated grit and grime is not good for anyone, and in addition to looking unsightly, it presents a safety risk to your employees. For this reason, every garage, regardless of size, should have a Power Washer in their equipment lineup. Apart from keeping the workshop itself clean and tidy, Kranzle Power Washers are also ideal for cleaning the cars themselves—getting a car back shiny and clean after service is a surefire way to keep your customers coming back, as will a well-presented loan car. The Kranzle Therm 895-1 Pressure Cleaner and the Kranzle Therm C 11/130 Pressure Cleaner are ideal for automotive industry use.

These are just some of the industries where Power Washers are crucial for your operations; their applications range from keeping your work environments hygienic to maintaining a professional, tidy image for your public. There are a variety of different Kranzle Power Washers available to suit the needs of different work environments, so do have a browse of the Kranzle Power Washer range on our website. If you’re not sure as to what type of Power Washer you need, feel free to drop our team an email at sales@powerplant.ie or call us on 053 923 5003; our team has decades of experience supplying Power Washers to all sorts of industries and will be happy to pass their knowledge on.

A Husqvarna Automower is a solid investment that should give you years of great service keeping your lawns trimmed to perfection. To protect this investment and get the most out of your Automower, it is essential to ensure that it is not only serviced at regular intervals, but that said servicing is only carried out by an authorised Husqvarna repair dealer. Power Plant Hire is such a dealer, and we’ve put together this article outlining what’s involved in a Husqvarna Automower service, and the reasons why you should always choose an authorised dealer. 

What does a Husqvarna Automower service involve?

Basic Husqvarna Automower services include:

• Air breather replacement
• Battery functional test
• Bearing replacement
• Blade replacement 
• Body seal replacement
• Check of all components inside & out
• Cleaning
• Electric diagnostic
• Full diagnostic report
• Full clean down
• Functional check
• Skid plate replacement
• Test of safety functions

How do I know that my Husqvarna Automower has been thoroughly serviced?

Authorised Husqvarna dealers will always provide you with a completed checklist outlining the work carried out on your machine during a service. This is useful to have the next time you bring the Automower in for a service, and, as mentioned, a full-service history from an authorised dealer is a great plus when it comes to selling your Automower on down the road.

The benefits of getting your Husqvarna Automower serviced by an authorised dealer

So, we’ve covered some of the basics when it comes to Husqvarna Automower servicing, now let us look at the benefits…

Regular Servicing of your Husqvarna Automower can save you money in the long term

Getting your Husqvarna Automower serviced by an authorised repairer (such as Power Plant Hire) can actually save you money over the working life of the equipment. Skipping a service can lead to the premature wearing out of parts, void your warranty, and result in costly repairs, or even replacements. By choosing an authorised dealer you can have confidence that it will be serviced by technicians who specialise in the Husqvarna Automower range. Having your Husqvarna Automower serviced by a non-authorised repairer runs the risk of spurious parts being used and compromising your warranty.

The working life of your Husqvarna Automower can be extended through proper servicing

Regular servicing by an authorised dealer can extend the working life of any equipment, and the Husqvarna Automower range is no exception. Only the highest quality parts are used and all work is carried out by technicians specifically trained in the repair and maintenance of Husqvarna Automowers.

Regular Servicing can increase the resale value of your Husqvarna Automower

Not only is regular servicing essential to keeping your Husqvarna Automower in tip-top condition, but it can potentially increase its resale value too, should you decide to sell on your Automower at some point. A full-service history from an authorised Husqvarna Automower dealer such as Power Plant Hire assures potential buyers that the Automower has been maintained to the highest standard by trained professionals and without fear of spurious parts being used. 

As you can see from the above, there are plenty of benefits to getting your Husqvarna Automower regularly serviced by an authorised repairer such as Power Plant Hire; you’ll get your Automower back looking like new. Indeed, if you want to get the most out of your machine it’s the only option that doesn’t run the risk of voiding your warranty. To find out more, or to book a service, call our team today on 053 923 5003 or email sales@powerplant.ie.  

Since its invention over 60 years ago, the Mini Digger, also known as a Mini Excavator, or Compact Excavator, has revolutionised the world of excavation. It has enabled the speeding up of excavation projects in confined environments, otherwise inaccessible to most plant equipment. As such, they are a popular piece of machinery for various construction and engineering jobs and even domestic projects. In this article, we’ll explore the main advantages of Mini Diggers, and situations where they can come into their own.

Mini Diggers can be manoeuvred in areas where large excavators simply won’t fit

Perhaps obvious, but their ease of manoeuvrability is one of the principal advantages of a Mini Excavator over larger diggers. Mini Diggers weight of anywhere between 0.8 tonnes and 8 tonnes, with some going up to 10 tonnes. Bucket sizes generally vary between 12 and 24 inches wide. Some are actually to fit through a doorway. This allows for the possibility of them being used to speed up interior building renovations, where it’s unlikely a full-size digger could be safely operated (or even gain access to begin with). For the same reason, it also means that they are easier to use in underground environments.

Mini Diggers can be fitted with a range of attachments

As with larger excavators, Mini Diggers can be customised with different tools and attachments to suit the requirements of a given job. These include buckets, post-hole augers, flail attachments, rock breakers, and hedge trimmers.

Mini Diggers don’t take up much storage space

Whether you’re looking to accommodate your own Mini Digger or simply safely store on while on hire, Mini Diggers have a much lower footprint than full-sized plant machinery and as such are much easier to store without taking up much space. Their ease of manoeuvrability also means they can be safely put into nooks and crannies that larger vehicles won’t fit.

Transporting a Mini Digger is easy

Transporting a large excavator usually requires the use of a large flatbed truck. Mini Diggers can simply be transported on a suitable flatbed trailer by a driver with the appropriate license and appropriate vehicle. This makes moving them from site to site a lot more flexible and without requiring a large lorry and driver.

Mini Diggers are easy to use

All machinery should be handled with care and proper training, however, when it comes to Mini Diggers there is a lot less training involved than with standard-sized excavators. Mini Digger controls are easy to use, being a lot less complex than those on larger machinery.

Mini Diggers can be used for more than just digging

Despite their name, Mini Diggers can be used for a variety of applications beyond excavating. They can be used for lifting, allowing them to double as small cranes or forklifts in some situations. With suitable attachments (as referred to earlier), Mini Diggers can also be used for rock breaking, pole installation, brushing, and hedge trimming.

Mini Diggers create less noise

Noise pollution is a big concern for site works these days. By their very nature, Mini Diggers create less noise than larger diggers. This makes for a more pleasant working environment, particularly in situations where the Mini Digger is being used in a residential area or close to offices.

Mini Diggers can be used on domestic projects too

Mini Diggers can really come into their own on domestic projects, such as a garden renovation, or even building interior renovations in some situations. 

Mini Diggers are available for hire

Depending on your project, you may not require a Mini Digger full-time. That’s ok, Mini Diggers can be hired out at very affordable fees for as long as you require, after which you simply them return to the hiring company, such as ourselves at Power Plant Hire.

We hope that this article has given you some insight into the world of Mini Diggers and their many applications and advantages. As mentioned, Power Plant Hire can provide Mini Diggers for your project; we can supply Mini Excavators from leading brands such as Yanmar, Caterpillar, JCB, Kubota, and Hitachi. Our experienced team will be happy to advise on the best Mini Digger to suit your needs. Call us on 053 923 5003 or drop our team an email at sales@powerplant.ie. 

Just like a car, plant machinery must be regularly serviced to maintain its functionality and safety. While some operators may be tempted to skimp on servicing, you should never do this as poorly maintained machinery poses a lot of risks, both physical and financial, for all involved. Let’s go through some of the benefits of regular machinery servicing (and the pitfalls of not doing so).

Plant Machinery Servicing helps boost its efficiency

Every business needs its machinery to be operating at its maximum efficiency. And getting your plant equipment serviced as per its manufacturer’s guidelines is absolutely crucial to optimising its efficiency. Worn, unmaintained equipment will slow down your operation, and may even put a halt to it altogether should an easily avoidable breakdown occur because it wasn’t serviced properly.

Getting your plant serviced is essential for safe worksite operations

Plant equipment can be highly dangerous when not properly used or maintained. For example, a poorly kept excavator can present a hazard not only to its operator but those around it, not to mention result in major property damage. Skipping on plant services is a major safety breach and can leave a business liable for damages and injuries caused through such negligence. 

Regular plant servicing actually helps save your business money

Plant equipment not in use is plant equipment not earning money. Now, you might say, why should this compel me to take it out of service for maintenance? The answer is simple really. While you may need to take your plant machinery off the field for a couple of days to get it serviced, should you not get it serviced it may well have a catastrophic failure which will mean it is out of service for a lot longer than a few days, that’s a lot more revenue on the line! 

Servicing your plant equipment also helps save your business on downtime

Again, taking your plant equipment to the workshop for a few days for a service is a much better use of time than having it out of use for weeks, maybe months, because of a major breakdown that could have been avoided had the plant equipment been serviced on time.

Safety Inspectors may look for documentation to prove your plant is being maintained safely

If your site undergoes a safety inspection, it’s vital that you can show inspectors that your machinery has been maintained appropriately. For this reason, you should only have your plant equipment serviced by an authorised service agent, such as Power Plant Hire. That we will have peace of mind that it has been serviced adequately while having the documentation to prove it.

Sticking to your plant service guidelines helps avoid costly breakdowns at the worst time

We all know Murphy’s Law, anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. As such, the one time you may be tempted to skip a machinery service, will probably also lead to the one time your plant equipment suffers a severe breakdown. Imagine this happening during the middle of an important and lucrative contract—it’s not a good look at best and at worst it could lead to you losing out on revenue, or in a safety-critical situation, injury or death. Don’t be complacent, book that service and never, ever, be tempted to skip it.

Not getting your plant machinery serviced may void your warranty

Not getting your plant equipment serviced according to the manufacturer’s guidelines will often void the warranty, meaning that if the machinery suffers a major failure down the road not only will you be down a piece of equipment but the warranty may not cover it.

At Power Plant Hire, apart from being a trusted Plant Equipment Sales & Hire provider, we offer comprehensive machinery servicing for various models. We can also hire out a replacement plant should you require it while your own machinery is being serviced. Our maintenance staff are fully qualified and we pride ourselves on only delivering the best service. For more information on our plant servicing and maintenance facility, please call us on 053 923 5003 or email sales@powerplant.ie.

They say nobody likes a stick-in-the-mud. And for sure, nobody likes being a stick-in-the-mud either; unfortunately, this is literally what can happen when you don’t have appropriate ground protection in place on uneven ground at construction sites or temporary event car parks. While it may be tempting to use makeshift equipment such as discarded timber, there’s no substitute for proper ground protection mats. They’re surprisingly affordable too (you need only hire them for the length of each project after all). In this article, we’ll take a look at why ground protection mats are simply the only option when it comes to operating on uneven ground.

Ground protection mats help reduce damage to the ground by improving its load-bearing capabilities 

Whether it’s access for heavy machinery to a construction site or a temporary car park for an event, running vehicles over uneven fields is far from an ideal situation. The impact of vehicles can damage and disturb the topsoil formation, leading to not only messy aftermath that requires tidying, but even problems while the project or event is ongoing. Vehicles stuck in a muddy field are neither efficient nor a good look. However, by simply laying ground protection mats, you are not only protecting the soil from the impact of heavy vehicles but you’re also boosting its load-bearing capabilities. Of course, you are also providing a more solid, and even, surface over which vehicles can operate. 

Ground protection mats are better for the environment

Aside from damaging surfaces and causing an unsightly mess, the movement of heavy machinery over unprotected ground can also result in untold damage to the ecosystems that live in or under the surface you are working on. Using ground protection mats on your worksite or event venue can greatly reduce the impact of this, thus making for a more environmentally friendly worksite, literally from the ground up.

Ground protection mats will protect your machinery too

Ground protection mats do more than protect the ground from your machinery, they work the other way around too. For one thing, they provide a smooth, even surface over which your machinery can operate, preventing damage to axles springs, etc. However, they also protect the machinery by reducing the amount of stone, soil, dirt, and other debris that may otherwise end up in its mechanism. 

Cheap to buy or hire, saves money on repairing surfaces, etc

Even the smallest job can lead to damaged surfaces and ground by machinery or even people working on the site without adequate ground protection. This is not efficient in terms of both time and money spent repairing, nor does it leave a great impression on the client who owns the site. This can be avoided by hiring or purchasing good quality ground protection mats. Ground damage is not just something that affects construction or development sites, it can also be a problem at events, so event managers may want to consider hiring ground protection equipment too. It’s a far cheaper alternative to paying the venue owner for repairs to their property after your event.

Decrease risk of injury to employees or visitors

We all know that slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common accident types to occur on worksites. These can result in injured employees being unable to work, and indeed, legal cases should you have been found not to have adequate safety measures in place on your work site. For this reason, you must remove all trip hazards where practical. Uneven ground is a trip hazard in itself, and installing ground protection mats to smooth the surfaces over is a simple and cost-effective way to achieve this. For this reason, ground protection mats can also come into their own in projects involving footpath rebuilds.

Proper ground protection mats are a must

It may be tempting to simply use old pieces of timber to create paths over uneven ground on a worksite or event venue. However, this is just asking for trouble; timber easily breaks and it’s nowhere near as flexible when it comes to creating a smooth surface over a bumpy one. It’s unlikely to survive being driven over by heavy machinery, nor is it slip-resistant. Taking all this into account, not only does it give inadequate protection, it may well create a hazard in itself. ground protection mats are affordable and can be hired or purchased, so there’s no reason to resort to shoddy pieces of timber when you can have the proper alternative without breaking the bank. 

At Power Plant Hire, we have a range of ground protection mats available for hire or purchase to suit your requirements. These are suitable for a wide range of uses, including construction sites, garden renovations, event car parks, and traffic works. You can find out more by calling us on 053 923 5003 or by emailing our team at sales@powerplant.ie

On occasions when facilities and worksites need to purchase plant equipment outright, the capital cost of new machinery can be crippling to the point of making it unviable. The obvious answer is to look at purchasing second-hand plant equipment, but how can one be assured of quality? This is where businesses should consider purchasing second-hand plant equipment from a plant hire company. This gives plenty of advantages (and assurances) over purchasing second-hand plant directly from an independent operator.

Let’s take a look at these benefits.

Assurance of service and repair history

By its nature, hire plant equipment has to be very well maintained, as the maintenance responsibility lies with the plant hire company rather than the user. As such, when it comes to purchasing ex-hire plant equipment you can be guaranteed a well-maintained machine with access to its service and repair history. Purchasing ex-hire plant equipment thus gives you far more transparency as to its history than you might get from an independent operator.

Second-Hand Plant Equipment does not have to mean old when it comes to ex-hire plant equipment

Plant hire companies tend to replace their fleet at a younger age than independent operators might. This means that their range of second-hand equipment for sale will generally be of a relatively young age with years of life left in it. This makes it a much more affordable route than purchasing brand-new equipment, without having to compromise too much on the plant’s lifespan.

Cheaper than purchasing brand-new equipment

Perhaps an obvious one, but it can’t be understated, choosing to purchase second-hand, ex-hire, plant equipment will give your business savings over buying brand-new plant equipment. In fact, in some situations, purchasing brand-new equipment may simply be beyond the finances of a small business, particularly when it comes to new ones.

Purchasing ex-hire plant equipment means no long lead times

When purchasing brand-new plant equipment, you may be faced with significant lead times between placing your order and actually receiving the plant equipment. This is not the case when it comes to purchasing ex-hire plant equipment, as a hiring company is only to advertise for sale plant equipment that they have to hand. If your project is starting imminently and you can’t afford to wait around, choosing to purchase ex-hire plant is as time-effective as it is cost-effective. 

Purchasing ex-hire plant equipment means no immediate depreciation

When you purchase any piece of new machinery, it loses value the minute you take it off the sales premises, so you could have lost around 40% of its value in no time. This doesn’t apply when you purchase ex-hire plant equipment. In fact, the well-maintained ex-hire plant can retain its value quite well depending on the market, certainly, more than a brand-new piece of equipment will.

Viewing ex-hire plant equipment gives you a wide selection

Plant hire companies such as Power Plant Hire tend to operate a wide range of plant equipment, both in terms of function and size. This not only includes heavy plant machinery items such as dumpers, but even smaller items like scaffolding.

Simply put, when it comes to purchasing secondhand plant equipment, acquiring machinery from a hire fleet is the best way to assure your business of quality, well-maintained equipment with plenty of life left in it. If you’re in the market for such quality used plant equipment, be sure to check Power Plant Hire’s Used Sales page, which covers everything from telehandlers to scissors lifts to excavators to dumpers and everything in between.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for drop us an email to sales@powerplant.ie and we’ll advise you if we’ve anything coming up that might be suitable.

Flooding is an unfortunate and unpleasant situation that can strike homes and businesses without warning, leaving a trail of devastation behind. Fortunately, however, with the right equipment and know-how, businesses and homes can recover, indeed, Power Plant Hire has experience in hiring out flood recovery equipment, and has amassed a bit of knowledge when it comes to what is needed to recover a site after flooding. We’ve put this article together to guide you on not only the equipment you need but also some of the steps you should take after your premises have flooded.

Advise your insurance company of the flooding

One of the first steps to take after your property has been flooded is to advise your insurance company. You should only commence flood recovery work after they have given you the go-ahead to do so.

Take photos of the damage before commencing the post-flood clean-up

Before removing anything, it’s advisable to photograph and record all items affected by the flooding, as you may need these for an insurance claim.

Wear appropriate PPE

When touching floodwater or items affected by floodwater, you should always use appropriate PPE, such as protective suits, footwear, and gloves. This is because the flood water itself may well be contaminated and thus contaminate areas it reaches in turn. Contaminates might be anything from oil to sewage, neither of which you want to immerse skin in.

Secure all your electronics

We all know that water and electricity shouldn’t be mixed. As such, one should exercise extreme caution when handling electrical items that have been affected by flooding. A qualified professional should check all electrical items after a flood to confirm if they are safe to continue using or if they require repair. Never attempt these repairs yourself.

Use a pump to remove floodwater

In cases where the floodwater has not subsided naturally, you may need to hire in a pump. At Power Plant Hire, we can provide petrol pumps and electric pumps for flood recovery work. This can be a long job, and some pumps such as the Hilta D5 Diaphram pump can be left running dry on “snore”, which is ideal for use in situations where you need to continue pumping out flood water overnight. 

Use a wet and dry vacuum to remove debris

Floodwaters often leave debris in their wake, leaving a damp and soggy mess even after the water itself has left. A wet and dry vacuum cleaner can come into its own here, being capable of removing not only the debris itself but also a certain degree of water depending on how severe the flooding is. Here’s one example of a wet and dry vacuum cleaner.

Remove the moisture from the area using a dehumidifier 

While lying floodwater is the most visible and obvious effect of flooding, absorbed moisture and dampness in an area can be quite damaging, too. It can cause rot, mould and an unpleasant smell. This is why dehumidifiers are essential when it comes to flood recovery. Dehumidifiers come in all sorts of sizes and work by removing moisture from the area and mitigating the spread of dampness and mould. It is recommended to leave one running for at least 48 hours to be effective. That being said, they are best used with an air mover, which we shall look at next.

Hire in an Air Mover

Hiring an Air Mover is a relatively fast way to dry out soaked carpets, floors, and wallpaper. For instance, at Power Plant Hire we can provide an easy-to-use air mover which directs air over wet surfaces; in the case of carpets, for example, you simply lift a corner of the carpet, insert the nozzle and turn on the air mover, it will do the rest. 

Ensure that the affected area is well-heated after flooding

Heating is essential to adequately drying out dampness from an area after flooding. In cases where the property does not contain central heating of its own, it is well worth hiring a portable heating unit. A space heater may suffice if it’s a small area, but for larger areas, a radiant heater may be more efficient. Power Plant Hire can provide either, and we have an article explaining more about portable heating units here.

Disinfect the flooded area(s) afterwards

As we mentioned earlier in this article, floodwaters can be contaminated by dirt, oil, sewage, and other undesirable elements, so it’s vitally important to thoroughly disinfect areas after the floodwaters have been cleared. 

Hopefully, you will never need to follow any of the above steps or use the above equipment, but if you do, know that Power Plant Hire is there ready advise on the best course of action should the unthinkable happen to your home or business. For any queries on flood recovery equipment, please call us on 053 9235003 or email us at sales@powerplant.ie 

As the days get colder, you can’t afford to neglect the heating conditions of your facility or worksite. Not only does it impact employee (and visitor) health and comfort, but low-temperature conditions can play havoc with materials on your worksite too. Purchasing and installing a heater for your worksite may seem daunting, especially if you only require it for a few months in the year, and this is where hiring a heater comes into its own. In this article, we shall explore the world of heater units, examining the different types available and the advantages of each.

Hired-In Portable Heating Units don’t need plumbing and piping

Unlike boilers, infrared heating units don’t require plumbing or piping. Not only does this reduce the overall cost (and labour), but it also allows for far more flexibility than a fixed heating boiler unit can give, with no restrictions as to where they can be located on your worksite. 

What kind of power options do I have when it comes to Heater Rental?

At Power Plant Hire, we have two types of heaters available, diesel-powered and infrared. Let’s take a look at both types: 

Infrared Heaters

Infrared Heaters are a highly efficient way to heat your facility or worksite. They have many applications, including warehouses, garages, and paint spray facilities. Construction sites can use Infrared Heaters well, as they are highly effective in drying paint and plaster. Infrared Heaters have a high-efficiency rating and no harmful emissions. They work by heating the area around them and not the air, so you don’t have to worry about heat being lost, as is often the case with traditional boiler units. They are far quieter than diesel-power heaters with virtually no noise emissions, so hiring an infrared heater is something that you should consider if you’re looking to heat a noise-sensitive worksite. 

Diesel Heaters

When it comes to fossil fuel-powered heaters, diesel heaters are far more energy efficient than gas-powered heaters. This is because diesel has a higher energy density than gas. Obviously, diesel fuel is readily available so you needn’t worry about getting caught short and left in the cold. Diesel heaters are considered to be safer than gas heaters, as they work on compression ignition, rather than needing a flame, thus greatly reducing the fire risk. 

Radiant Heaters and Space Heaters, I don’t understand the difference; what’s the best one for my site?

At Power Plant Hire we can provide Radiant Heaters or Space Heaters, depending on your requirements. The crucial difference between the two is that Radiant Heaters heat surfaces rather than air in an area, which is what Space Heaters do.

For this reason, larger areas are generally more effectively heated by Radiant Heaters. For example, factories, large event rooms, warehouses, buildings with high ceilings, and areas with poor insulation.

Space Heaters are more effective in small areas, particularly those with a high occupancy. For this reason, they are commonly used in residential settings and can also be effective in small office environments.

Why hiring a heater is better than purchasing outright

By their nature, in many instances, facilities only require heater units during certain seasons. For this reason, it is often uneconomical to purchase a heater outright, for it will spend a lot of time in storage or out of use. Hardly an efficient use of finances. You’ll also need to arrange maintenance thus adding to your site’s overheads. However, when you hire a heater rather than purchase one, you’re only paying for it when you need it, and no more. The responsibility of storage and heater maintenance rests with the equipment hiring company, and not you. If your facility only requires heaters on a seasonal basis, hiring is simply the best option. Even if you do require heating equipment all year round, you may still find it’s more effective to hire a heating unit rather than purchase, for, as mentioned, it absolves you of maintenance costs. Hiring a heating unit also gives you access to the latest heater models.

We appreciate that there’s not always a ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer regarding the best heater option for a given environment. If you’re unsure what’s the best heater option for your facility or worksite, feel free to contact our team, and we’ll be happy to advise you. You can call the Power Plant Hire team on 053 923 5003 or email sales@powerplant.ie.

Whether it’s a facility, arena, infrastructure project, or construction site, portable lighting towers offer unbeatable flexibility and value for money versus fixed lighting units (which often simply aren’t practical for such sites). No wonder more and more companies are choosing to hire them. In this article we’ll explain why lighting towers have become so popular, looking at their many advantages.

Ease of construction

Unlike permanent lighting structures, lighting towers are fairly straightforward to set up. They can simply be wheeled into position and consist of easy-to-maneuver arms that can be folded into place with relative ease. This also means that they are easy to adjust or change position should the need arise.

No special training

As discussed in the previous paragraph, lighting towers are straightforward to set up and don’t require specialist construction or electrical skills in the way more permanent light rigging might. 

Ease of transportation

Lighting towers are designed with ease of transportation in mind. In fact, many lighting towers can be towed by the average car. This means you don’t have to worry about getting in specialist hauliers to transport your lighting equipment and all the associated loading and unloading equipment. 

The position of your lighting towers can be easily changed

As mentioned above, lighting towers are easily transported. This applies within a worksite as much as it does to and from one, so if you need to adjust the position of your lighting tower, or move it to another part of the worksite, there’s no hassle involved. 

Wide range of applications

Lighting towers are quite versatile when it comes to where they can be used. Construction sites are common, as are road infrastructure projects, with their ease of transportation coming into its own. They are also quite useful in sporting and event facilities, where changing conditions or performances may necessitate frequent adjustments—in such instances, they are more practical than a fixed lighting structure.

Lighting towers do not require a connection to the grid

Lighting towers can be fitted with portable generators, which means you do not have to have a connection to mains electricity in order to use them. This is particularly advantageous if on new-build construction sites or temporary facilities. 

Lighting towers can augment the safety and security of your site

Having a lighting tower on site automatically enhances its safety and security. Unlit work areas are a hazard, and handheld torches are no substitute for the lighting that a lighting tower can provide. In addition, a well-lit site is good for security, for the risk of being easily seen is quite the deterrent to would-be trespassers, vandals, and thieves. The sight of a lit-up lighting tower may be enough to ward them off. 

Increase productivity by enabling nighttime and winter working

If you’re operating a construction site without adequate lighting, you’ll more than likely have to cease or restrict operations after dark. This means no nighttime working, and fewer productive hours available during the darker winter months. With a lighting tower, you don’t need to worry about this and proceed with work even in low light conditions. 

There’s no capital outlay if you choose to hire a lighting tower

Not only are fixed lighting units cumbersome and difficult (if not outright impossible) to adjust as demands change, but they also require a huge outlay of capital spend (even though they may only see seasonal use). Hiring out a lighting tower is a far more efficient solution in this regard, for you only pay for the lighting tower while you actually need it, nor do you have to worry about maintenance or long-term storage costs. It’s a smart solution. 

If you would like to discuss hiring a lighting tower for your facility or project, please get in touch with our team today. Power Plant Hire has decades of experience in supplying lighting towers and other plant equipment to facilities and worksites across Ireland. Call us on 053 923 5003 or email sales@powerplant.ie. 

Excavators are highly versatile, and powerful pieces of plant equipment. Hiring in a digger can transform your operation and a job that might take weeks using manual labour can be reduced to days or even less. However, misused, diggers and JCBs can cause a lot of damage and harm (or worse). Therefore, it’s extremely important to use such plant machinery with due care and caution. Though not exhaustive, this article shall look at key points that digger operators must bear in mind to ensure Excavator Safety.

Ensure excavator safety: inspect and test your equipment before use

Before operating an excavator (or indeed, any piece of plant equipment) it is crucially important to conduct a general inspection and test of the machine. Coolant, oil, and hydraulic fluid should be checked, and booms, buckets, and any lifting arms should also be inspected, as should interior cab lights and the undercarriage. If you discover a defect you should not operate the vehicle until it is repaired, no matter how urgent the job.

Study the manual, make sure your operator is familiar with the excavator’s controls

Anyone driving an excavator should not only be competent to drive excavators in general (i.e., having attained the necessary certification) but they also should be familiarised with each type of excavator they operate. Manuals should be studied, and all operators should be familiar with the cab layout, rating, and other intricacies a particular excavator may have. This is especially important when operating a hired-in digger, as it may have features or an operating performance that your staff may need to be more familiar with. 

Beware of hot areas (oil, engine fluid, etc.)

Digger operators should be wary that certain parts of the excavator may be too hot to touch (for instance, the engine or fluid tanks) and that they risk burn injuries if they do not handle them with caution and wear the appropriate PPE.

Never have more than one person in the cab

Put simply if there isn’t a seat for everyone then you’ve too many people. Generally speaking, excavators are only designed to have one person in the cab so any additional personnel are not only a potential distraction but also a safety risk.

Keep the excavator cab tidy and access and egress

Excavator cabs should be kept neat and tidy at all times. This is not only to provide a healthy work environment but a blocked step or doorway can spell disaster should your operator need to exit the digger in a hurry; it could literally be the difference between escape and injury (or worse).

Excavators must be fitted with safety alarms

Excavators must be fitted with a movement alarm and a flashing beacon. When you hire an excavator from Power Plant Hire, we will ensure that it is fitted with all necessary alarms for the job in question.

The driver must have clear vision

To provide the driver with a clear vision, excavators must be fitted with CCTV or convex mirrors (or a combination of both). These must be located 1m high and 1m from the machine.

Never place the bucket directly over someone

When operating a digger, your operators must never position the bucket directly over a person.

Avoid dangerous overhangs

Never create a dangerous overhang on a high workface, nor should the workface under an excavator ever be undercut in a way that affects its stability.

An excavator’s wheels/tracks must be positioned at 90º

When positioning a digger’s tracks or wheels, they must be at 90º to the workface, for stability.

Never, ever let anyone without proper training operate an excavator

This one should go without saying, but, never, ever let unqualified people operate an excavator. In the hands of the wrong person, an excavator can cause a lot of damage and risk injury or death to both the person operating it and bystanders. As mentioned earlier, you should also ensure that your staff are trained on specific models of excavators. In Ireland, anyone operating an excavator must have, at a bare minimum, a Safe Pass and CSCS Excavator Training.

Check the area for hazards before evacating

Before excavation work begins, the area to be excavated must be surveyed for any hazards, particularly hidden ones such as electrical cables, water pipes, or gas mains. Not only can uprooting such a hazard cause damage and delays, it can potentially have disastrous, harmful consequences. You should also check for overhead hazards, such as power lines, etc.

Ensure that you have banks men for the area being excavated

It’s vitally important to ensure you have Banks Men if there are other personnel working in the area in which your excavator is being used. Banksmen are also necessary when operating large excavators or in confined spaces.

Always make sure that the excavator’s bucket is kept in while travelling

When the excavator is in motion, the bucket must be tucked in and well off the ground.

Secure the excavator when finished for the day or going on a break

Operators must secure their excavator when leaving it, whether it’s when finishing at the end of a shift or merely taking a few minutes break. It only takes seconds for an excavator to roll away so no matter how short the period, never leave an unmanned digger unsecured. The seconds spent securing it are nothing compared to the time and money needed to undo the mess of a runaway machine.

Make sure your excavator operators are wearing appropriate PPE

As an employer, you have a responsibility to ensure that anyone operating an excavator is provided with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). These include appropriate safety boots, hi-vis vests, helmets, ear muffs, and gloves. Operators may also be required to wear respiratory and/or eye protection depending on the environment being worked in.

Hopefully, this article will have given you a good overview of the safety do’s and don’ts when it comes to operating an excavator. Having been in the excavator hire business for decades, Power Plant Hire is well-versed when it comes to the safety requisites involved. We only hire out modern, up-to-date excavation plant equipment so when you hire from us you can have confidence that the machine will meet the latest in health & safety requirements. In fact, we are one of very few Irish plant hire companies to have attained the SafeHire standard.

For more information on our excavator hire service, contact us on 053 9235003 or email sales@powerplant.ie.

At Power Plant Hire, we often get queries from customers asking as to whether a telehandler or forklift might be best suited to a job they have planned. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this, and there are several factors that we need to explore before recommending whether or not a forklift or a telehandler is the best machine for the job. We thought we’d put together this article outlining the factors to be considered when deciding to go for a forklift or a telehandler, let’s take a look.

Understanding the Difference: Telehandlers Vs Forklifts

Telehandlers tend to be larger than forklifts and, in some cases, quite larger. While forklifts can only move their forks up and down, telehandlers can actually move their lifting gear vertically without physically moving their base.

Telehandlers have a great forward reach

Telehandlers’ booms have great forward reach, which enables them to lift loads backward and forwards as opposed to simply up and down like a forklift. This makes a versatile unit and grants the operator greater ability to adjust the load to ease handling. Telehandler booms also allow the operator to approach the load in question from multiple different angles, adding further to their versatility. 

Telehandlers can have a wider range of optional attachment fittings

Telehandlers can have a wide range of different boom attachments fitted to suit different loads, such as scoops and buckets. While different attachments can be fitted to forklifts, the options are nowhere near as extensive as those for telehandlers.

Telehandlers allow for frame tilting

Most telehandlers have frame tilting enabled. This can be pretty useful when manoeuvring over uneven ground, allowing the operator to adjust the angle of the lifting boom without compromising the stability of the telehandler.

Telehandlers take up more space than a forklift

The relatively large size of a telehandler means that they take up considerably more space than a forklift does. This means that more storage space will be required, hindering their manoeuvrability in tight areas. It is for this reason that they are generally unsuitable for use in indoor environments such as warehouses.

Telehandlers are suitable for rough terrain

Unlike forklifts, telehandlers come with tyres suitable for rough terrain as standard. This means that they are more suited for operation over rough or uneven surfaces than forklifts, which perform better on smooth ground.

Telehandlers can be registered for use on roads

Unlike forklifts, telehandlers can be registered for use on public roads, which makes travelling between work locations easier.

What defines a forklift?

Forklifts are better than telehandlers for indoor use

Due to their size, forklifts are better suited than telehandlers for indoor operation, such as in warehouses. The availability of eco-friendly fuel variants (see below) also helps reduce or eliminate emissions in indoor spaces.

Forklifts take up less space and are more maneuverable in areas of tight clearance

Forklifts are very compact compared to a telehandler. With a significantly smaller footprint than a telehandler, not only do they take up less storage space but they are also easier to manoeuvre in tight areas, such as around corners in warehouses or small yards.

Forklifts have more fuel options (including electric)

While telehandlers tend to only come as diesel-powered models (at least, at the time of writing), forklifts come with a range of fuel options, including electric, so they can be used to bolster your efforts towards a Net Zero operation.

Forklifts don’t have the same reach or power as telehandlers 

Generally speaking, forklifts won’t have the same reach as telehandlers, nor will they be as powerful, impacting the operators’ ability to lift heavier loads.

In conclusion, the advantage of choosing a forklift over a telehandler or vice versa ultimately comes down to the use your facility or business intends to apply it to. If you need to lift and move loads within an indoor facility or space-restricted area, then a forklift may be the best choice. However, if you have to move awkward loads over uneven terrain (for example, a construction site) then a telehandler will have great advantages over a forklift. 

Not sure about whether a forklift or telehandler is the best piece of equipment for your needs? Get in touch with us today, and we’ll be happy to advise—Power Plant Hire has decades of experience in assisting businesses and facilities across Ireland with both forklift and telehandler equipment and we are well-placed to recommend the best piece of equipment to suit your requirements. We are one of only a few Irish plant hire companies to be SafeHire accredited, so you can have confidence that we only hire the most suitable and safest equipment for the job. You can call us on 053 9235003 or drop an email to sales@powerplant.ie.

Purchasing access equipment is a costly outlay for facilities, especially when they don’t even need to use the equipment for long periods of time. That’s why hiring access equipment rather than purchasing it outright is fast becoming a popular alternative for businesses across Ireland. There are plenty of advantages to be had, let’s take a look at some of them in this article.

Access Equipment Hire gives you access to newer and improved models

When you purchase a piece of access equipment outright, in all likelihood you’ll be stuck with the same model for years if not decades, most companies, simply won’t be able to replace their equipment every time a new model comes out. Not so when you choose to hire the equipment, for the capital cost lies with the hiring company, meaning that your facility can access newer access equipment for only the hire fee.

Access Hire gives you more Versatility and Flexibility

There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ model when it comes to access equipment. Different projects can have several different needs; for instance, some parts of a project may require a compact access unit, and others may need something with a broader reach. As such, it doesn’t make sense for a business to purchase one piece of equipment and expect it to do everything. With Access Hire, you can hire different pieces of access equipment at different stages of the project, only paying for the type of equipment that you need at a given stage of the project. You simply won’t get the flexibility when purchasing access equipment outright.

Access Hire is Cost-Effective

Hiring access equipment is more cost-effective than purchasing access equipment outright. For one thing, when you hire access equipment, you need only pay for it when you actually need it—if you were to purchase access equipment outright, it may well spend considerable periods of time out of use, and that’s the exact opposite of being cost-effective. It also means, of course, that you don’t need to outlay a huge sum of money to purchase the equipment; you can simply pay smaller sums as and when you need it. That makes sense, right?

Access Hire removes you from the Responsibility of Maintenance

The cost of ownership is often just as (or more) costly as the actual capital cost of the access equipment itself. Maintenance and sundries can eat up a lot of budget very quickly. That is, of course, if you own the access equipment. If you simply hire it as needed from an Access Hire company, then the maintenance and associated costs are not a concern for your facility. 

Access Hire means Reduced Liability

It goes without saying that using access equipment comes with a lot of responsibility and potential liability. However, did you know that you can mitigate this by renting from a certified hirer, such as Power Plant? When you hire access equipment, responsibility for maintenance and safety compliance falls to the hiring company, not the user. This reduces both the administrative burden and the financial cost for the user. 

Access Hire negates the need for Permanent Storage

Access equipment and machinery are often bulky and require special storage facilities. Indeed, if you own several different types of access equipment, you’ll also need expansive storage units, tailored to each item of equipment (which may vary widely in size and footprint). Storage brings with it additional costs including heat, light, security, and even rent. This need not be your concern when you choose to hire access equipment rather than purchase. Long-term storage is a matter for the Access Hire company, not you. That means all the associated costs are absorbed by the hiring company too. What’s more, because you only have to hire specific pieces of equipment as and when you need it, there’s no requirement to store multiple plants at one time.

Access Hire removes the effects of Depreciation

Facilities that purchase access equipment outright can’t escape the fact that they inevitably going to sell it on for less money than they paid for it when the time finally does come to replace it. It could be significantly less, in fact, and certainly won’t factor in all the money you’ve spent storing and maintaining it. Depreciation simply doesn’t affect those who choose to hire access equipment rather than purchase it, so there’s no loss to be had.

As you can see, Access Hire is a smart, cost-effective alternative for facilities that would otherwise have to spend considerable money purchasing, storing, and maintaining access equipment. With so many savings to be had, it’s no wonder it’s a no-brainer for many facility companies across Ireland already. Of course, when choosing to hire access equipment, it’s important to go with a trusted provider. Power Plant has decades of experience in the field, and is one of the few companies in Ireland that are SafeHire certified. Contact us today to discuss your Access Hire needs, call us at 053 923 5003, or email sales@powerplant.ie.

Did you know that Power Plant Hire was only the second company in Ireland to achieve SafeHire accreditation? In fact, to this day it is one of only five companies with the accreditation in all of Ireland. We’re proud of this and are committed to continually updating and improving our processes to guarantee our customers the optimum standards when it comes to our compliance with Health and safety law, Consumer Protection law, and Environmental Protection laws. We’ve put a lot of work into achieving this, so we thought we’d put together this article going through some of the ways we’ve achieved this. 

Wait, what is SafeHire Accreditation, exactly?

SafeHire Accreditation is a Private Standard that is granted upon successful assessment (through on-site verification) for members’ policies in the following areas:

• Business Risk, Insurance and Financial Control
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
• Document Control and Data Protection
• Environment and Sustainability
• Health, Safety and Welfare
• HR and Employment Law compliance
• Management of Contractors / Suppliers
• Occupational Health
• Quality
• Training and Competence Assurance

How is SafeHire Accreditation assessed?

SafeHire Accreditation audits are carried out annually; these involve assessing the staff involved in the plant hire process, the associated paperwork, and the plant equipment itself. SafeHire auditors interview employees throughout Power Plant Hire to ensure understanding and compliance with our SafeHire policies. SafeHire auditors check samples of hire equipment paperwork (such as contracts and training records). Assessors also check the effectiveness of the relevant documents and procedures, doing spot checks on both paperwork and the hire equipment itself.

How long does SafeHire accreditation last?

SafeHire Accreditation is valid for a three-year period (with audits carried out during this once a year).

SafeHire accreditation means that we only hire out plant equipment of the highest standard

Power Plant Hire is committed to only hiring out the most modern plant equipment that meets the latest standards in Health & Safety, and environmental policies. 

SafeHire accreditation also ensures that a plant hire company’s staff are competent when it comes to helping clients choose the most appropriate equipment to ensure compliance with low emissions, noise levels, health & safety requirements, environmental standards, and anti-vibration guidelines.

Safety leaflets are provided with each hire.

As part of Power Plant Hire’s commitment to the SafeHire standard, we supply safety leaflets with every piece of plant equipment we hire.

All of our hire equipment is inspected and tested before each hire

At Power Plant Hire, we are committed to ensuring that all plant equipment that we hire out is thoroughly tested and inspected before being handed over to the customer. We provide the customer with written proof that this test has been carried out.

Who is responsible for ensuring SafeHire compliance and certification?

SafeHire compliance and certification are monitored by the Hire Association of Europe (HAE). This institution dates back to 1974 and was formed to represent the interests of tool and plant equipment hire companies in Ireland and the United Kingdom. More recently it was merged with the Event Hire Association (EHA), which represented hiring companies that cater to the events sector.

Hopefully, this article has given you some insight into what SafeHire accreditation means, the steps we take to achieve it, and the benefits it gives to customers looking to hire plant equipment. When choosing a plant hire company, you should always look for SafeHire accreditation. As we’ve said, Power Plant Hire is very proud to be one of very few Irish plant hire companies to have SafeHire accreditation; it is a testament to the experience and know-how of our staff when it comes to selecting the optimum machinery for facilities, gardens, and other customers. To find out more about our services, please do have a look around our website or drop us an email at sales@powerplant.ie — we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, you can call us on 053 9235003.

Many of us dream of a garden sculpted to perfection, be it perfectly flat, adorned with perfectly shaped flower beds and devoid of tree stumps. Or rather than flat, perhaps you’d prefer a garden marked by gentle slopes leading down to an alluring little pond. What puts off many people, however, is the effort involved, with the thought of backbreaking labour putting them off. This is a great shame, as transforming your lawn into the garden of your dreams doesn’t have to be backbreaking or laborious. Far from it, in fact. Hiring in a mini-digger is an affordable, efficient and surprisingly fast step to achieving that flawless garden you desire. 

Mini-Diggers are compact and easy to store

You’d be surprised at just how compact and inobtrusive mini-diggers can be. You can hire micro-excavators as small as 840mm wide. Indeed, they’re no more obtrusive than your average car, smaller in some cases. 

Breaking ground made simple; no need to put your back out

Even creating flower beds can involve back-straining work when manually digging through the topsoil. And it only gets worse when you hit hard rock. Mini-diggers can transform this process for you, simply sit back and let the machine take the strain. Naturally, you may not want to outlay tonnes of cash for a one-off job, but there’s no need to when you avail of a plant equipment hire service such as that offered by Power Plant. Simply hire a mini-digger for the duration needed, be it a day, week or month, and hand it back when your garden renovation is complete. It couldn’t be simpler, and your back will thank you for it.

Tree stump removal made easy

One of the (often literal) stumbling blocks to a smooth garden renovation is pesky tree stumps. It’s sometimes the case that cutting down the main tree is easier than removing the stump. Removing the stump is an at best arduous, at worst impossible, process when you attempt it by hand. It’s one of the many areas of garden renovation where hiring in a mini-digger can come into its own.

Add fence poll posts 

Digging holes for fence polls by hand can be straining and tedious. By hiring a mini-digger, you can dig out your fence posts in minutes, saving time and your back. 

Create your dream pond by hiring a mini-digger

There’s nothing like a pond to add interest to a garden renovation. However, what puts many off is the process of digging out the pond itself. As with other areas of garden renovation, digging out the soil and bedrock for a pond can be tough on the body, not to mention time-consuming. However, hiring in a mini-digger makes this all a doddle. A process that might take all day by hand can be done as quickly as 30 minutes when you have a mini-digger do the work. With cost-effective plant hire rates available, added to preventing strain on your back, not to mention time savings, hiring a mini-digger in is simply a no-brainer.

Levelling and grading

Levelling out a garden may seem like an overwhelming prospect, but when you hire a mini-digger, it’s a piece of cake. Even if you’re not doing this gardening levelling work yourself, you’ll save time and manpower by hiring in a mini-digger. You can also smooth it out to your desire in ways that manual labour simply can’t.

Slope modification

Just as mini-diggers make levelling a garden effortless, they also come into their own should you wish to modify slopes in your garden (or even create one). 

As you can see, hiring in mini-excavators is a surefire way to get that perfect garden you’ve been promising yourself without breaking your back or your bank—we have very affordable hire rates. It can even work out cheaper than hiring a team of manual labourers to dig out your garden. Power Plant has been hiring mini-diggers for garden owners around Ireland for many years, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about hiring plant equipment for your garden renovation. You can call us on 053 9235003 or drop an email to sales@powerplant.ie.

Buying a forklift is a substantial commitment for any facility. Not only does it require a significant cash outlay, but it also locks you into one forklift model for several years, demanding careful consideration. Furthermore, it entails ongoing costs and responsibilities. This is why many facilities are now opting for forklift hire over outright purchase.

Indeed, there are numerous benefits to choosing forklift hire, both in terms of logistics and finances. Let’s delve into these advantages in this article.

Forklift Hire: No Maintenance Worries

When you buy a forklift outright, you not only bear the capital cost but also the ongoing ‘cost of ownership’ throughout the vehicle’s life, including maintenance and servicing. However, when you opt for forklift hire, the responsibility for maintaining the forklift rests with the hiring company. This not only saves you on maintenance expenses but also eliminates the administrative hassle of arranging services.

Access to newer models you mightn’t otherwise be able to afford

One significant advantage of hiring forklifts instead of purchasing them outright is that it provides companies with access to the latest models they might not otherwise afford. There’s no need for a substantial upfront investment; you can spread the cost. Even if you could afford to buy a brand-new forklift outright, it’s unlikely that you’ll be in a position to replace it every few years as newer and improved models emerge. This is where the hire option shines. As newer models become available, you can return the old ones and hire the latest forklifts without reinvesting large sums of money.

Cost-effective (only pay when needed and no big upfront spend)

Purchasing a forklift outright entails significant expenditure both on acquisition and ongoing maintenance. Forklift hire allows you to spend less at a time and only pay for the forklift when you actually need it.

You can try different models/fuel types without committing

Another critical factor when choosing between purchasing and hiring a forklift is that the latter option keeps your options open. When you buy a forklift outright, you’re likely stuck with that model for several years. However, if you choose to hire a forklift, you can experiment with different models, fuel types, etc., to determine which one best suits your needs. If a particular model isn’t working out, it’s much easier to return a hired forklift than one already purchased and paid for.

Ideal for one-off projects

In some cases, a long-term forklift solution may not be necessary. For instance, you might need a forklift for a one-off project, such as a warehouse relocation or a new store opening. In such situations, it’s not economically efficient to buy a new forklift. Instead, you can simply hire a forklift for the duration of the project and return it afterwards. This eliminates upfront costs and maintenance hassles.

Short notice availability

Emergencies can arise where you require a forklift at short notice, such as when your warehouse is damaged and you need to move stock to an alternative location quickly. Purchasing a new forklift for such situations is impractical, but having the option to hire one at short notice can be the difference between saving your stock and incurring losses.

Handy for covering breakdowns/bolstering capacity

Even if you’ve purchased a forklift, there may be times when hiring one is a smart decision. For example, if your own forklift breaks down, hiring a replacement during the repair is an ideal solution. Alternatively, during unusually busy periods when your forklift isn’t sufficient to handle the workload, hiring a second forklift is a cost-effective solution, especially if the extra demand is seasonal.

In conclusion, opting for forklift hire rather than an outright purchase can benefit facilities of all sizes by reducing costs, minimizing maintenance expenses, streamlining administrative tasks, and minimizing downtime. It is also the most cost-effective solution for obtaining a forklift for short-term projects or emergencies.

Power Plant, with decades of experience in forklift and plant equipment hire in Ireland, can assist you in meeting your specific needs.

Contact us today at 053 9235003 or via email at sales@powerplant.ie.

Power Plant is proud to be an official Irish stockist of the Husqvarna range of robotic mowers. Making lawn maintenance easier for Facility Managers and homeowners alike, Husqvarna is the leader in automated lawn mower technology, having introduced the world’s first robotic lawnmower back in 1995. Their story is an interesting one, so for this article, we thought we’d take a look at the development of Husqvarna’s robotic mowers over the years. Of course, like any good story, it’s best to begin at the very start, as the history of Husqvarna as a company is fascinating in itself.

The diverse history of Husqvarna robotic mowers

Husqvarna can trace its origins back to the Swedish city of Husqvarna itself (nowadays spelt as Huskvarna, part of Jönköping. In 1689, a drilling works was established there to provide weapons for the Swedish army, known as the “Jönköping Rifle Company”. This was later renamed as the “Husqvarna Rifle Company”. Despite its weapons-based title, the company would go on to diversify into other products, including bicycles, and indeed, it produced its first motorcycle in 1903. Today, Husqvarna is best known for its lawnmowers, and that chapter began in 1918 when it acquired Norrahammars Bruk, another mill in Jönköping. Husqvarna added boilers and manual lawnmowers to its now extensive product offerings. Husqvarna would begin producing its engines in-house in 1919. The firm’s first motorised lawnmower emerged in 1947, with a model suitable for homeowners being released in 1959. Step forward to 1995, when Husqvarna brought out the world’s first robotic lawnmower, the Automower®.

Husqvarna and the world’s first robotic mower

Husqvarna’s Solar Mower, released in 1995, the world’s first automatic mower

The story of the Husqvarna Automower® began in 1992 when the then-CEO formed a group of engineers to develop a robotic mower. This became known as the Husqvarna Solar mower, and, as mentioned earlier, production commenced in 1995. And what a revolutionary product it was; aside from being an automated mower, it was powered by solar cells, which, for the time, was quite novel. This was also known as the ‘Turtle mower’.

Enter the Husqvarna Automower®

Husqvarna’s 1st Generation Automowerr® was released in 1998

In 1998, Husqvarna released their 1st Generation Automower®, which was battery-powered. It was another great example of Husqvarna’s innovation; not only did it mow the lawn automatically, it had built intelligence so that it knew when its battery was low and would return, of its own accord, to its charging station as needed.

The 2nd Generation Husqvarna Automower®

The 2nd Generation Husqvarna Automower®, released in 2003

The early 2000s saw the debut of the 2nd Generation Husqvarna Automower® in 2003. It sported a new design, with an emphasis on protecting the technology from harsher working environments.

The Hybrid Automower® arrives

The 2008 Hybrid Automower® model

In 2008, Husqvarna released another world-first for automatic lawnmowers, this time a hybrid Automower® model that ran on a combination of solar and battery power. This robotic mower was designed to mow gardens of up to 2200 square metres in area. 

An Automower® that texts its owner

More innovation 2009, Husqvarna went one step better with an Automower® that could even send a text message to the owner’s phone if assistance was required. This model was capable of mowing lawns of up to 6000 square metres in area. 

The 3rd Generation of Husqvarna Automowers®

The Husqvarna 305 was the first 3rd Generation Automower®, released in 2011

As a new decade dawned, so too did a new generation of Automowers®. First off the mark was the Husqvarna 305 in 2011, with a small footprint, followed by the larger range 320 and 330X Automowers in 2013, the latter sporting GPS-assisted navigation. Ever the innovators, Husqvarna embraced smartphone technology with the rollout of Automower® Connect in 2015, enabling remote control of the lawn mower anywhere in the world using an app. The following year saw the launch of the Automower® 430X and 450X models, with 2018 seeing the arrival of integrated Automower® Connect with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Further models in the X-Line range would emerge over the following years, all of them embracing Automower® Connect technology. 

As can be seen, Husqvarna has come a long way from weapons-manufacturing origins in the 17th Century; their founders could only have dreamed that their firm would one day be rolling out fully automated lawnmowers capable of being operated from anywhere in the world. Technology continues to advance at a fast pace; who knows what kind of capabilities Husqvarna Automower®s will have in the decades to come? Whatever their function, Power Plant looks forward to representing the brand in Ireland and helping homeowners and facilities alike embrace the versatility of Husqvarna technology’s robotic mower technology.

Power Plant has decades of experience in supplying automated mowing equipment to homeowners and facilities across Ireland for many years. If you’d like to find out more, you can view our range here, and we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact today on 053 9235003 or email sales@powerplant.ie.

Thank you to our staff, customers and suppliers for your continued support during 2022. We wish you all a happy, peaceful and safe Christmas with your loved ones.
We will be closed for Christmas at 5.30pm on Thursday 22nd December.
We look forward to seeing you in the new year—reopening January 3rd @ 8.30 am.

CONCRETE FINISHING EQUIPMENT – FOR SALE OR HIRE

CONCRETE FINISHING EQUIPMENTVisit Power Plant Hire for a full range of concrete finishing equipment for sale or hire. Brands include MARSHALLTOWN, BETON TROWEL, KRAFT & many more.
– Bull Float
– Fresno Blade
– Big Blue Blade
– Herron Brush Soft
– Hard Brush
– Concrete Rakes
– Genuine Aussie Screed 1.2m up to 3.0m
– Magnesium Hand Float
– Hand & Walking Edger
– Hand & Walking Groover
– Snap Handle & Connectors
– Pool Trowels
– Telescopic Handle
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM TO VIEW THE FULL RANGE

FOR MORE INFO & PRICES CALL 053 – 9235003

WE ALSO HIRE CONCRETE FINISHING EQUIPMENT & TOOLS
#wexford #concrete #toolhire

CONCRETE IMPRINT ROLLER – NOW AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

A recent addition to Power Plant Hire’s fleet, the Concrete Imprint Roller is now available for Hire.

Call us on 053 9235003 for details.

HUSQVARNA Automower® WEXFORD TESTIMONIAL

Forget everything you know about lawn care. Discover the better way to a better lawn. Keeping your lawn healthy can be a lot of hard work. The Husqvarna Automower® isn’t just a lawnmower.

It’s a robotic concept that does the work for you — without your supervision, around the clock.

A big thank you to Desmond Hatton for his Testimonial below having had two Husqvarna Automower®’s installed by Power Plant Hire last year. Also, thank you to Mick O’Leary of Power Plant Hire for the work on the install.

“Always wanted to have a large lawn and now have in excess of 1 acre split into 3 different lawns.   As I am not always available to maintain same, contacted a number of providers for Robotic lawn mowers as frankly I did not know much about same. 

Opted for Husqvarna, as they have a proven track record and having spoken to a friend in the garden business he strongly recommended same as has seen them installed in many different lawns. 

Called Mick O’Leary, from Power Plant Hire Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, Mick,  came to my house and  made some suggestions and different options based on the layout of lawns also how frequently cut, the speed of the cut etc.   I opted for 2 Husqvarna mowers a 450X Covering 2  lawns and a 430X for the other lawn. 

Having placed the order for a Husqvarna 450X and 430X, a few days later  Mike and his colleague came and installed cables and both the mowers were up and running. Initially we set the cutting height and at level #5, then gradually reduced to  level #2. For the first few weeks you will see the grass and some tracks but after 3 weeks, the lawn starts to green up and as cut so frequently, no grass.   

When installed we set both mowers to mow 6 days a week for first week, then reduced back to 2  times per week. The good news is that you can control from your phone the timing the settings the height etc….

Both mowers were installed last year in early August. I put them in winter storage from late November, then back to work in early March this year. I would have no problem in recommending these mowers and the service provided by Mick and his team is outstanding.”

To arrange a free lawn survey simply call into the Husqvarna Automower® Wexford Showroom at HUSQVARNA CENTRE WEXFORD located at Power Plant Hire, Dublin Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford visit www.powerplant.ie, call us on 053 9235003 or email sales@powerplant.ie

HEAT FOR HIRE POWER PLANT HIRE WEXFORD

8th January 2021

To all our Customers,

In accordance with Government guidance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic we will be closed to the general public from close of business on Friday 8th January at 5pm until further notice.

We are no longer able to provide new hires other than to support essential services.

Please do not attend our premises without first contacting us to check availability and to avoid unnecessary visits. To contact us please call 053 9235003 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday or email sales@powerplant.ie.

In the meantime, stay safe and look after your families and loved ones.

Kind Regards

John Power

JOHN POWER SNR RIP

Introducing the Probst Vacuum Power Handy VPH 150 at Power Plant Hire

The VPH 150 is a flexible and powerful hand operated laying device for dense products, such as granite or high quality concrete elements up to 150 kg weight. 

Features:

• Vacuum pump unit with manometer and suction force indicator, battery charging indicator and on/off switch. Complete unit detachable, can also be mounted on other devices.
• Highly wear-resistant seal!
• Powered by rechargeable battery 12 V. Special energy saving automatic allows a full day of laying operation without the need of recharging. Battery charger not included.
• Handle for 2 men operation, handles height and width adjustable to accomodate with different laying tasks.
• With Suction plate.
• The seal can be exchanged without glue and any tool within 1 minute.
• Fitted as standard with chain compartment and load securing chain as well as lifting eye for hoist operation at low levels.

Spec:

• Working Load Limit WLL kg: 150
• Dead Weight kg: 16,5
• Suction Plate Dimension mm: oval 440 x 250

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL OUR HIRE & SALES TEAM ON 053 – 9235003

To all our Customers,

Thank you for your support during these difficult times. Power Plant Hire re-open on Monday 18th May for the first time since 27th March. We will be strictly observing all HSE guidance on Coronavirus and we are fully committed to the safety of our employees, customers and their families.

We are returning to work on a phased basis in the interests of safety and this may temporarily restrict our service. We ask for your co-operation and patience and that you observe the measures in place for everyone’s safety.

Power Plant Hire re-open on Monday 18th May at 8.30am and open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4pm.

Briefly the Additional Measures are:

1. Only one person is allowed into the Hire Office at a time. A Queuing system is in place outside.
2. Please use hand sanitiser provided.
3. The Yard is closed to the Public and collections and returns will be made in the front of the Hire Shop.
4. Please call before visiting to check availability and avoid unnecessary visits.

We kindly request that everyone plays their role by respecting all guidelines. when visiting. Thank you for your support and stay safe and healthy.

To all our Customers,

Thank you for your support during these difficult times. We have stayed fully operational as long as possible, while strictly observing all HSE guidance on Coronavirus as we know the important role that equipment hire plays in the local communities that we serve. However, we are fully committed to the safety of our employees, customers and their families and we feel that with the unfolding situation, this is no longer an option.

We are therefore announcing that we have decided to temporarily restrict our service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with Government guidance.

Sadly this means that we are no longer able to provide new hires other than to support essential services.

We will open on Monday 30^th March at 8.30am and remain open until 5pm for off-hires only. After this date we will remain available in a restricted capacity to provide emergency support to our local authorities, electricity and water utilities, food processing, farming and customers carrying out essential services only.

To contact us call 053 9235003 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday or email sales@powerplant.ie.

In the meantime, stay safe and look after your families and loved ones.

Kind Regards

John Power

Power Plant Hire is continuing to stay open for business.
We are adhering to the HSE guidelines during this outbreak and are taking additional measures in the interests of staff and customer welfare.
1. Only one person is allowed into the Hire Office at a time.
2. Only one person is allowed into the showroom at a time.
3. The Yard is closed to the Public and collections and returns will be made in the front of the Hire Shop.
4. Please call before visiting to check availability and avoid unnecessary visits.
We kindly request that everyone plays their role by respecting all guidelines.
Thank you for your continued support and most importantly we hope you, your families and loved ones stay safe and healthy

HUSQVARNA Automower® Wexford Roadshow

Forget everything you know about lawn care. Discover the better way to a better lawn. Keeping your lawn healthy can be a lot of hard work. The Husqvarna Automower® isn’t just a lawnmower.

It’s a robotic concept that does the work for you — without your supervision, around the clock.

To find out more about the Husqvarna Automower® come to the  Power Plant Hire Husqvarna Automower® Wexford Roadshow information evening for 2020 that will be held on Tuesday 25th February at 7.30pm in the Talbot Hotel Wexford. Join us on the night and learn about the market leading Husqvarna Autotomower®, with over two million Husqvarna Autotomower® sold worldwide the Husqvarna Autotomower® is the World’s No.1 Robotic Mower.

Alternatively to arrange a free lawn survey simply call into the Husqvarna Automower® Wexford Showroom at HUSQVARNA CENTRE WEXFORD located at Power Plant Hire, Dublin Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford visit www.powerplant.ie, call us on 053 9235003 or email sales@powerplant.ie

Husqvarna Automower® Wexford Roadshow information evening Tuesday 25th February 2020 at 7.30pm in the Talbot Hotel Wexford.

HUSQVARNA WEXFORD – POWER PLANT HIRE

Husqvarna Wexford – Power Plant Hire, our upgraded Husqvarna Centre Wexford Showroom is getting the finishing touches and will be completed soon and stocked with the full range of Husqvarna Forest and Garden, Construction and Forestry products.The Showroom will include dedicated area’s for Husqvarna Automower® and Battery Products.

Power Plant Hire is a 100% Wexford family owned and run business offering a large range of quality Husqvarna Forest, Husqvarna Garden Equipment, Husqvarna Automower®, Husqvarna Construction and Husqvarna accessories. We stock a full range of lawnmowers (ride-on and push), Husqvarna Automower®, Husqvarna Chainsaws, Strimmers, Husqvarna Hedge trimmers, Husqvarna Edgers, Husqvarna Tillers, Husqvarna Blower Vac’s and Husqvarna accessories. With 45 years’ experience you can be assured that only the best expert advice on Husqvarna’s range and will be given in every aspect of lawn and garden management. All Husqvarna products sold come with a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty.

KRANZLE POWER WASHERS WEXFORD

kranzle-pressure-washers-wexford-power-plant-hire

If you want a high quality power washer or pressure washer, look no further than Kranzle who make some of the best and most popular power washers and other cleaning equipment on the market.

COLD AND HOT WATER CLEANERS

We supply the full range of Kranzle power washers in Cold Water and Hot Water Pressure Cleaners including electric and petrol-driven models.
We also supply Floor Cleaners, Industrial Vacuums, Power Sweepers and an array of Kranzle accessories.
If you are interested in a Kranzle Pressure Washer or other Kranzle products, browse through our range.
If you require any further information about Kranzle products or other equipment, don’t hesitate – contact us at Power Plant Hire, Dublin Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

HUSQVARNA CENTRE WEXFORD HUSQVARNA BATTERY SERIES

Get more done with the Husqvarna Battery Series

Husqvarna Battery Series opens up for new ways of working

HUSQVARNA CENTRE WEXFORD – Husqvarna Automower®

Forget everything you know about lawn care. Discover the better way to a better lawn. Keeping your lawn healthy can be a lot of hard work. The Husqvarna Automower® isn’t just a lawnmower.

It’s a robotic concept that does the work for you — without your supervision, around the clock.

To find out more about the Husqvarna Automower® and to arrange a free lawn survey simply call into the Husqvarna Automower® Showroom at HUSQVARNA CENTRE WEXFORD located at Power Plant Hire, Dublin Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford visit www.powerplant.ie, call us on 053 9235003 or email sales@powerplant.ie

HUSQVARNA OPEN DAY – 6TH SEPTEMBER 2018

power-plant-hire-husqvarna-open-day

We are hosting a Husqvarna Open Day this Thursday 6th September on the Dublin Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

Husqvarna Construction will be doing demonstrations and there will be offers on the day with 10% off selected Husqvarna Construction, Garden and Forest product.

Call in on to the Husqvarna Open Day for offers like on that the Husqvarna K770 Masonry Saw below.

FORKLIFT HIRE WEXFORD BY POWER PLANT HIRE

For Forklift Hire Power Plant Hire Wexford are the No 1 Hire company in the South East of Ireland serving the counties of Wexford, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Kildare and south Dublin.

Our Forklift Hire range extends from battery pallet trucks to battery forklifts, diesel forklifts and lpg forklifts for hire through to a full range of telehandlers for hire.

To view the full range of Forklift Hire in Wexford from Power Plant Hire visit https://powerplant.ie.78-153-200-32.preview.graphediahosting.com.78-153-200-32.preview.graphediahosting.com, or to make an enquiry email sales@powerplant.ie or call us on 053 9235003.

Doosan D30GX Diesel Forklift Hire. This Doosan 3 ton Industrial Forklift Hire can come fitted with or without a full cab. The Doosan D30GX Diesel Industrial Forklift is a universal workhorse for all common tasks. It has a diesel engine and is suitable for all loads up to 3 tonnes.

LPG Gas Forklift Hire. This Mitsubishi 2.5 Ton Industrial Forklift Hire can come fitted with or without a full cab. The Mitsubishi 2.5 Ton LPG Industrial Forklift is a universal workhorse for all common tasks. It has a gas engine and is suitable for all loads up to 2.5 tonnes.

Battery Forklift Hire. This BT15-7 Electric Forklift Hire is extremely compact and will access areas that larger machines will not. Its small dimensions make it ideal for use in various settings, such as factories, warehouses, shops. The three-wheel configuration gives this fork-lift truck maximum manoeuvrability. Ideal for loading and unloading work in confined spaces. These trucks offer maximum visibility of the fork tips.

To view the full range available for Forklift Hire in Wexford from Power Plant Hire visit https://powerplant.ie/our-range/forklifts

For Cherry Picker Hire Power Plant Hire are the No 1 Powered Access Hire company in the South East of Ireland serving the counties of Wexford, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Kildare and south Dublin.

Our Cherry Picker Hire range extends from the Haulotte HT23RTJPRO above a 23 Metre Telescopic Boom fitted with Haulotte ActivShield secondary guarding and power to the basket and includes the below machines.

To view the full range of Cherry Picker Hire visit https://powerplant.ie/our-range/powered-access/, or to make an enquiry email sales@powerplant.ie or call us on 053 9235003.

Snorkel T46RTJ Cherry Picker Hire. This Snorkel 16 Metre Telescopic Boom comes fitted with power to the basket and Snorkel’s secondary guarding system.

Haulotte HA16RTJPRO Cherry Picker Hire. This Haulotte 16 Metre Articulating Boom comes fitted with Haulotte’s ActivShield secondary guarding system.

Manitou Man’Go 12 Cherry Picker Hire. This Manitou 12 Metre Articulating Boom is extremely compact and will access areas that larger machines will not.

To view the full range visit https://powerplant.ie/our-range/powered-access/

We have recently achieved €coMerit Accreditation, a three-year environmental certification, backed by the Environmental Protection Agency that demonstrates our commitment to sustainability.

€coMerit has been designed specifically with SME’s in mind. Large companies often have a dedicated Environmental Manager and can afford the luxury of an ISO 14001 environmental certification. Smaller companies have no less of a need to control their energy, waste and water costs – but do need to achieve this with a much smaller budget.

A big thank you to Phil Walker from €concertive for his support during the accreditation process and also to our own John McKenna for all of his work on it.

Power Plant Hire can now supply machines to our customers through all parts of Ireland and the UK courtesy of our membership with the Access Link. Access Link is an association of regional powered access companies, who together, provide their customers with national coverage with only one point of contact. We have over 30 depots and thousands of powered access units spread throughout the UK and Ireland.

Due to the status red weather warning and in the interest of the safety of our customers and staff, Power Plant Hire will close from today 1st March at 12 Noon until Monday 5th March 2018 at 8.30am.

Please stay tuned to our social media sites for further updates.#stormemma #beastfromtheeast

For Plant, Tool and Powered Access Hire in Wexford, Wicklow and the south east of Ireland Power Plant Hire are the number 1 choice with the widest range of Hire Equipment and the greatest fleet size to ensure availability.

As part of our commitment to being the number 1 Powered Access Hire company in Wexford we are continually investing in our fleet to ensure that the latest industry innovations are made available to our customers, to broaden the range and to increase the fleet size in order to ensure availability.

A recent addition to our hire fleet are Ground Guards MultiTrack ground protection mats. Ground Guards Hire are now available from Power Plant Hire and they are the original and best plastic ground protection system and is recognised as the essential ground care solution for construction sites, military, civil engineering projects, utilities maintenance, event management, housebuilding and more.

MultiTrack enables quick, safe and easy site access, and is ideal for maneuvering heavy equipment around with minimal disturbance to the ground.

Fast, easy and economical, MultiTrack mats are extremely lightweight at only 39kg, which means they can easily be handled by two workers, without the need for specialist or expensive lifting equipment.

Featuring different configurable tread patterns for multiple applications – including Roadway, Walkway and Smooth – MultiTrack is an ideal solution for creating temporary roadways, car parks, site compounds, military bases, temporary runways, event flooring and pedestrian walkways.

MultiTrack mats are made from environmentally friendly 100% recycled plastic, and are guaranteed unbreakable by vehicles up to 120 tonnes*.

For Powered Access Hire in Wexford, Wicklow and the south east of Ireland Power Plant Hire are the number 1 choice with the widest range of Powered Access Hire Equipment and the greatest fleet size to ensure availability.

As part of our commitment to being the number 1 Powered Access Hire company in Wexford we are continually investing in our fleet to ensure that the latest industry innovations are made available to our customers, to broaden the range and to increase the fleet size in order to ensure availability.

In addition to investment in our fleet we also invest in our people, our facilities and our processes to ensure that we provide the best quality, reliable and safe powered access equipment for hire to all of our customers in the south east of Ireland. As part of this commitment we have joined IPAF, The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF).

What is IPAF

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) promotes the safe and effective use of powered access worldwide. Set up in 1983, IPAF is a not-for-profit members’ organisation that represents the interests of manufacturers, distributors, users, rental and training companies. It serves as a forum for all active in the world of powered access. IPAF has played a key role in promoting many of the design, safety and testing procedures that are now established in the powered access industry.

You can find out more about IPAF by following the link below.

http://www.ipaf.org/en/about-ipaf/overview/

Plant Hire Wexford

For Plant Hire in Wexford, Power Plant Hire are the number 1 choice with the widest range of Plant Hire Equipment and the greatest fleet size to ensure availability.

As part of our commitment to being the number 1 Plant Hire company in Wexford we are continually investing in our fleet to ensure that the latest industry innovations in Plant Hire are made available to our customers, to broaden the range and to increase the fleet size in order to ensure availability.

We are one of Ireland’s oldest plant hire companies. Since John Power Snr and Joan Power established Power Plant Hire in Bree, Co Wexford in 1974 we have been servicing Wexford, and the surrounding counties of Wicklow, Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterford. We provide the full range of Plant Hire in Wexford and Wicklow including;

• Dumper Hire, mini tracked dumper hire, 1 ton dumper hire, 3 ton dumper hire, 6 ton dumper hire and 9 ton dumper hire
• Mini Excavator Hire, micro digger hire, 1.5 ton mini digger hire, 3 ton mini digger hire, 5 ton mini digger hire and 8 ton mini digger hire
• Telehandler Hire, 4 metre compact telehandler hire, 6 metre compact telehandler hire, 10 metre telehandler hire, 11 metre telehandler hire, 13 metre telehandler hire and 14 metre telehandler hire
• Roller Hire, 900mm roller hire, 1200mm roller hire, 1400mm roller hire and 8 ton soil compactor hire
• Other Plant Hire including compressor hire, generator hire, compactor hire as well as a comprehensive range of Tool Hire and Powered Access Hire in Wexford

Some of the recent investments that we have made to our Plant Hire in Wexford fleet include the following.

Mini Excavator Hire 

We offer mini excavators at micro, 1.5 ton, 3 ton, 5 ton, 6 ton and 8 ton as part of our comprehensive offering of Plant Hire in Wexford.

Dumper Hire

We offer dumpers at micro, mini tracked, 1 ton, 1.5 ton, 2 ton, 3 ton, 6 ton, 9 ton and 10 ton as part of our comprehensive offering of Plant Hire in Wexford. Dumper hire options include narrow access, swivel skips and high tip swivel skips which contributes to Power Plant Hire offering the most comprehensive plant hire in Wexford.

Telehandler Hire

We offer telehandlers at compact 4 metre, compact 6 metre, 10 metre, 11 metre, 13 metre and 14 metre as part of our comprehensive offering of Plant Hire in Wexford. Telehandler hire attachments include forks, buckets and block grabs which contributes to Power Plant Hire offering the most comprehensive plant hire in Wexford.

Roller Hire

We offer rollers at compact 900mm, 1200mm, 1400mm  and 8 ton soil compactors as part of our comprehensive offering of Plant Hire in Wexford. The range contributes to Power Plant Hire offering the most comprehensive plant hire in Wexford.

POWERED ACCESS HIRE WEXFORD

For Powered Access Hire in Wexford, Power Plant Hire are the number 1 choice with the widest range of Powered Access Hire Equipment and the greatest fleet size to ensure availability.

As part of our commitment to being the number 1 Powered Access Hire company in Wexford we are continually investing in our fleet to ensure that the latest industry innovations are made available to our customers, to broaden the range and to increase the fleet size in order to ensure availability.

Some of the recent investments that we have made to our Powered Access Hire in Wexford fleet include the following.

Powertowers Pecolift

Pecolift is very ‘Eco-friendly.’ No batteries means no power consumption for charging, no battery acid spills, no hydrogen gases. No hydraulic oil means no spills. In fact it’s carbon footprint is even smaller than it’s working footprint and that’s only 985mm x 700mm! The Pecolift, “non-powered powered access!”© from Power Plant Hire, Powered Access Hire Wexford.

Manitou MAN’GO 12

Our latest addition to our expanding powered access fleet is the Manitou MAN’GO 12. The MAN’GO 12 aerial work platform is a new concept in platforms, combining the benefits of both articulated and telescopic platforms. Originally designed for rental operators, it’s also perfectly suited to professionals who need to get people up to 12m in height for construction applications as wells as industry professionals.
Compact and suited for all-terrain, it can easily navigate congested work sites and tight storage spaces. Once collapsed, its small chassis allows for easy storage, and with simple controls and upkeep, it also gives you performance levels that will impress your operators. The Manitou MAN’GO 12 is now available from Power Plant Hire, Powered Access Hire Wexford.

Snorkel 3010P and 3010E

We have recently added new Snorkel compact scissor lifts to our fleet. The Snorkel 3010P (Push Around) and Snorkel 3010E (Battery Self Propelled) compact scissor lifts are light and compact and with a platform height of 10ft they are an ideal access solution for low levels in confined spaces. The Snorkel 3010P and 3010E are now available from Power Plant Hire, Powered Access Hire Wexford.

2017 HAE Hire Awards of Excellence Finalist

We are delighted to be included on the shortlist for Hire Company of the Year at The Hire Association Europe 2017 Hire Awards of Excellence and are now really looking forward to next Saturday nights event to be held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.

Independently judged, the Hire Awards of Excellence acknowledge the successes of hirers and suppliers, along with the incredible individuals who set the standard. Without doubt these Awards are the most sought after accolade within the plant, tool, equipment and event hire industries and represent the best in class for companies and individuals working in the hire sector.

New Husqvarna Automower in Wexford from Power Plant Hire.

Husqvarna — the world leader in robotic mowers for the past two decades — unveils yet
another robotic mower to its portfolio. The latest Automower® is developed for users looking
for an ultra-silent, intelligent and connected mower that quickly and efficiently manages up to
4000m2.

The Husqvarna Automower® 440 is a large area capacity robotic mower (4000m2) designed to handle all types of
challenging lawns, hilly (slopes up to 45%) or complex. With a higher cutting speed than other mowers in the
range, Automower® 440 is ideal for users who want their gardens taken care of within a shorter time, and quietly.
The built-in ultra-silent drive brings Automower® 440 down to 56dB(A) — enabling mowing to be done around the
clock without disturbing family or neighbours.
Intelligent and connected
A variety of features makes the Husqvarna Automower® 440 the perfect option for hassle-free and reliable
operation. The built-in Weather Timer gives Automower® 440 the ability to adjust its cutting habits and adapt to
the actual growth rate of the lawn, so more cutting occurs when it’s warm and wet, with less cutting during dry or
cool periods. Automower® 440 can be equipped with Automower® Connect – a software that enables you to
remotely control, configure and monitor your mower with an app in your smartphone.
Further features include automatic passage handling as well as quad search, which means the machine has even
more ways to navigate through complex gardens and around obstacles, then back to the charging station again.
Availability and price
The Husqvarna Automower® 440 is available from April 2017 at Husqvarna dealers, starting at €2,899

Specifications

Productivity

Product

Motor & Cutting System

About Husqvarna    

Husqvarna is a brand within Husqvarna Group. Since 1689, Husqvarna has manufactured high performing products and delivered industry-changing innovations such as anti-vibration and automatic chain-break on chainsaws, as well as the world’s first commercial robotic mower. Today, Husqvarna offers a broad range of high performing outdoor power products for parks, forest and garden, and represents technological leadership in the key areas; chainsaws, trimmers, ride-on mowers and robotic mowers. Husqvarna products are sold in more than 100 countries, mainly through servicing dealers.

Husqvarna Group

Husqvarna Group is a world leading producer of outdoor power products including chainsaws, trimmers, robotic lawn mowers and garden tractors. The Group is also the European leader in garden watering products and a world leader in cutting equipment and diamond tools for the construction and stone industries. The Group’s products and solutions are sold under brands including Husqvarna, Gardena, McCulloch, Poulan Pro, Weed Eater, Flymo, Zenoah and Diamant Boart via dealers and retailers to end-customers in more than 100 countries. Net sales in 2015 amounted to SEK 33 billion, and the Group had more than 14,000 employees in 40 countries.

Power Plant Hire

We are one of Ireland’s oldest hire companies. Since John Power Snr and Joan Power established Power Plant Hire in Bree, Co Wexford in 1974 we have been servicing Wexford, and the surrounding counties. In 1981 the business moved to its current location on the Dublin Road in Enniscorthy and today operates from a facility of over 15,000 Sq Feet of showroom, workshop and storage. For over forty years Power Plant Hire’s experienced and trained staff have provided assistance and advice to customers backed up by a comprehensive range of reliable and safe Tools, Plant and Access Equipment.

We are active members of our trade association, the Hire Association Europe (HAE). The HAE is the leading trade association for hire and rental companies in the UK and Ireland and we are part of the SafeHire Certification scheme of the HAE.

Power Plant Hire are approved Husqvarna dealers for Forest, Garden and Construction Products and Accessories. Power Plant Hire are located on the Old Dublin Road in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford where you can visit our Husqvarna showroom or contact us on 053 9235003, email us at sales@powerplant.ie or visit the Husqvarna setion of our website,  https://powerplant.ie/husqvarna/.

We are delighted to be included on the shortlist for Hire Company of the Year at The Hire Association Europe 2017 Hire Awards of Excellence to be held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Saturday 22nd April 2017.

Independently judged, the Hire Awards of Excellence acknowledge the successes of hirers and suppliers, along with the incredible individuals who set the standard. Without doubt these Awards are the most sought after accolade within the plant, tool, equipment and event hire industries and represent the best in class for companies and individuals working in the hire sector.

Power Plant Hire Wexford make Powered Access Hire Fleet Addition’s

During 2016 we made significant additions to our Powered Access Fleet. The additions included;

• New Haulotte Optimum 8 Scissor Lifts
• New Haulotte Compact 10 N Scissor Lifts
• New Haulotte Compact 12 Scissor Lifts
• New Haulotte Star 10 Mast Booms
• New Haulotte HA16RTJ PRO Articulating Booms
• Genie Z60 Articulating Booms

In early 2017 more new Haulotte Access Equipment arrives as well as other additions including Telescopic Boom Lifts and Push Around Lifts.