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Wet Hire vs. Dry Hire: Which is Right for Your Project?

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26 August, 2024
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By Samar Yahia
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Wet Hire vs. Dry Hire: Which is Right for Your Project?

When it comes to acquiring heavy machinery for construction or other large-scale projects, businesses have several options to consider. Two primary methods are wet hire and dry hire. Understanding the differences between these options is essential in making an informed decision that aligns with your project's specific requirements and budget, and that can evolve with your business and offer long-term value. Let's learn more about each option, and explore a third option: lease-to-own.

Wet Hire: A Complete Package

Wet hire involves renting machinery along with an operator. This option is ideal for businesses that require specialized expertise or lack the necessary personnel to operate equipment. It offers a comprehensive solution, as the rental company handles maintenance, and repairs, therefore relieving the client of these responsibilities.

Rental fleet machinery SK380 excavator and A45G dump truck
A Kobelco SK380 excavator and a Volvo A45G dump truck, part of Al Marwan Machinery's rental fleet

Advantages of Wet Hire:

-No need to hire or train operators, therefore saving the time and money associated with those processes
-Reduced administrative burden, which saves valuable time, giving space for you and your team to focus on more vital matters
-Easy access to specialized equipment and experienced certified operators
-No need to maintain the equipment; that’s handled by the rental company
-Reduced financial risk by avoiding investment in equipment or staff that may not be needed long-term

Rental fleet machinery, Komatsu PC400 excavator and A45G sump truck
A Komatsu PC400 excavator and a Volvo A45G dump truck, part of Al Marwan Machinery's rental fleet

For example, when renting heavy machinery from Al Marwan, operators are included in your rental agreement. And as the 2 time winner of the “GCC equipment rental company of the year” title, Al Marwan takes every possible measure to ensure maximum uptime for your projects. This includes maintaining a fleet of mobile workshops that visit your worksites to provide regular services such as replacing consumables and ensuring that the machines are in perfect working order. This minimizes any downtime that might otherwise be spent transporting equipment to workshops. We also provide advanced telematics to monitor the equipment and operators, ensuring optimal performance. All this makes wet hire ideal if you’re looking for maximum efficiency.

Al Marwan Machinery mobile workshop on site
Al Marwan Machinery technician with mobile workshop on site, performing maintenance and repairs

Dry Hire: Equipment Only

Dry hire involves renting machinery without an operator. This option is suitable for businesses with experienced operators on staff or those who prefer complete control over equipment usage.

Advantages of Dry Hire:

-Lower machinery rental costs
-More control over equipment usage and operator scheduling
-Potential for cost savings through efficient equipment utilization

Dry hire has its drawbacks, including the need for skilled operators on staff, which comes with added fees. It also places the responsibility for maintenance and repairs on your team, along with the additional costs associated with consumables and administrative processes. However, this option is suitable if your business already has the necessary support structure, including operators, mechanics, administrators, and the proper infrastructure such as dedicated workshop spaces, to manage these aspects effectively.

Al Marwan Machinery's equipment rental fleet at Al Layyah Canal project worksite
Al Marwan Machinery's equipment rental fleet (Caterpillar excavators, Volvo trucks, Kobelco crane, and more) at Al Layyah Canal worksite

Lease-to-Own: A Hybrid Approach

Lease-to-own is a financing option that combines the benefits of renting and owning equipment. It allows businesses to use machinery immediately without the upfront cost of purchasing. Regular lease payments are made, and at the end of the lease term, the equipment can be purchased outright.

Advantages of Lease-to-Own:

-Lower upfront costs as leasing requires a smaller initial payment compared to buying, making it easier for businesses to acquire machinery without a large cash outlay
-Preservation of working capital by spreading out payments over time, companies can maintain more working capital for other operational needs or investments
-Predictable costs as leasing provides scheduled monthly payments, making it easier for businesses to budget and manage their finances
-Immediate access to equipment as lease-to-own agreements allow businesses to quickly deploy machinery, ensuring projects start on time without financial delays
-This option allows you the opportunity to build equity in the equipment while using it for your projects

Al Marwan Machinery's limited-time offer on Kobeclo excavators
Al Marwan Machinery's limited-time offer on Kobeclo excavators

As an example, Al Marwan’s Kobelco excavators limited time offer encompasses easy 24 monthly installment plans with zero down payment on a wide range of robust Japanese-made diggers. Purchasing brand-new equipment from the Kobelco authorized distributor also grants you access to exclusive dealer support and OEM parts, among many other perks.

Choosing the Right Option

Selecting the best option between wet hire, dry hire, and lease-to-own depends on various factors, including:

-Project scope and duration: Short-term projects may benefit from wet or dry hire, while long-term projects might favor lease-to-own

A Kobelco SK380 excavator equipped with a jackhammer for specialized tasks, working with a Komatsu PC450 digger, and a Kobelco CKS1350 crawler crane, on Al Layyah Canal project site
A Kobelco SK380 excavator equipped with a jackhammer for specialized tasks working with a Komatsu PC450 digger and a Kobelco CKS1350 crawler crane on Al Layyah Canal project site

-Budget: Each option offers different cost structures to suit varying budgets. Dry hire typically provides a more straightforward cost approach, while lease-to-own balances initial affordability with long-term investment. Wet hire offers a comprehensive package that covers the cost of operating and maintaining the machinery, which can be invaluable for certain projects
-Expertise: If your team requires additional expertise or specialized skills, wet hire provides a seamless solution with professional operators included
-Control: Dry hire offers the most control over equipment usage and scheduling, while wet hire provides convenience with an operator included, and lease-to-own allows you to immediately gain full control of the machinery as you gradually work towards full ownership
-Ownership: For businesses seeking long-term equipment investment and a higher ROI, lease-to-own provides a flexible and cost-effective path

Al Marwan's Lease-to-Own Offer: Your Path to Heavy Equipment Ownership

Al Marwan understands the challenges of acquiring heavy machinery. That's why we're offering an unbeatable lease-to-own option on our range of Kobelco excavators in UAE and Oman. With 0% down payment and flexible 24-month payment plans, you can start maximizing your project's potential without breaking the bank.

Kobelco SK55 mini excavator on a job site
A Kobelco SK55 mini excavator on a job site

Our Kobelco excavators are renowned for their power, efficiency, and reliability, and are ideal for a wide range of applications and projects. Whether you're working on construction sites, mining operations, or land development, our brand-new diggers can handle the toughest tasks with ease. Whether you’re looking for a mini excavator or a large excavation machinery, you can browse our brand-new Kobelco models available for sale in operating weights ranging from under 2 tons and up to more than 80 tons.

Multiple Kobelco SK220 and SK380 excavators at Al Marwan yard
Multiple Kobelco SK220 and SK380 excavators at Al Marwan yard

With Al Marwan's lease-to-own, you're not just acquiring equipment; you're investing in a long-term partnership. Our comprehensive dealer support, including easy access to genuine Kobelco parts and expert after-sales services, ensures your machine operates at peak performance throughout its lifespan.

Your Partner in Growth

Bearing in mind that asides from our different routes to purchasing equipment, Al Marwan also offers heavy machinery rental with expert operators for those projects where ownership isn’t the best fit. This allows you to benefit from the same high-quality machinery while avoiding the long-term commitment of a purchase. Whether you choose to rent equipment or eventually own machines, our priority remains the same: providing you with reliable and efficient machinery from globally trusted manufacturers that drives your project's success.

Ready to take the next step? Explore Al Marwan's comprehensive range of heavy machinery solutions. From short-term rentals to long-term ownership, we offer flexible options to suit your needs.
Contact our team for tailored quotes and expert guidance.

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