Hiring EWP equipment can make or break a project’s progress. It doesn’t matter if you’re working on power lines, cutting back trees near traffic, or putting up a sign; choosing the right elevated work platform setup makes a difference.
One of the big decisions you’ll have to make is whether to go with wet hire or dry hire. Pick the wrong one and you could waste time or blow the budget. Pick the right one and things go a lot smoother!
Performance Tower Hire offers both wet and dry hire across Brisbane and South East Queensland. Not sure which way to go? Not even sure what the two terms refer to? Let’s run through it all for you.
What Is Wet Hire and Dry Hire?
Wet Hire Explained
With wet hire, you’re getting the gear and a qualified and licensed operator to run it. They handle setup, operation, and make sure everything’s done safely. For a lot of crews, that takes a load off, especially when the job’s tricky or there’s more risk involved.
Benefits of wet hire include:
- An operator is included in the hire package.
- Peace of mind knowing you’ve got a licensed EWP operator.
- Less responsibility for maintenance and liability.
- Faster completion of tasks thanks to wet hire efficiency advantages.
Dry Hire Explained
Dry hire, on the other hand, is the machine only. You provide your own operator, who must be licensed and competent to operate the equipment. This option can work well if you’ve already got trained staff on the payroll.
Key points about dry hire:
- Lower upfront cost compared to wet hire.
- More control over how the machine is used.
- You’re the one in charge of safety checks and keeping the machine in good shape while it’s on hire.
- If your operator doesn’t know what they’re doing, or isn’t licensed, it can cause problems fast.
Not sure what cherry pickers are made for? We’ve broken it down here.
Wet Hire vs Dry Hire: Key Differences at a Glance
Here’s a simple comparison of the two options:
| Feature | Wet Hire | Dry Hire |
| Operator | Included (licensed & insured) | Client provides their own |
| Cost | Higher upfront, less risk | Lower upfront, more risk |
| Efficiency | High – faster turnaround | Depends on operator’s skill |
| Safety | Hire company manages | Client is responsible |
| Best for | Complex, high-exposure jobs | Routine, straightforward tasks |
Advantages of Wet Hire
Choosing EWP wet hire can be a smart move when the stakes are high. Here’s why:
Expertise and Safety
Wet hire gives you access to a skilled professional. A licensed operator knows how to handle equipment safely, even in tight or hazardous spaces. If you’re working near live power or traffic, having that extra layer of expertise is vital.
For more insight on safe practices, see how to be safe when using a cherry picker.
Saving Time on Site
Every delay costs money. With wet hire, the operator arrives ready to go. There’s no waiting for staff training or troubleshooting unfamiliar controls. Jobs finish quicker, which often offsets the higher upfront cost.
Reduced Risk and Liability
When you book wet hire, the hire company handles operator insurance coverage, maintenance, and setup. That means fewer surprises in your hire agreement terms and less exposure to legal or financial headaches.
Advantages of Dry Hire
Dry hiring works well if you already have qualified staff available.
Lower Cost for Skilled Teams
With dry hire, you’re paying for the machine only. If your operators are already licensed and on the payroll, this can keep costs down.
More Control
Some businesses prefer to handle equipment their own way. Dry hire gives you that flexibility. You set the pace, assign staff, and manage schedules without relying on an external operator.
Ideal for Routine Jobs
Putting up signs, doing basic maintenance, or working somewhere low-risk? Dry hire could suffice, especially if you have licensed operators on your team. Just keep in mind that dry hire responsibilities include safe operation and any downtime caused by errors.
For licensing requirements, see whether you need a licence to operate a cherry picker.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing Wet or Dry Hire
How do you decide between wet and dry hire? Ask yourself these questions:
How complex is the job?
High-risk or technical projects usually lean toward wet hire. Got power lines, traffic, or rough ground to deal with? A skilled operator can handle it safely and keep things moving.
Do I have licensed operators in-house?
No licence? No experience? Then, dry hire could land you in trouble with safety, the law, or just wasted hours on-site.
What’s my budget?
Dry hire might seem cheaper upfront, but if things go wrong, it can end up costing more. Wet hire can help you avoid stuff like downtime or damage that sets you back.
What’s in the hire agreement?
Before you sign, find out who’s covering what, repairs, insurance, and liability. Sort it early so there’s no mess later.
How important is efficiency?
Wet hire often speeds things up because the operator is familiar with the machine inside and out. Dry hiring works if your team already has the skills and time to complete the job.
When Wet Hire Works Best
Wet hire shines in industries where safety and precision can’t be compromised:
- Arboriculture: Tree trimming around powerlines.
- Electrical work: Tasks near live wires.
- Construction: High-rise jobs requiring advanced maneuvering.
- Telecommunications: Working in areas with limited access or heavy equipment demands.
When Dry Hire Works Best
Dry hire is usually the better option for:
- Signage installation where the work is straightforward.
- Routine building maintenance with minimal risks.
- Companies with in-house teams that already have trained, licensed operators.
Wet Hire vs Dry Hire: Cost Considerations
- Wet hire: Wet hire’s not the cheapest, but it can save you from breakdowns, downtime, and dealing with insurance drama. Plus, you’ve got someone who knows how to run the gear properly.
- Dry hire: Dry hire might look cheaper at first, but costs can pile up fast. You’ll be the one paying for the operator, extra insurance, and any damage if something goes wrong.
Price isn’t the only thing to weigh up. Wet hire might cost more upfront, but it could save you big if it helps avoid delays or accidents. But if you’ve already got trained operators on the crew, dry hire might still make more sense.
Conclusion
The choice between wet hire and dry hire depends on your team’s skills, your budget, and the complexity of the project. Wet hire delivers speed, safety, and less responsibility on your shoulders. Dry hire gives you flexibility and cost savings if you’ve already got the right staff.
At Performance Tower Hire, we offer both options across Brisbane and South East Queensland. Whether you need a licensed operator with your cherry picker or just the equipment, our team can guide you through the best choice for your project.
Ready to book or need advice? Get in touch today, and let’s keep your worksite running smoothly.
FAQs About Wet Hire and Dry Hire
Why include an operator in a hire arrangement?
Because they bring skill, safety knowledge, and liability coverage.
Why might it be cheaper to hire equipment only?
You avoid paying for operator wages, but you take on more responsibility.
Why is operator expertise critical when using a cherry picker?
Because EWPs can be dangerous without proper training and licensing.
Why could wet hire save time on-site?
Operators are experienced and can set up and complete jobs more efficiently.
Why is a dry hire riskier without proper licensing?
Letting someone unlicensed run the thing? That’s how stuff gets broken, and how you end up paying for it.
Why should a business assess in-house capabilities before choosing?
So you don’t end up hiring equipment that your staff can’t legally or safely operate.
Why do wet hires typically cost more upfront?
You’re paying for the machine plus a trained operator, along with insurance.
Why might wet hire be safer in complex or high-exposure tasks?
Experienced operators know how to handle risky sites without making a mess of things.
Why would someone prefer dry hire for simple jobs?
It’s cost-effective if the work is low-risk and your staff are already licensed.
Why is clarity in hire agreements essential?
That way, you’re not left guessing about who’s paying for what if something goes sideways.
