If you’re hiring plant machinery for your project in Devon or the South West, one of the first questions to ask is: Do I need an operator too? At Hutchings Groundworks & Plant Hire, we offer both operated and self-drive plant hire, giving you complete flexibility based on your needs, skills, and budget. But if you’re new to hiring equipment, knowing which option is best can be tricky.

 

What is an Operated Plant Hire?

Operated plant hire simply means hiring machinery and a trained and certified operator. Instead of handling the equipment yourself, our experienced driver will take control and complete the job safely and efficiently.

This option is available across our full range of excavators and dumpers to rollers and sweepers.

 

Pros

  1. Expert Operation Guaranteed

Our operators are fully trained, experienced, and qualified to handle heavy machinery. They know how to use each machine to its full potential, avoiding mistakes and delivering top results.

  1. Faster & More Efficient Work

With an experienced operator on site, jobs often get completed quickly. There’s no learning curve, no wasted time, and no guessing how things work — just fast, professional results.

  1. Safety First

Operating large machinery comes with risks, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the controls. With operated hire, you’ll have peace of mind knowing everything is being handled safely and correctly.

  1. No Licences or Training Required

If you don’t have the necessary qualifications to operate machinery, an operated plant hire is the perfect solution. You won’t need any special licences or training, we handle it all for you.

 

Cons

  1. Higher Hire Cost

The cost is slightly higher than self-drive hire because you’re hiring both the machine and a professional operator. However, this is often balanced out by the time and stress you save.

  1. Less Flexibility for DIY Projects

Suppose you’re confident operating machinery or working on a very small project. In that case, self-drive hire may give you more flexibility to work at your own pace.

Is Operated Hire Right for You?

Ask yourself:

  • Do I have the correct licence or experience?
  • How complex is the job?
  • Do I want to save time and avoid risk?

If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to advise you on the best option for your specific project.

 

Why Choose Hutchings for Operated Plant Hire in Devon?

Our operated plant hire service is available across Devon and the South West. We pride ourselves on:

  • Skilled, friendly operators
  • Well-maintained modern machinery
  • Flexible hire options
  • Competitive Pricing
  • Quick delivery to your site

Whatever your project, Hutchings Groundworks & Plant Hire has the machinery and experience to help you get the job done right.

Contact us today for a free quote and advice on operated plant hire in Devon.