Terms of service

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. GENERAL

These Terms & Conditions govern the hire of our 1.8-ton mini excavator with operator. By confirming a booking, the Client agrees to all terms set out below.

2. RATES & PAYMENT

• Standard rate: R600.00 per hour.
• Minimum hire: 3 hours (R1,800.00) per 24 hour day.
• The minimum booking must be paid in full upfront to secure the machine.
• Thereafter, time is billed in 0.1-hour increments (6 minutes) at R60 per increment.
• All rates include operator and fuel unless otherwise stated.

3. DELIVERY & TRANSPORT

• Free delivery within a 10 km radius of Robertson.
• Delivery outside this radius will be quoted separately per km travelled.
• Time starts when the machine arrives on-site and ends when work is completed.

4. WORKING HOURS

• Standard operating hours: Monday – Friday, 07:00 – 17:00
• Work outside these hours may be subject to overtime rates (to be agreed beforehand).
• Time includes:
  • Setup
  • Positioning of machine
  • Any on-site delays caused by the client

5. SITE REQUIREMENTS (CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY)

The client must ensure:

• Clear and safe access to the work area
• Sufficient working space for the machine
• Ground conditions are suitable (no hidden hazards)
• All underground services (pipes, cables, irrigation, etc.) are clearly identified and marked

⚠️ The Company will not be held liable for damage to unmarked or incorrectly marked services.

6. OPERATOR CONTROL

• The machine will be operated only by our designated operator
• No third party is allowed to operate the excavator under any circumstances
• The operator reserves the right to refuse unsafe work

7. DELAYS & STANDBY TIME

• If work is delayed due to:
  • Site not being ready
  • Waiting on instructions
  • Other contractors
• This time will be charged at the normal hourly rate

8. CANCELLATION POLICY

• Cancellations made:
  • More than 24 hours before booking: Full refund or reschedule
  • Less than 24 hours: Deposit is non-refundable
• Weather-related rescheduling can be arranged at no penalty (at our discretion)

9. DAMAGE & LIABILITY

• The Company is not responsible for:
  • Pre-existing site conditions
  • Structural failures due to excavation
  • Ground collapse or unstable soil
• The Client remains responsible for:
  • Obtaining any required permissions or approvals
  • Ensuring safe working conditions

10. BREAKDOWNS

• In the event of mechanical failure:
  • The Company will attempt to resolve or replace the machine
  • Clients will only be billed for actual working time completed (minimum rate still applies).
• No liability for consequential losses due to downtime

11. WEATHER CONDITIONS

• Work may be postponed due to:
  • Heavy rain
  • Unsafe ground conditions
• This will be communicated as early as possible

12. ACCESS & TRAVEL RISKS

• If access roads or terrain pose a risk to:
  • Transport vehicle
  • Excavator
• The Company may:
  • Refuse access
  • Require alternative arrangements

13. SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

• All work will comply with basic safety practices
• Clients must ensure:
  • No unauthorised persons near the machine
  • A safe working environment is maintained

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15. ACCEPTANCE

By confirming a booking and/or making payment, the Client acknowledges and accepts these Terms & Conditions in full.