Hired Mini-Digger is scratched are we liable?

[zappastix]

Hi,

We have had a hired 3 ton digger for a week.

We have just realised that the guy who dropped the digger off gave
us the DELIVERY NOTE "company copy" and not the "customer copy".

White = Site Pink = Company

On the company copy there are no terms and conditions apart from
theft & replacement of rubber tracks/punctures.

I paid for this via PayPal on a Credit Card.

We have not been handed a contract.

The digger arm and buckets are scratched - we believe this to
be fair wear and tear.

Does any one know where we stand regarding the scratches?

The digger was manufactured in 2007 - it was in good condition,
so much so, that I think the plant company must spray paint the
"Hitachi Orange" on occasions - it could not have been hired out
for around 4 years and look so new.

The buckets are bright blue.

Does anyone know where we stand regarding this.

It is due to be picked up in a few days.

Many thanks.

Stephen

 

[Diyisfun]

You shouldnt be charged for scratches, only if damaged or very dirty.
So dont worry.
(I worked for plant hire company for 8 yrs)

 

[theoldun]

Zippy. You are not having a very good week fellow.
Company and customer copy of contract should be the same.
If scratch was on machine at time of delivery, and you noted this on the delivery receipt, then you are home and dry. A scratch is not considered fair wear and tear, except for buckets which are not normally painted If not noted on delivery paper work then you may be charged, but most hire companies over look a scratch, but will not overlook a large dent or dirty machine.
When hiring in plant and machinery, always visually inspect before signing delivery receipt.
oldun

 

[noseall]

The digger arm as well as the bucket is at the business end of the machine which is subject to ridiculous amounts of punishment.

To expect this to remain scratch free would not only be unreasonable but impossible.

 

[Norcon]

Some machine drivers never scratch their machines. Out with the polish and cloth and the cab spotless with son of a gun.
Don't know how they do it buts its a credit to them.

 

[noseall]

I could grade some m.o.t. on a nice dry day and leave the machine spotless.

I could also clear a dense copse or a cluttered site and the machine will need a paintjob.

People who hire out these machines do not expect the drivers to be picking a couple of apples with them.

 

[Norcon]

I could also clear a dense copse or a cluttered site and the machine will need a paintjob

Your're a crap driver then.

 

[noseall]

I could also clear a dense copse or a cluttered site and the machine will need a paintjob

Your're a crap driver then.

Precisely.
People who hire these machines ARE sometimes lousy drivers AND it is expected.

You are not going to say that everybody who hires a machine will treat it with the utmost respect are you?

Neither will the hire company boyo.

 

[Norcon]

You are not going to say that everybody who hires a machine will treat it with the utmost respect are you?

No but if you damage a machine you pay for it. At least here in NI you do.
And black listed on any future hire from the same company. Boyo.

 

[noseall]

And black listed on any future hire from the same company. Boyo.

Crikey!

Must be a lot going bankrupt by now then.