Equipment rates
Equipment rates represent the cost or charge for using plant, machinery, vehicles, tooling, or other equipment in an estimate.
Equipment rate fields
An equipment rate can include:
- rate name;
- optional code;
- category;
- work centre;
- aliases;
- unit;
- default rate;
- currency;
- linked companies.
Use recognisable names
Examples:
- 20 t Mobile Crane
- CNC Laser Cutter
- Welding Generator
- Scissor Lift
- Delivery Truck
Include capacity or type when it materially changes the rate.
Category and work centre
Use Category for a broad family such as Plant, Machine, Vehicle, Access Equipment, or Tooling.
Use Work Centre for where the equipment belongs or is normally used, such as Workshop, Site Plant, Cutting, or Logistics.
Choose a rate unit
Common units include hour, day, week, each, or kilometre where supported by the business workflow.
Confirm what the rate includes:
- operator;
- fuel or power;
- mobilisation;
- delivery and collection;
- minimum hire period;
- standby time;
- attachments or accessories.
Add separate estimate rows when these costs should remain visible rather than hiding them inside one rate.
Internal equipment versus hired plant
An internal machine rate may include ownership and operating costs. A hired-equipment rate may come from a supplier quote.
Keep them as separate records when the commercial basis differs.
Linked companies
Link relevant hire companies, suppliers, or service providers. Multiple companies can be linked to one equipment rate.
Confirm current availability and pricing before committing to a quote.
Example: crane hire
A crane estimate may need separate rows for crane time, mobilisation, dogman or rigger labour, travel, and permits. Whether these are bundled depends on the supplier offer and how your team wants the estimate reviewed.