Choosing a practical hire option can make or break a project schedule. For many builders and landscapers in Sussex and Surrey, self drive machinery puts control back in their hands. The benefits of self drive plant hire are vast. At Central Plant Hire, we have supported local contractors since 1988 with reliable excavators, dumpers and attachments, all maintained to a high standard and ready for work.
Self drive hire gives contractors complete control. Rather than relying on an external operator, you or your team operate the machinery yourselves. This is particularly useful for experienced trades who prefer working to their own schedule.
At Central Plant Hire, we’ve simplified the entire process. Choose your machine, send us two forms of ID such as a driving licence and utility bill, and make payment over the phone. There’s no deposit and no account required, which makes hiring quick and convenient. This ease of access is one of the key benefits of self drive plant hire for local contractors, allowing them to get on site faster and stay productive.
Every construction site runs differently, and plans can change from one day to the next. With self drive machinery, you can adapt immediately, whether that means digging foundations, clearing materials or backfilling trenches. Contractors have full control over timing, which keeps projects moving without delays.
This flexibility is why self drive plant hire works so well for local contractors who handle multiple smaller jobs or fast-turnaround projects. You decide when the machine starts, when it stops and how it’s used, which is ideal for managing labour and deadlines efficiently.
Hiring without an operator removes an extra line of labour from the budget. You still gain access to a modern, well maintained fleet without taking on ownership costs. For many clients this makes specialist equipment affordable for short runs of work such as foundations, drainage, driveways and landscaping. Transparent pricing, no account set up and payment by phone make it easy to keep costs visible for quoting and invoicing.
Downtime can seriously impact a project, which is why we take machine maintenance seriously. Central Plant Hire is both a SafeHire Registered Company and a long-standing member of the Hire Association Europe (HAE). Our equipment is regularly serviced and inspected, ensuring that every machine delivered is ready to perform safely and efficiently.
Our fleet includes everything from micro and mini diggers to tracked barrows and dumpers, all supported by a range of attachments such as augers, breakers and compactor plates. This allows contractors to tailor their hire to the exact needs of their site, improving productivity without overcomplicating logistics.
Tight urban access calls for compact solutions. Micro diggers are ideal where gateways and side returns limit movement. For most domestic and light commercial work, 1.5 and 3 tonne mini diggers balance digging depth with manoeuvrability. Heavier work and larger plots benefit from a 5 tonne mini digger with extra reach and stability. Moving spoil efficiently is just as important. Tracked barrows, one tonne skip loaders and three tonne dumpers keep materials moving safely on soft or uneven ground. If you need more from the same base machine, attachments such as augers, hydraulic breakers and compactor plates add versatility without bringing a second unit to site.
Working with a family-run company means working with people who understand the local area. Central Plant Hire has been based in Sussex since 1988, proudly serving customers throughout both Sussex and Surrey. We know the challenges that local contractors face, from access restrictions and delivery scheduling to soil types and site conditions.
Our team is always available for advice, helping customers select the right machine for their job. That local understanding is another reason self drive plant hire remains such a smart option for contractors, because it comes with personal service and quick delivery from a trusted team.
If you’re planning a project and want to experience the freedom of self drive machinery, contact Central Plant Hire today. We supply diggers, dumpers and attachments across Sussex and Surrey, backed by expert advice and fast delivery.
Get in touch with Central Plant Hire at 01293 851 320 or via email at hire@centralplanthire.co.uk to book your machinery or request a quote.
