FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s)

 

Here is a list of the questions we have regularly been asked by our customers, prospective customers and people who are interested in working for READYPOWER.

 

We think the list is quite comprehensive and we do advise you to use all the website pages before you contact us, as many topics and questions you may ask will already be answered here, but please use the form below to submit a question which you haven't seen covered. If we feel your question and our answer would benefit other website users we may include it here when we next update this page.

 

Use the scroll bar to navigate the down the questions or click on one of the topics below to go straight to that section:

 

QUALITY

SAFETY

INSURANCE

COMMUNICATIONS

SERVICES AVAILABLE

TECHNICAL

PERSONNEL

ASK THE EXPERTS

 

READYPOWER

Readypower is a major plant hire company that provides all types of plant, both operated and self-drive, to all sectors of industry that require our services including the rail industry. 

  • How long has READYPOWER been in operation?

The company was established in 1992. 

  • Which professional organisations/Trade Associations do READYPOWER belong to?

We belong to the Construction Plant Hire Association (CPA), the Rail Plant Association (RPA) and the Road Haulage Association (RHA), we are also members of the Utilities Vendors Database (UVDB) and the Link Up scheme.

  • Who is a typical READYPOWER Customer?

Typically we trade with the major PLCs and government agencies in various sectors. Examples of customers include the Environment Agency, Transco, Balfour Beatty, the Amey Group, Carillion Plc, Jarvis Plc and DEFRA. We also trade with smaller contractors and sole traders.

  • What type of equipment does READYPOWER specialise in?

We operate a large fleet of varied machinery with 360° excavators ranging from 1 tonne to 35 tonnes, dumpers ranging from 1.5 tonnes to 25 tonnes, powered access equipment, bulldozers ranging from D4 to D6 both standard width tracks and Low Ground Pressure. We can supply a wide variety of attachments to complement our machines such as grabs, grapples, beams, loose lifting gear, augers and breakers etc.

 

We also have a dedicated rail division which operates road/rail excavators from 13 tonnes to 28 tonnes, bulldozers, access platforms, dumpers and numerous attachments. If you do not see what you want listed please call us. If we haven’t got it we can obtain it for you.

  • What geographic coverage does READYPOWER have?

Our depots are strategically placed to cover the whole of Southern England and South Wales, approximately from the Midlands Southwards. We can provide full national coverage if required by the customer. We have also worked in Germany, France, Spain and Portugal.

  • Will I be able to order plant online via this website?

Yes, very shortly we plan to open up this facility to our customers. Please contact us if you want more details.

  • What does it cost to hire READYPOWER equipment and how is it worked out? 

Please contact our hire department for the latest availability and terms. ….you can reach them on 01189-774901. All prices are based on a variety of factors so we need to take more details about your job, before we can give you our confirmed best price.

  • What if I require a longer committment from READYPOWER?

We have the facility to agree Framework agreements with you subject to discussions over the projected plant usage for a fixed period (i.e. 6 months, 12 months etc). In order to progress this we will need to know any conditions in your contract that may vary from the standard CPA Model Conditions of Hire 2001, any specific clauses relating to loss, damage, theft and liability. Should you want us to quote for such a plant supply arrangement please call 01189 774901 to speak to our Hire Desk.

  • What are READYPOWER's payment terms?

30 days Nett, but individual terms available on application.

  • What are READYPOWER's terms and conditions for the hire of plant and equipment?

All hire contracts are agreed under the Construction Plant Hire Association (CPA) Terms and Conditions of Hire, and for work in the railway industry, the Rail Plant Association (RPA) supplementary conditions.

Quality: 

  • What Quality Standards/Approvals have READYPOWER achieved?

We have achieved ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:1996 accreditation with a UKAS certified providing body.

  • How do you ensure READYPOWER maintain these standards?

Readypower operates a documented Quality Management System and is externally audited annually to assess our business. We carry out internal audits to an agreed schedule and any non-conformances are highlighted and resolved within the agreed timescales. Readypower also employs a number of customer service staff who regularly keep in contact with our clients to ensure on-going satisfaction is maintained, and also carry out on-site audits to monitor quality and conformance.

  • There is an ever-increasing demand for records of competence to be kept on site, how can you help me to fulfil this requirement?

We will be happy to supply you with copies of training certificates or competency cards in hard copy format for you to keep on your worksite. To contact us click here.

  • Do READYPOWER have a complaints procedure?

Yes, any complaints should be forwarded to us in writing to the Head Office address listed on the Contact Us page

Safety: 

  • What safety checks are carried out on READYPOWER equipment?

Each item of plant is maintained according to the manufacturers specification and receives a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) prior to the commencement of a Hire Contract. 

  • Does all READYPOWER equipment have a maintenance schedule?

Yes, items of mechanical plant are maintained either by the main dealer under Servicing and Maintenance Agreements and/or by our experienced and qualified service engineers in our own workshops. 

Insurance:

  • What insurance cover has READYPOWER obtained?

Our insurance details are available by clicking here

Communications:

 

  • What are READYPOWER’s hours of operation?

Normal office working hours are 07.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday and 07.00 to 13.00 on Saturday. 

  • Does READYPOWER have an out-of-hours contact procedure?

Yes, we provide on-call managers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can be contacted by ringing the depot landline which in turn is diverted to the duty manager’s phone. 

  • How do I subscribe to READYPOWER's mailing list?

To subscribe to READYPOWER’s mailing list, please send an email to subscribe@readypower.co.uk stating your name, company, email address and telephone number. 

  • How do I unsubscribe from READYPOWER’s mailing list?

If you want to be removed from our mailing list at any time, please send an email to unsubscribe@readypower.co.uk stating the details that you subscribed with. Please ensure you inform us of the exact email address to be removed from our list, even if it might not be your primary address.

  •  Does your site use Cookies?

Our site uses cookies to enable a number of functions to work correctly. We do not store any personal data with our cookies, but they are a method by which we remember certain settings, eg. Your local depot, or the items your company orders most – so our cookies are only working so we can serve you better.

 Services Available:

 

  • What back-up services do READYPOWER provide?

We provide fully qualified service engineers to visit your worksite to effect repairs and carry out routine maintenance as required. We can also request tyre fitters and hydraulic hose specialists to attend the worksite. If a repair cannot be undertaken on site a similar replacement machine will be made available to you. This service is available 24/7. 

  • Where can I get help to establish what equipment is right for my job?

Our Hire Desk is manned by experienced and knowledgeable staff who, combined with our extensive archive of plant specifications, technical drawings and manufacturers information can help you select the right machine for your proposed works. If you require further help a company representative can visit your site or attend your planning meeting to give advice as required.  

  • Are all READYPOWER driver/operators tested?

Yes, all of our operators hold plant training certification to the Construction Plant Competence Scheme as specified by the CITB. All of our operators either have or are working towards a full NVQ in Specialised Plant and Machinery Operations. Our operators who work in the rail sector have additional training and competence assessments relevant to road/rail plant operations. 

  • How are READYPOWER driver/operators selected?

We screen all potential candidates using the information provided on the Careers page of this website

Technical:

 

  • How can I find out the lifting capacities of your Road/Rail Excavators?

We have detailed duty charts for all of our Road/Rail Excavators fitted with a Rated Capacity Indicator (RCI), these have been uploaded to this website and can be viewed by clicking here. Alternatively if you have a further enquiry please complete the form below and submit it to us

  • What are your arrangements for testing your rail machines and attachments, including brake testing on trailers?

Our Road/Rail Vehicles (RRVs) undergo a 12 monthly LOLER Statutory Examination, as do all excavators we operate and are designed for lifting. Each machine carries proof of this examination by means of a test certificate which is carried in the cab of the machine, normally within a dedicated machine file.

 

The Rated Capacity Indicators installed on the RRVs also have a separate test and this too is documented by our comprehensive maintenance system. This is performed by a trained and competent service engineer using calibrated digital instruments to correlate indicated and actual loads.

 

Lifting attachments are LOLER examined every 6 months. These also have a certificate of Thorough Examination as proof which is kept with it, usually within a steel tube welded to the body of the attachment where permitted.

 

Our rail trailers are subject to brake testing and examination at 12 monthly intervals. They undergo an industry standard static pull test whilst connected to a digital load cell to register the load applied. This testing regime complies with M&EE Code of Practice 0014.

  • How do I find out more technical information about the plant and equipment on this site including getting copies of the machines paperwork for my site file?

Please ring 01189 774901 and speak to Dave Rosser, Service Manager

Personnel:

 

  • Where should I send my CV?

See Careers page for CV submissions and Application Form. 

  • Where is READYPOWER’s Personnel Department located?

At our Head Office in Wokingham.

 

ASK THE EXPERT

Please complete the form below if you want to submit a question to READYPOWER which you haven't seen covered in any other area of the READYPOWER website.

Please complete the form giving us as much information as you feel necessary and we will contact very shortly with our response.

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