Preparing Your Site for Equipment Delivery: A Checklist

Hiring heavy equipment through Statewide Hire can save time, money, and hassle, but to make the most of your hire, it’s crucial to prepare your site properly before delivery.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything to check and arrange before the machinery arrives.

Whether you're expecting an excavator, compactor, concrete mixer or general plant equipment, a little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth, safe delivery and efficient operation.



Know What’s Coming: Confirm Equipment and Delivery Details

Identify the Equipment You're Hiring

Start by confirming exactly which machines you’ve hired. Statewide Hire’s fleet includes:

• Excavators (from mini 0.8T to 14T machines)

• Mini-loaders / skid-steers / Dingo / Kanga for tighter jobs

• Compactors and rollers (walk-behind vibrating plates,  smooth & double drum rollers) for soil or surface compaction.

• Concrete equipment: cement mixers (electric and petrol/towable), trowelling machines & concrete vibrating plates

• General/access equipment: scaffolding platforms, acrow props, ladders, air compressors, trailers, depending on your project needs.

Confirm Delivery Time, Access, and Delivery Address

When you book, ensure you have confirmed: date, time window, and delivery address.

Statewide Hire delivers across metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, and surrounding areas.

Ask whether a trailer or tipper truck will deliver, and whether you need extra space for unloading large machines like excavators or rollers. 

Site Preparations Before Delivery

Clear & Secure Physical Access, Entrance, Turnaround & Parking

• Ensure gates/passageways are wide enough and unobstructed, especially if hiring large excavators or rollers.

• Clear a laydown or parking area close to where the equipment will be used, ideally firm, level ground. This prevents issues during unloading and loading.

• Remove any vehicles, tools, materials, rubbish, or hazards that could obstruct delivery.



Ground & Surface Check, Stability & Load Capacity

• For heavy machines (excavators, rollers), check that driveway, ground, or access path is firm enough, avoid soft soil or unstable terrain which might cause bogging on delivery.

• If site access is via narrow paths or slopes, mark safe entry/exit lines so the delivery operator can navigate safely.

Utilities & Safety, Overhead, Underground & Neighbours

• Mark and locate underground services (gas, water, electricity) before excavation or heavy work begins.

• Ensure overhead power lines, branches or structures are accounted for if machines have tall parts or booms.

• Let neighbours or site users know about expected delivery time, large machines can be noisy or obstruct access temporarily.

• Have needed safety equipment ready: traffic cones, barricades, signage if the delivery traverses public footpaths or shared drives.



• Clear and level the area where the work (e.g. excavation, concrete pouring, compaction) will occur.

• For concrete works: ensure space for mixing, water supply, safe access for mixer, troweller or vibrator.

• For compaction or earthmoving: set aside a buffer zone, stable ground for rollers/plates, and a clear path for moving material.

• For small access jobs (e.g. mini excavator, skid steer) check that gates or narrow laneways are accessible and wide enough.



Paperwork, Permits and Communication

Confirm Hire Agreement and Delivery Details with Statewide Hire

• Contact us to confirm your hire time frame (half day hire, full day hire, multi day hire) as many machines can be hired with half day/4 hour rates.

• Record contact details: delivery driver, operator (if supplied), and pick up time.

• Clarify who is responsible for loading/unloading, and what equipment (ramps, trailer, float) will be used.



• Some machines (e.g. tipper trucks) require a valid MR licence to operate. See our blog: Top 5 Tips for First Time Equipment Hirers in Adelaide

• Ensure you (or your operator) have correct licences, certifications, and PPE (helmets, high vis, boots, gloves).

• If the job is large or in a public area, check local council or municipal requirements for permits, noise, traffic, or safety hazard notifications.

Contact our team for assistance.



Neighbour Notifications & Site Signage

• Inform nearby residents or businesses about expected delivery and works schedule, this helps avoid surprises, especially for heavy machines.

• Place signage or temporary barriers to prevent unauthorised access or accidents once machinery arrives.



What to Do When Equipment Arrives

Initial Inspection and Safety Check

• Inspect delivery vehicle and equipment, check for visible damage, secure loading, correct attachments.

• Ensure unloading is safe: stable ground, clear path, and correct use of ramps or lifting gear.

• Confirm that attachments delivered match what you ordered (e.g. bucket, auger, traction tyres, etc.)



• Position equipment where it will be used, close to the work area but with safe access

• If using concrete equipment: check mixer area, water supply and safe movement paths for troweller or vibrating shaft.

• For compactors/rollers: ensure ground is stable, clear of debris, and operator has safe room to manoeuvre.



• If you or your team will operate, review manuals or ask for a quick demo from Statewide Hire staff (especially for specialised machines).

• Ensure all operators wear PPE and are aware of hazards (underground services, overhead clearances, load limits).

• Keep clear communication (radio or mobile) if more than one machine operates on site, for safety and efficiency.



After the Job, Preparing for Pickup / Return

• Clear debris, materials, or obstacles from around the equipment so that loading back onto trailer or truck is smooth.

• Ensure attachments are removed or secured (if required) and machine is cleaned, or left as per Statewide Hire's requirements.

• Confirm the pick up time and ensure safe access for removal from your site.



With good preparation, hiring and receiving heavy equipment doesn’t have to be stressful.

By following this checklist, confirming delivery, clearing access, preparing safe site conditions, and organising paperwork, you’ll ensure a smooth delivery and setup, reduce risk, and get straight to work when the machine arrives.

If you’re ready to hire, or unsure what equipment you need, the team at Statewide Hire is here to help.

With a wide fleet available from excavators to concrete mixers and rollers, we deliver across metropolitan Adelaide, the Hills and surrounding areas.

Contact us today on

(08) 8336 9166 for a delivery ready quote.