Hire of Plant (without operator)
Framework Description
Hire of Plant (without operator) is an ESPO framework (reference 536_25) for hiring construction, highways and grounds plant without a driver or operator. It runs from 6 July 2025 to 5 July 2027, with an option to extend to 5 July 2029. Its 20 lots range from excavators, rollers and breakers to generators, site accommodation and pothole repair machines. It was let under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, and new suppliers cannot join.
Context & Use Case
Highway authorities, councils and other public bodies use it when their own crews need extra plant for maintenance, construction or emergency work. Buyers can direct award for quick, short hires or run a further competition for longer or larger requirements. Lot 19 covers pothole repair machines, which is useful for highways teams tackling seasonal road defects.
Scope of Services
Lots 1-4: Materials Handlers; Excavators; Kerb and Slab Lifters; Dumper/Skip Loaders Lots 5-8: Rollers; Multi-Tyred Rollers; Pumps; Compactors Lots 9-12: Compressors and Air Tools; Breakers; Drilling and Fixing; Saws/Cutters Lots 13-16: Concreting; Hydraulic Platforms/Lifts; Trench Support/Access; Generators/Floodlights Lot 17: Temporary Site and Office Accommodation Lot 18: Horticultural and Forestry Equipment Lot 19: Pothole Repair Machine Lot 20: Other Items
Lots
Lot 1 Materials Handlers; Lot 2 Excavators; Lot 3 Kerb & Slab Lifters; Lot 4 Dumper/Skip Loaders; Lot 5 - Rollers; Lot 6 Multi-Tyred Rollers; Lot 7 Pumps; Lot 8 Compactors; Lot 9 Compressors and Air Tools; Lot 10 Breakers; Lot 11 Drilling and Fixing Equipment; Lot 12 Saws/Cutters; Lot 13 Concreting Equipment; Lot 14 Hydraulic Platforms/Lifts; Lot 15 Trench Support/Access Equipment; Lot 16 Generators/Floodlights; Lot 17 Temporary Site and Office Accommodation; Lot 18 Horticultural and Forestry Equipment; Lot 19 Pothole Repair Machine; Lot 20 Other Items
Who Can Apply
Suits national and regional plant hire companies, tool hire firms and specialist providers such as site accommodation or access platform hirers. Applications for this framework are closed, so firms not appointed cannot join until ESPO re-tenders it, around 5 July 2027 or 2029 if extended.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers can hire plant at agreed rates from approved firms without tendering each hire, which helps during emergencies and peak works. Lots by equipment type reach specialist hirers. Buyers value availability, delivery times, well-maintained and compliant equipment, and clear hire terms.
Next Steps
Read the 536_25 page on ESPO's website for appointed suppliers by lot. If appointed, make sure highways and council fleet teams know your depots and availability. If you missed out, start preparing for the re-tender with depot coverage, fleet lists, maintenance records and public sector customer references.
How Athena Can Help
With 20 lots, the key decision on Hire of Plant is which lots fit your fleet. If you are appointed, Athena's competition writing support can help win further competitions with clear availability and rate schedules. If you are not, our lot planning service will select lots and plan the re-tender, with evidence of depots and fleet. Our hire rate pricing help builds hire rates that win without undercutting your margins.
