Selecting the Right Vehicles for Your Plant & Tool Hire Fleet

Equipping your team with the right vehicles is essential for running a plant and tool hire operation that is efficient, safe, and professionally presented. Whether working in busy urban environments or on remote, uneven terrain, choosing the right specification can make a significant difference to day-to-day performance. A well-designed vehicle not only improves site access and helps reduce turnaround times, but also ensures that tools, equipment, and plant are transported securely and reliably — minimising risk and maximising productivity.

From improving fleet compliance and meeting industry regulations to enhancing the safety and speed of load handling on site, the right vehicle selection plays a central role in keeping your operation running smoothly. At Advanced KFS, we specialise in building vehicle solutions that meet the real-world needs of the plant and tool hire sector - with durability, payload performance, and practical features designed into every build. This guide highlights the key factors to consider when specifying your next fleet upgrade and outlines how AKFS vehicles are engineered to deliver long-term value on every job.

Define Your Operational Requirements

Understanding the daily demands of your business is the foundation of any effective vehicle selection process. It starts with evaluating how your team operates - what type of plant or equipment is being transported, how often the vehicles are in use, and the kind of sites they regularly access. Some operations involve transporting heavy compact plant between multiple construction or infrastructure projects, requiring vehicles with high payload capabilities, reinforced platforms, and safe, assisted loading ramps. Others may focus more on transporting tools and materials between smaller urban sites, where agility, manoeuvrability, and weight distribution are more important.

The type of equipment you’re moving - from breakers and dumpers to mini excavators or landscaping machinery - will naturally influence your decision. Environmental conditions, frequency of loading and unloading, and the need for secure stowage also contribute to defining what’s right for your application. A lightweight dropside vehicle might suit multi-site working in built-up areas, while a purpose-built carrier may be the right choice for moving heavier plant or machinery across mixed terrain.

At AKFS, we offer a full range of bespoke vehicle solutions engineered to meet these varying demands. The Plant & Go® Tool Hire Vehicle is a proven solution for compact plant transport, combining a heavy-duty aluminium construction with assisted rear access and robust lashing points. For operators moving heavier or more valuable equipment, the Iveco Daily Heavy Plant Carrier offers enhanced capacity and strength without compromising on ease of use. Where open payload space and adaptable storage are key, our Dropside Vehicles provide excellent load flexibility with options such as side lockers and safety lighting - helping your operation remain efficient, visible, and fully equipped for the work ahead.

Vehicle Options Built for the Job

Every vehicle in the AKFS range is built to serve a specific function in the field. Designed with input from real operators and fleet managers, our vehicle platforms are tailored to withstand the day-to-day rigours of plant and tool hire operations - from regular loading cycles to demanding site access. Whether you’re delivering equipment across local authority maintenance contracts, transporting plant between depots, or operating in the hire and rental space, our builds are designed to perform reliably in challenging working conditions.

The Plant & Go® range is built with a focus on strength, stability, and safe loading, making it ideal for transporting tracked and wheeled plant such as rollers, dumpers, and compact diggers. The Iveco Daily Heavy Plant Carrier steps up the capability for larger machinery or heavier payloads, while maintaining excellent handling and control. For jobs requiring lower payload or faster, more flexible deployment, our Dropside Vehicles deliver durable, open-bed solutions with optional customisation to suit sector-specific needs - including local authority, utilities, construction, and landscaping environments.

Our range includes multiple chassis platforms, wheelbase options, and weight configurations - ensuring that each build meets both your operational and legislative requirements.

Thinking About Strength, Reliability, and Easy Access

Vehicle reliability directly impacts service delivery. That’s why AKFS designs every build with structural strength and long-term durability in mind. Our use of high-grade aluminium bodywork not only helps to maximise payload efficiency, but also provides a resilient, corrosion-resistant platform that stands up to repeated loading, shifting, and outdoor storage.

Ease of loading and unloading is equally important in high-frequency applications. Our low-floor body designs and assisted rear ramps are built to support safe, efficient movement of plant and equipment - helping operators load and secure items with less effort and reduced risk. Clear load space, solid lashing options, and practical access contribute to safer, quicker working - particularly where time on site is limited.

Whether you’re operating in remote off-road environments or navigating tight city access routes, AKFS vehicles are designed to minimise delays, maximise uptime, and keep your operation moving.

Making the Most of Customisation Options

No two jobs are the same - and your vehicles shouldn’t be either. At Advanced KFS, we offer a suite of custom options that allow you to configure each vehicle around your exact operational requirements. Practical additions such as lockable side lockers improve tool and material security, while reinforced ramps and anti-slip surfaces contribute to safer loading. Optional LED lighting systems and Chapter 8 graphics kits are also available, helping your fleet remain visible and compliant, particularly when operating on highways, at night, or in low-visibility conditions.

These enhancements ensure that every AKFS vehicle is equipped not just for general purpose use, but for the specific challenges and expectations of your sector. Whether that means enhancing on-site efficiency, improving safety, or supporting fleet compliance, we work with you to develop solutions that are robust, relevant, and ready to work.

Getting Friendly Advice and Customisation from Advanced KFS

Choosing the right vehicles to equip your maintenance team is a big decision, and we're here to help. Get in touch with us if you have any questions or register to receive information about new product launches.