Includes index.

1. The Plant-Hire System -- 2. Why Hire?-Why Buy? -- 3. Who Hires?-Who Buys? -- 4. Types of Plant and Equipment -- 5. Plant for the Job -- 6. Plant Selection and Costing -- 7. Methods of Plant Selection and Costing Procedures -- 8. General Information.

In this manual our intention has been to assist building and civil engineering contractors in the determination of the economics of their trade. We have not described and categorised contractors' plant nor have we attempted to indicate capacities and capabilities of machines. Where references have been made to equipment by type, such as excavators, cranes, etc., it has been the intention to give examples in generic rather than specific terms.
Information for the book was collated during an unstable economic period, and, therefore, it is quite probable that the financial position may have changed drastically by publication date. Inevitably this means that although the theory be sound the figures themselves may no longer be representative. This, however, will in no way affect the validity of their application, because their relativity will still be in proportion.