These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern the hire of equipment, provision of services, and use of the website at https://aicranehire.co.za (“Website”) by AI Crane Hire (“we”, “us”, “our”). By requesting a quote, making a booking, hiring equipment, or otherwise using our services you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not book or use our services.

Business details

AI Crane Hire provides compact Hoeflon mini cranes and associated lifting equipment for hire and related services in South Africa. Our contact details (address, telephone and email) and a description of our cranes and services are available on the Website.

1. Definitions

• Client: The person, company or organisation that requests a quote, makes a booking, or hires equipment from us.
• Equipment: Cranes, carriers, accessories and any other plant or tools provided by us.
• Hire Period: The period agreed in writing for which Equipment is hired.
• Quote: A written (email or PDF) proposal of costs and services issued by us.
• Operator: A person supplied by us to operate Equipment (if applicable).

2. Quotes and bookings

Quotes are valid for the period stated on the Quote (if none is stated, 14 calendar days). Quotes are based on information provided by the Client (site access, ground conditions, lifts required, dates). If information changes, we may revise the Quote.

A booking is confirmed only when we issue a written confirmation and any required deposit has been received. All bookings are subject to availability and compliance with these Terms.

3. Payment, deposit and invoicing

• Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Client must pay any deposit stated on the Quote (commonly a percentage of the total) to secure the booking.
• The balance is payable on the invoice terms specified on the invoice. If no terms are agreed, payment is due within 14 days of invoice.
• We may charge interest on overdue amounts at the lesser of 2% per month or the maximum allowed by law, together with reasonable collection costs.
• Prices exclude VAT and any other taxes, levies, permits or fees unless expressly stated.

4. Cancellation and changes

If the Client cancels a confirmed booking, the following cancellation charges apply unless otherwise agreed in writing:

• More than 14 days before the Hire Period: deposit refundable less any reasonable costs.
• 7–14 days before the Hire Period: 50% of the hire charge.
• Less than 7 days before the Hire Period or no-show: 100% of the hire charge.

We may at our discretion agree to reschedule bookings subject to availability and additional charges where applicable. We reserve the right to cancel a booking if the Client fails to provide required information, access, permissions, or otherwise creates an unsafe condition. In such event we will notify the Client and will not be liable for consequential losses.

5. Site conditions, permits & access

• The Client must ensure the site is lawful, safe and suitable for the Equipment and operations (including ground conditions, overhead obstructions, access, and any confined space or permit requirements).
• The Client is responsible for obtaining and paying for any necessary permits, road closures, traffic management, or third-party approvals unless we agreed in writing to obtain them.
• If we reasonably determine site conditions are unsuitable, we may delay, cancel or charge additional fees for remedial measures (e.g., ground protection, additional labour).

6. Delivery, collection & set-up

• Delivery, set-up and collection times must be agreed in advance. Additional charges apply for after-hours, weekend, remote or restricted access work.
• The Client must provide safe, legal parking and loading/unloading access. We will not be liable for charges incurred due to parking infringements or restricted access.

7. Operators, supervision & training

• Where an Operator is provided by us, the Operator remains our employee and we control the manner of operation. The Client must provide a safe working environment and any site induction required.
• If the Client elects to operate Equipment themselves, they must provide evidence of appropriate qualifications and training. We may refuse to hand over Equipment if competency and safety cannot be demonstrated.

8. Use, restrictions and client obligations

• Equipment must be used only for its intended purpose and by authorised, competent persons. The Client must not modify or misuse Equipment.
• The Client is responsible for securing the work area, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, health & safety standards and instructing Client personnel or third parties about risks.
• The Client must notify us promptly of any incident, damage, theft, or malfunction.

9. Insurance and liability

We maintain insurance for our Equipment and public liability as required by us. The Client must maintain adequate insurance cover for their own liabilities and any damage caused to other property, persons, or equipment.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, our liability to the Client for any loss or damage arising from hire, delivery, collection or use of Equipment (including negligence) is limited to: (a) the total hire charges paid for the affected Hire Period; or (b) the amount recoverable under our insurance, whichever is less. We are not liable for indirect, special, or consequential losses (including loss of profit, business interruption, or reputational loss).

10. Damage to equipment and loss

• The Client is responsible for loss, theft or damage to Equipment during the Hire Period except fair wear and tear and damage caused solely by our negligence. The Client must pay repair or replacement costs.
• We may require the Client to pay a security deposit or insurance excess amount prior to delivery. Damages or loss will be charged against that deposit; any shortfall is payable by the Client.

11. Indemnity

The Client indemnifies us (and our officers, employees and agents) against all claims, liabilities, losses, costs and expenses arising from the Client’s breach of these Terms, misuse of Equipment, negligent acts or omissions, or failure to comply with laws and regulations.

12. Safety, compliance & statutory obligations

Parties must comply with applicable health and safety legislation (including the Occupational Health and Safety Act and any provincial regulations), codes of practice and safe operating procedures.

We reserve the right to stop work if we reasonably believe conditions are unsafe. Extra costs or delays caused by unsafe conditions are the Client’s responsibility.

13. Intellectual property & website

All intellectual property rights in the Website content, images, text, trademarks and our materials remain our property or our licensors’. The Client may not reproduce or use our intellectual property without our prior written consent.

14. Privacy

We collect and process personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy on the Website. By providing personal information you consent to its collection, use and disclosure as set out in that policy. For specific privacy enquiries contact us.

15. Force majeure

Neither party is liable for failure to perform obligations caused by events beyond reasonable control (acts of God, strikes, pandemics, governmental acts, severe weather, war, terrorism, supply chain disruption, etc.). The affected party must notify the other promptly and take reasonable steps to mitigate.

16. Termination

We may terminate a booking or hire agreement immediately if the Client breaches these Terms, becomes insolvent, or creates unsafe conditions. On termination the Client must pay all outstanding charges, return Equipment and reimburse any loss or damage.

17. Variations & amendments

We may amend these Terms from time to time by publishing updated Terms on the Website. For existing confirmed bookings, changes only apply if agreed in writing between the parties.

18. Governing law & jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa. The parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts.

19. Dispute resolution

If a dispute arises, the parties should first attempt to resolve it by good faith negotiation. If unresolved within 14 days, either party may refer the dispute to mediation or proceed to court.

20. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held void or unenforceable, that provision is severed and the remainder continues in full force and effect.