Confirm the equipment decision
Identify the machine, attachment, capacity, planned task, and expected availability. Confirm that the proposed unit can perform the work under the site and schedule conditions. The estimator should not assume an owned machine is available merely because it appears on an equipment list.
Connect utilization to the crew productivity assumption log. Crew output, machine output, shift length, access, and support equipment must describe the same operating plan.
Separate ownership and operating inputs
Apply the contractor approved method for depreciation or capital recovery, insurance, taxes, storage, and other ownership costs. Keep fuel, lubricants, wear items, routine service, operator labor, and consumables visible as operating inputs. Do not invent a public hourly rate or substitute a generic rental quote for internal policy.
IRS Publication 946 explains federal tax depreciation concepts, but a tax rule is not automatically the estimating method. Finance and management should approve the internal basis used for bid decisions.
Price the time the project controls
Distinguish productive hours from standby, setup, maintenance, weather delay, and transport. Tie the estimate to schedule activities and release conditions. If another project also needs the machine, record the availability risk and alternative treatment.
Use the site access estimating plan to capture permits, haul routes, lifting restrictions, fueling, security, and mobilization. Compare the complete owned-equipment case with a current rental option when the decision is still open.
| Element | Basis |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Unit, capacity, attachment, availability |
| Time | Productive, standby, setup, release |
| Ownership | Approved internal method |
| Operating | Fuel, wear, service, labor |
| Logistics | Mobilization, access, permits |
