Rent construction machinery & aerial work platforms in Austria

Mobile cranes, telehandlers, aerial work platforms & construction machinery – straight from Passau by Luibl Rental

Luibl Rental & Sales GmbH, based in Passau, supplies construction projects throughout Austria with professional construction machinery, mobile cranes, telehandlers and aerial work platforms. As an experienced hire company for heavy lifting technology and high-capacity equipment, we understand the specific requirements of the Austrian market – from an alpine construction site in Tyrol to a large-scale project in the Vienna metropolitan area. This article informs commercial customers and construction project managers about all the relevant topics surrounding machine hire, transport, legal matters and safety.

The entire fleet of Luibl Rental is also available for operations in Austria. The range includes Liebherr mobile cranes with lifting capacities from 40 to 750 tonnes, Roto telehandlers from Merlo, Manitou and Magni, electric and diesel-powered aerial work platforms as well as excavators and heavy-duty forklifts. All machines are serviced regularly and delivered with up-to-date inspection records.

Note on availability The actual availability of individual machines for the desired usage period depends on the project. Contact our sales team via https://www.luibl.eu/kontakt/ for a binding enquiry.

On long-term construction sites and for demanding projects, the availability of machines is business-critical. Luibl Rental therefore places great importance on a fast response to technical faults.

• In the event of mechanical or hydraulic defects, a qualified fitter is dispatched on request.

• If an on-site repair is not available quickly enough, Luibl coordinates the provision of a replacement machine.

• For mobile cranes, with their complexity, we can provide an experienced crane assembly team.

• In the event of a fault, please contact Luibl by telephone immediately – you will find availability and service contact details at https://www.luibl.eu/kontakt/.

Service note In the event of a fault: please contact Luibl by telephone immediately. Unauthorised repair attempts by third parties may limit the warranty and are not permitted under the terms and conditions.

Instruction, training and qualifications

In Austria, the use of work equipment is subject to the Employee Protection Act (ASchG) and the Construction Workers Protection Ordinance (BauV). Every person who operates a Luibl machine must be demonstrably instructed in the operation of the specific device. This must be documented in writing by the responsible site manager.

• Aerial work platforms: instruction in operation, safety rules, load limits and emergency lowering in accordance with ÖNORM EN 280 and the operating manual.

• Telehandlers / Roto telehandlers: training on the specific model, load capacity tables, working-range diagram.

• Mobile cranes: in Austria the crane operator needs a recognised crane operator's licence and, for certain equipment classes, certification in accordance with ÖNORM B 2193 / AUVA guidelines.

• Excavators: instruction and, where applicable, official authorisation depending on the machine class and area of use.

Driving licence requirements

For operating the hired machines on the construction site, the following applies in Austria:

• Aerial work platforms and forklifts: no car driving licence required for operation, but demonstrable instruction is mandatory.

• Telehandlers (road-legal): driving licence class B or C depending on the vehicle class and weight.

• Mobile cranes on public roads: class C or CE, and where applicable a special driving permit for over-width or over-length.

• Mini excavators / compact excavators: no driving licence required for operation on the construction site; for road transport, classes B to CE apply depending on the trailer and towing vehicle.

Tax obligations

For rental income that Luibl generates from operations in Austria, VAT reporting obligations may arise. In the B2B sphere, the reverse-charge mechanism under Section 19 of the Austrian VAT Act (UStG) generally applies: the Austrian recipient of the service owes the VAT themselves. For questions on tax handling, we recommend that both parties consult their respective tax advisers. The rental contract is concluded under German law and taxed in Germany.

On-site safety inspections

Before commissioning each hired machine, a visual inspection must be carried out by the responsible machine operator. Luibl delivers all machines with current inspection records and maintenance certificates. The following inspection obligations apply in Austria:

• Aerial work platforms: regular inspection in accordance with ÖNORM EN 280 (equivalent to DIN EN 280), an annual expert inspection analogous to the German UVV inspection under DGUV Regulation 54.

• Cranes: inspection obligation under ÖNORM B 2193 and Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, regular checks by an authorised expert.

• Excavators and forklifts: inspection in accordance with ÖNORM EN ISO 4254 and the manufacturer's specifications.

Occupational safety and working conditions

On Austrian construction sites, the ASchG (Employee Protection Act) and the BauV (Construction Workers Protection Ordinance) apply. Site managers and clients are obliged to draw up and implement a safety and health protection plan (SiGe plan under the BauKG, Construction Coordination Act). For aerial work platforms, there is also an obligation to provide fall protection; personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn.

Posting of employees to Austria

When Luibl posts its own employees (e.g. crane fitters, technicians) to Austria, the EU Posting of Workers Directive 96/71/EC (as amended by 2018/957/EU) and the Austrian Wage and Social Dumping Prevention Act (LSD-BG) apply. The following obligations must be observed:

• Prior notification of the posting via the Austrian Central Coordination Office (ZKO portal) before work begins.

• Carrying of the A1 certificate by the posted worker as proof of German social insurance.

• Compliance with Austrian minimum wage requirements and collective agreement rules for the respective trade.

• Keeping employment documents (employment contract, pay slip) available for checks by the LSDB Competence Centre.

Choice of law and place of jurisdiction

The rental contract between Luibl Rental and the customer is governed by German law. The place of jurisdiction is Germany. The use of the machines in Austria does not change the choice of law. The general terms and conditions of Luibl always apply and can be viewed at https://www.luibl.eu/agb/.

Documents to be carried

Since Austria is an EU member state, classic customs formalities do not apply. Nevertheless, the following documents must be carried for cross-border transport:

• CMR consignment note (Convention Marchandise Routière) – the international consignment note for road transport.

• Vehicle registration document and operating licence for the transport vehicle and trailer.

• Machine passport and CE declaration of conformity for the transported machine.

• Transport permit or notice for special journeys (over-width, over-length, heavy loads in accordance with the Austrian StVO).

• Proof of insurance (public liability, transport insurance).

• For posted employees: A1 certificate, ZKO registration.

Registrations and permits

Special transports in Austria require official authorisation from the competent district administrative authority or the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology. Applications are submitted via the Austrian permit portal or through the commissioned haulier. Luibl coordinates this with the freight forwarder.

Transport responsibility and border crossing

Austria is an EU member and Schengen state; customs clearance does not apply. The border is crossed without a stop. Responsibility for the transport lies with the client of the transport. If Luibl handles the transport, responsibility rests with Luibl or the commissioned transport company until handover to the customer. In the case of self-collection, responsibility passes to the customer from handover.

Registration and road use

In Austria, the Road Traffic Act (StVO AT) applies. Please note:

• Driving bans for heavy-load transports on Sundays and public holidays as well as at night (10 pm–5 am) on certain routes.

• Route-based tolls (ASFINAG toll) on motorways and expressways for vehicles over 3.5 t – billed via the GO-Box.

• Road-use permit for vehicles outside the permissible standard dimensions (Section 104 of the Austrian KFG).

• For cranes: axle-load check before transport; crane mobility and outriggers must comply with Austrian regulations.

The liability provisions for machine hire in Austria are based on the rental contract with Luibl and the applicable terms and conditions. The following principles apply:

• During the rental period, the hirer is liable for damage caused by improper operation, overloading or culpable behaviour.

• Luibl provides the machines in technically perfect condition with current inspection certificates.

• For the transport of the machines – where organised by Luibl – transport insurance is in place.

• The hirer is responsible for taking out appropriate public liability insurance that also covers damage caused by the hired machines on the construction site.

• For cranes and aerial work platforms, machinery breakdown insurance for the duration of use is also recommended.

• Theft and vandalism damage on the construction site are at the hirer's risk and should be covered by an all-risk construction site insurance policy.

Important note on liability and terms and conditions Please refer to the general terms and conditions of Luibl Rental & Sales GmbH at https://www.luibl.eu/agb/ for the complete liability and compensation provisions. If anything is unclear, speak to our sales team before concluding the contract.

Are you planning to use machinery in Austria? Luibl Rental is at your disposal for all questions relating to rental, transport, logistics and documentation.

Legal note All information in this document is for general guidance and does not constitute legal or tax advice. The legal and tax framework may change. For binding statements on your specific situation, please consult a lawyer or tax adviser licensed in Austria. The current terms and conditions of Luibl Rental and the statutory regulations in force at the time of use always apply.