There is no denying that the Ferris wheel is one of the most iconic rides in a carnival fair. Everyone remembers it, irrespective of their age. Not only can you have Ferris wheels for a fun fair, but you can also opt for the Ferris wheel for hire in Melbourne for private parties, celebrations, and events. However, before you choose Ferris wheel hire in Melbourne, here are some factors that will help you choose the right one.

Choose the Right Ferris Wheel for Next Carnival:

1. The wheel size

There are two basic wheels that you shall come across. The traditional one is the one you must have ridden as a child, and they are the ones who are usually hired for private events. The other one is the big wheel type. They are generally referred to as giant Ferris wheels. They come in various sizes, but the travelling models are 50-60 metres in height. These can be hired privately. It is crucial to remember that the typical 50-metre wheel comes in 5 to 6 trailers, with each one being towed by a vehicle averaging 6-7 MPG. They shall take a few days to set up and take back down with the help of a crew of 6-8 staff members.

2. Where shall you install the wheel?

Before you install the Ferris wheel for hire in Melbourne, it is crucial to inspect the land. Make sure to do a survey to ensure that the ground can take the weight and stress of the giant wheel. The ideal option is a flat tarmac or a concrete surface like a car parking spot. However, this is not always possible, so you must opt for grass as long as it is not too soft. This is more important for the vehicles carrying the ride rather than the ride itself. The wheel itself is a stable structure and is well-balanced. There are large outriggers that prevent it from tilting. Therefore, getting it into position on soft ground is where the problems come in.

3. Access

This is another issue that you may not be aware of. It is crucial to have an entrance large enough to drive the ride through. If there is a large vehicle that you see on the motorway, then you have to widen it a foot and add 10ft on the end. This will give you an idea of how long a typical ride is. If you are in any doubt, you can ask about a site visit. There might be a small charge, but a decent operator will waive this if you book them.

4. The right documentation

Fortunately, with the funfair industry, the regulations are strict. However, that doesn’t mean you still shouldn’t do due diligence while hiring a Ferris wheel in Melbourne. Circumstances can be such that someone might cut corners, whether it is due to greed or desperation. The best way to be sure of this is to choose an operator that can supply the complete set of safety documentation. Here is a checklist of documents that must be available.

• Risk liability insurance
• Risk assessments (about how the ride has been assessed and what risks exist)
• Fire assessments (the risk assessment and fire-based issues)
• Method statements (the document that shows what has been put in place to reduce the risks identified)
• ADIPS certificate (this document shows the ride has been tested and checked by the operator)
• Daily inspection record (it shows that every day the ride is operated, and it has been thoroughly checked by the operator)

5. Ask for photos of what you are hiring

You will come across some absolutely immaculate wheels on the hire market. There are, sadly, a few poor examples. You should ask for a photo of what the operator is proposing for hire. Be careful about the tiny thumbnails that don’t have any details. Ask how old they are. Any professional operator will want the client to be happy. A successful job is not one where they earn money; it is one where the client is happy and will use them again.