This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a straight look at hiring versus owning trucks, trailers and earthmoving gear like small diggers and excavators.
A real example: one trailer
A client was renting a trailer at $6,600 a month. We financed a more versatile brand-new trailer from the manufacturer (~$100k) at around $2,200 a month. At the end of the term, they own it.
That’s typical. On a straight 5-year term with no deposit and no balloon, finance usually comes in around a third of the monthly rental. A deposit or a balloon drops it further. Our rent-to-buy trucks guide runs the same numbers.
When renting does make sense
- A short job: a few weeks, not a few years. Walk away when it’s done.
- Trying a machine before your business commits to owning one.
- Speed and no deposit: gear often on site next day, maintenance usually included.
Past that, every hire payment is money gone and rates can rise on the hire company’s terms.
Side by side
| Renting | Financing | |
| Monthly cost | Often several times the finance repayment | Typically a fraction of hire pricing |
| At the end | You own nothing | You own the asset outright |
| Equity | None, ever | Builds as you pay it down |
| Price certainty | Rates can rise | Fixed for the term |
| Availability | Not guaranteed when you need it | Yours whenever the job needs it |
That equity matters later: you can borrow against an owned truck or excavator for the next piece of gear. A rental never gives you that.
Think you won’t qualify?
Most people keep renting out of habit, not because they’ve compared. Our panel of 40+ lenders covers low-doc options, newer ABNs and less-than-perfect credit. Send us what you’re paying in hire and we’ll show you the finance number on the same equipment. It’s free, takes under 5 minutes, and doesn’t touch your credit file.
Common questions
Is it cheaper to rent equipment or finance it?
For anything longer than a short job, financing is usually much cheaper than renting the same equipment. Renting only wins for short-term or one-off use.
Can I finance a machine I’m currently hiring?
Often, yes. Many hire companies sell their ex-hire gear, which can be financed like any used asset, or you can finance a new equivalent and hand the rental back.
Is hiring or financing better for tax?
Hire costs are generally a business expense, while with finance you can typically claim interest and depreciation on an asset you own. Which comes out ahead depends on your business, so ask your accountant.
General information only, not tax advice.
Do I need a deposit to finance equipment?
Not always. Many businesses finance equipment with no deposit, depending on the lender, the asset and the strength of the application.
How much could you save? Find out free — under 5 minutes