General equipment hire fills the gaps between major plant: demolition hammers, concrete saws, core drills, compressors, floor grinders, pressure cleaners, post-hole diggers, heaters, fans and dozens of other items.
Many of these tools create silica dust, noise or vibration. Choose models with on-tool extraction or water suppression, and hire the right protective equipment and vacuums at the same time.
Trade hire depots often open early, deliver locally and offer weekend rates—useful for short, focused tasks.
Tools & general classes and sizes
The table below lists the classes of tools most commonly available for hire in Australia. Exact specifications vary by make and model—confirm dimensions, weight and capacity with the supplier before booking.
| Class | Size / spec | Typical jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete tools | Saws, grinders, core drills | Cutting, coring and surface preparation |
| Demolition | Breakers and jackhammers | Breaking concrete and masonry |
| Air compressors | Portable to towable | Air tools, sandblasting |
| Landscaping | Post-hole diggers, turf cutters | Garden and fencing work |
| Cleaning | Pressure cleaners, vacuums | Site and surface cleaning |
| Climate | Heaters, fans, dehumidifiers | Drying and working conditions |
How to choose the right machine
Control silica dust
Cutting, grinding and drilling concrete and stone must use water suppression or on-tool extraction with an H-class vacuum.
Check power supply
Match tools to available power—240 V, 415 V, air or petrol.
Pick consumables
Blades, bits and discs are often charged on wear; ask how they are measured.
Book for the weekend
Many depots offer cheaper weekend rates for short tasks.
Licences, tickets and compliance
- Engineered stone is banned in Australia, and crystalline silica exposure limits apply to all cutting of concrete, brick and stone.
- Electrical tools must be tested and tagged and used with RCD protection on construction sites.
- Noise and vibration exposure must be assessed and controlled.
See our plant licences and tickets guide for the full list of High Risk Work Licence classes.
What drives the cost
The hire rate is only part of the total. On short hires these items often add 20–50% to the bill—ask every supplier to quote them the same way:
- Hire duration
- Blade and consumable wear
- Delivery versus pick-up
- Cleaning charges
- Damage waiver
For indicative 2026 rates, see the plant hire cost guide.