Welding and industrial equipment hire supports fabrication, maintenance and shutdown work: engine-driven welders for field work, inverter welders for workshops, air compressors, abrasive blasting units and specialist tools.
Shutdowns concentrate a lot of equipment into a short window. Early booking, spares and on-call support reduce the risk of downtime.
Hot work requires permits, fire watch and suitable extinguishers, particularly in plants, mines and farms.
Welding & industrial classes and sizes
The table below lists the classes of welders and industrial equipment 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine-driven welder | 200–500 A | Field welding, pipelines, farms |
| Inverter welder | MIG, TIG, stick | Workshop fabrication |
| Air compressor | 185–1,600 cfm | Air tools, blasting |
| Blast pot | Abrasive blasting | Surface preparation |
| Industrial heater / fan | Diesel or electric | Curing, drying, ventilation |
How to choose the right machine
Match output to process
Confirm amperage, duty cycle and processes (stick, MIG, TIG, gouging).
Plan hot work permits
Most industrial sites require hot work permits and fire watch.
Book shutdown equipment early
Shutdown peaks strain supply—reserve early with spares.
Licences, tickets and compliance
- Hot work permits, fire extinguishers and fire watch are standard requirements on industrial sites.
- Welding fume exposure must be controlled with ventilation or extraction.
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:
- Equipment size and duration
- Consumables
- Fuel for engine-driven units
- Shutdown premium periods
For indicative 2026 rates, see the plant hire cost guide.