When to Hire vs. Buy: A Guide to Saving Money on Equipment

Greenplant
Jun 6
2 min read

For traders, contractors, and DIY professionals alike, one of the most common budgeting decisions is whether to hire or buy tools and equipment. While owning tools may seem like the more straightforward choice, the financial and logistical benefits of hiring can often outweigh the costs of ownership, especially for those working on varied projects across Oxfordshire and the surrounding areas.

a man powerwashing a decking alongside another man smoothing out freshly laid tarmac with a wackerplate

At Greenplant, we’ve spent over two decades helping customers make smart, cost-effective choices. In this guide, we break down the key considerations to help you decide when tool and plant hire is the right move for your next job.

The Case for Hiring Equipment

1. Lower Upfront Costs

Buying tools outright requires significant investment, particularly for high-value items such as excavators, breakers, or access platforms. Hiring allows you to access the latest equipment without tying up your cash flow, making it ideal for small businesses and sole traders.

2. Access to Professional-Grade Tools

Tool hire gives you access to top-tier, well-maintained equipment that might be too costly to purchase. Whether you need a mini digger for a week or a floor sander for a weekend job, hiring ensures you’re using high-performance tools without compromise.

3. No Maintenance or Storage Hassles

Owning tools means ongoing maintenance, servicing, and finding space to store them. With hire, all of that is handled by your provider. At Greenplant, we fully inspect, clean and maintain all tools between hires - so they’re ready to work, and safe to use.

4. Flexibility for One-Off or Seasonal Projects

Need a scaffold tower for a roofing job? Or a diesel heater for a winter project? Hiring gives you flexibility to match the right tools to the right jobs, without committing to long-term ownership of equipment you only use occasionally.

When Buying Might Make Sense

Despite the many advantages of hiring, buying tools is sometimes the right call — particularly if:

You use the same tool daily or weekly (e.g. cordless drills, hand tools).
You want complete control over your gear and servicing schedule.
You’ve got secure, dry storage and time for regular maintenance.

A good rule of thumb: if a tool will pay for itself within 6 months of regular use, buying could be the more economical choice.

Oxfordshire’s Trusted Tool & Plant Hire Partner

At Greenplant, we support traders, contractors, and serious DIYers across Oxfordshire with a wide range of tools, machinery, and expert advice. Whether you’re weighing up hire vs. buy or just need the right tool for the job tomorrow, we’re here to help.