Rent or Buy? Aussie Tradie's Guide to Fieldpiece Recovery Equipment

You rock up to a split-system replacement job and realise your old recovery machine is sputtering again. Do you splash out on a brand-new Fieldpiece MR45? Or grab a rental from the local tool hire shop?

This question comes up all the time for Aussie HVAC techs. Whether you're just starting out or managing a small team, deciding whether to rent or buy your refrigerant recovery gear can impact your bottom line more than you think.

In this guide, we’ll break it all down—the costs, the pros and cons, and what kind of techs should consider each option. And yes, we’ll highlight some solid gear you can grab from HVAC Trade Supply.

Why Fieldpiece Recovery Machines Are Worth It

First up, why are we even talking about Fieldpiece? Because they’re built tough for Aussie job sites. The Fieldpiece MR45 Recovery Machine is a tradie favourite thanks to:

• Lightweight, rugged build (just over 10 kg)

• Fast refrigerant recovery (up to 1.33 kg/min)

• Spark-proof, water-resistant design

• Extra-large condenser for Aussie heat

It’s the kind of unit that’ll handle everything from split systems to light commercial jobs, even when the summer sun is baking your ute.

The Case for Renting Fieldpiece Recovery Equipment

When Renting Makes Sense:

• You're Just Starting Out: Cash flow matters, and a $1,500+ purchase might not be in the cards.

• One-Off or Seasonal Jobs: If you only do recovery 3-4 times a year, owning may be overkill.

• Breakdown Emergency: Your unit’s died and you’ve got a job booked today.

• Short-Term Crew Expansions: Hiring extra hands? Renting adds capacity without capital cost.

Pros of Renting:

• Lower upfront cost

• No maintenance responsibility

• Easy to scale up/down

• Tax-deductible as an expense

Cons of Renting:

• Adds up quickly over time

• May not always have the exact model you want

• Quality varies depending on hire company

The Case for Buying Fieldpiece Recovery Equipment

When Buying Makes Sense:

• You do HVAC full-time and work with refrigerants weekly

• You want to control your gear and ensure it’s serviced and reliable

• You're running multiple jobs or quoting bigger installs

• You want to claim depreciation at tax time

Pros of Buying:

• One-time investment, long-term savings

• Always available when you need it

• Better care = longer equipment life

• Write-off depreciation via ATO

Cons of Buying:

• Upfront cost ($1,500 - $2,000 for Fieldpiece MR45)

• Ongoing maintenance needed

• Takes time to break even vs rental

Real Aussie Cost Comparison (Based on 2024 Prices)

As you can see, if you’re doing at least one job per month, buying starts to pay for itself fairly quickly.

Where to Get the Best Gear in Australia

If you're leaning toward buying, check out the Fieldpiece range at HVAC Trade Supply. They’re an official Aussie distributor, which means:

• Local warranty support

• Fast shipping across the country

• Legit Fieldpiece tools, not grey imports

The MR45 is their top-seller, but they also stock:

• Manifolds and hoses

• Vacuum pumps

• Leak detectors

Sarah from South Australia

Sarah runs a two-person HVAC team just outside Adelaide. She started out renting, but after a hot summer full of installs, she made the switch.

“I was spending over $400 a month hiring recovery gear. It made no sense. We bought a Fieldpiece MR45 from HVAC Trade Supply and it's been flawless. Paid for itself in six months.”

She also appreciated the lightweight build and durable case—ideal for rooftop jobs in the SA heat.

Common Rental Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Late Returns: One-day rentals often turn into three-day fees.

2. Poor Calibration: Not all hire shops calibrate gear properly.

3. Hidden Insurance Fees: Ask what’s covered if gear fails on the job.

4. No Support: When something goes wrong, you're stuck troubleshooting.

If you must rent, go with a well-reviewed local supplier and inspect the unit before every use.

How to Make the Right Choice

Ask yourself these five questions:

1. How often do I actually use recovery gear?

2. Do I need it for urgent/emergency callouts?

3. Can I comfortably afford the upfront investment?

4. Am I confident I’ll be in the industry for the long haul?

5. Do I want full control over my tools?

If you answer YES to 3+ of those, it’s probably time to buy.

Bonus Tip: Finance It

Many Aussie equipment suppliers (including HVAC Trade Supply) can point you toward business-friendly finance options. That means you can:

• Pay in monthly instalments

• Preserve your cash flow

• Still own the gear outright

Final Verdict

FAQ: Renting vs Buying Fieldpiece Recovery Machines in Australia

Q: How much does it cost to rent a recovery machine in Australia?

A: Rental costs vary, but on average it's about $100–$120 per day depending on your location and the hire company.

Q: Is the Fieldpiece MR45 worth the investment for a solo tradie?

A: Yes—if you do at least one refrigerant recovery job per month, the MR45 can pay for itself in about a year.

Q: Can I claim the purchase as a tax deduction?

A: Absolutely. Equipment like the MR45 can be depreciated over time as a capital asset for business purposes.

Q: Are Fieldpiece machines available on finance in Australia?

A: Yes. Some HVAC suppliers, like HVAC Trade Supply, can point you to financing partners that offer monthly repayment options.

Q: How often should I service or calibrate a recovery machine?

A: It's best to have it checked annually, or more frequently if used heavily. Owning your unit gives you more control over servicing.

Explore Fieldpiece at HVAC Trade Supply

👉 Click here to shop Fieldpiece recovery gear — including the MR45, plus accessories and more.

Fast shipping. Aussie support. Tools that last.