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Flexible Compressed Air for Business

Why Hiring Air Compressors Makes Sense

Air compressor hire can give businesses access to the compressed air they need without committing to an outright purchase. For temporary projects, changing demand, planned maintenance, breakdown cover or longer-term contract hire, the right arrangement can provide useful operational flexibility.

Short & Long-Term Options
Emergency Breakdown Cover
Flexible Capacity
Hydrovane Hire Range
Sizing by CFM & Pressure

Flexibility Without Automatically Committing to Ownership

Business air demand does not always stay constant. A site may need additional compressed air for a production peak, temporary project, planned shutdown, equipment failure or a period of growth. In those situations, hiring can provide access to suitable equipment while avoiding an immediate capital purchase.

That does not mean hire is always cheaper than buying. The right choice depends on how long the compressor is needed, how intensively it will operate, the type of equipment required and the commercial terms available.

Useful distinction: short-term emergency or project hire and longer-term contract hire solve different problems. Always compare the actual hire term, included support, equipment specification and total cost rather than looking at the weekly figure alone.

When Air Compressor Hire Can Make Sense

Temporary Projects Use additional compressed-air capacity for a defined project without buying a machine that may later sit idle.
Breakdown Cover A suitable temporary compressor can help support essential operations while the existing machine is repaired or replaced.
Production Peaks Extra capacity can help where compressed-air demand temporarily exceeds the site's normal installed capacity.
Planned Maintenance Temporary air may be useful while compressors, dryers or other plant-room equipment are taken out of service.
Business Growth Hire can provide breathing space while future production demand and permanent plant requirements become clearer.
Longer-Term Contract Hire Where the commercial terms suit the business, longer agreements can provide predictable scheduled payments without an outright purchase.

Potential Commercial Advantages

Reduced Upfront Capital Requirement

Hiring can reduce the need for a large initial equipment purchase. This may help a business preserve capital for other priorities, although the total cost of a long hire agreement should still be compared with ownership.

More Predictable Payments

Where a fixed hire agreement is used, scheduled payments can make budgeting simpler. The exact commercial treatment depends on the agreement and the business's own accounting position.

Accounting and tax: the tax, VAT and accounting treatment of compressor hire depends on the contract and your circumstances. We recommend taking advice from your accountant or tax adviser rather than relying on generic claims about deductibility, VAT recovery or balance-sheet treatment.

Access Equipment for Changing Requirements

One of the strongest reasons to hire is the ability to respond when the operational requirement changes. A temporary or longer-term hire arrangement may allow a business to meet a new demand without making an immediate permanent equipment decision.

When Demand Increases

Additional capacity can support seasonal workloads, new contracts, temporary production lines or machinery that increases site air consumption.

When the Future Requirement Is Unclear

If a site is expanding, relocating or changing production processes, hire can provide time to understand the genuine long-term CFM and pressure requirement before purchasing permanent equipment.

Choose the Compressor for the Application

Whether a compressor is hired or purchased, it still needs to be correctly sized. The most important factors are usable airflow, required working pressure, duty, electrical supply, air quality and the way the equipment will connect to the existing system.

Airflow Confirm the required CFM or m³/min, including simultaneous demand rather than relying on motor kW alone.
Pressure Match the genuine working pressure required by the tools or process and account for system pressure drop.
Duty & Runtime A compressor used continuously has a different duty requirement from one supplying intermittent workshop tools.
Power Supply Check voltage, phase, available electrical capacity and how the temporary or hired machine will be connected safely.
Air Treatment Dryers and filtration may also be required where the process needs clean, dry or specially treated compressed air.
Access & Installation Consider plant-room access, positioning, ventilation, pipework connections and practical installation requirements.

Applications Where Hire Can Be Useful

Manufacturing & Engineering

Hire can support production peaks, planned plant-room work, machinery changes or breakdown situations where compressed air is essential to operations.

Automotive & Workshops

Compressed air may be required for tyre equipment, pneumatic tools and general workshop use. The correct CFM should be based on the actual tools that may run together.

Painting & Finishing

Spray applications require sufficient airflow as well as appropriate moisture and contamination control. Compressor capacity alone does not determine finish quality.

Site & Project Work

Temporary compressed-air requirements vary widely. Power availability, portability, pressure, tool demand, access and operating environment all need to be established before equipment is selected.

What About Maintenance and Support?

The maintenance responsibility on hired equipment depends on the type of hire agreement. Longer-term contract hire and temporary hire can have different service arrangements, so the contract should clearly state what is included, who is responsible for routine maintenance and what happens if the equipment develops a fault.

Compressed Air Systems UK can provide technical support around compressor selection, servicing, repairs and urgent breakdown requirements. For emergency compressor breakdown assistance, the contact number is available 24/7.

24/7 emergency breakdown contact: call 0121 753 3330 for urgent compressor breakdown assistance. Normal sales, ordering and trade-counter services remain subject to normal opening arrangements.

Hydrovane Compressors Available for Contract Hire

The original article featured the Hydrovane hire range below. These product links have been retained so you can compare the current listings and contract-hire options.

Hydrovane 5 CFM Hire Compressor

Current listing from £12.99 per week plus VAT, subject to the stated contract-hire terms.

View 5 CFM Hire Compressor →

Hydrovane 10 CFM Hire Compressor

Current listing from £14.99 per week plus VAT, subject to the stated contract-hire terms.

View 10 CFM Hire Compressor →

Hydrovane 30 CFM Hire Compressor

Current listing from £32.99 per week plus VAT, subject to the stated contract-hire terms.

View 30 CFM Hire Compressor →

Important: the weekly figures shown above come from the current individual product listings and are subject to the terms stated on those pages, including the applicable contract duration. Confirm the current agreement, availability and specification before proceeding.

Hire or Buy: Which Is Better?

Hire May Suit You If…

  • The requirement is temporary or uncertain
  • You need emergency or maintenance cover
  • Demand may increase or decrease
  • You want to avoid an immediate capital purchase
  • A longer-term contract-hire structure suits the business

Buying May Suit You If…

  • The requirement is permanent and well understood
  • You expect to operate the equipment for many years
  • You want ownership of the compressor as an asset
  • The total ownership cost compares favourably with hire
  • You need a highly specific permanent installation

Air Compressor Hire FAQs

Why hire an air compressor instead of buying one?

Hire can be useful where the requirement is temporary, changing or uncertain, or where a business wants to avoid an immediate outright equipment purchase. The total cost and contract terms should still be compared with buying.

Is air compressor hire always cheaper than buying?

No. It depends on the hire duration, equipment, support included, usage and purchase alternative. Short-term flexibility may be valuable even where the long-term cost of ownership would ultimately be lower.

Can I hire a compressor during a breakdown?

Temporary compressor support may be available for breakdown situations, subject to airflow, pressure, electrical supply, connection requirements, access and current availability.

How do I choose the correct CFM?

Establish the actual compressed-air demand from the tools, machinery and processes that can operate at the same time. The compressor must deliver sufficient usable airflow at the required working pressure.

Are the Hydrovane weekly prices short-term hire prices?

No. The current product listings state that the advertised weekly prices are based on their specified contract-hire arrangements. Check the individual product page for the applicable term and conditions.

Is compressor hire tax deductible?

The accounting and tax treatment depends on the agreement and your business circumstances. Speak to your accountant or tax adviser for advice specific to your organisation.

Does hire include compressor maintenance?

That depends on the hire agreement. Confirm what servicing, repairs and support are included before entering into the contract.

Can the hired compressor include a dryer or filtration?

Where the process requires dry or filtered compressed air, suitable air-treatment equipment may also be needed. The arrangement should be sized against the actual airflow and required air quality.

Considering Air Compressor Hire?

Tell us the airflow, working pressure, application, power supply and how long you expect to need the compressor. We can help you assess whether temporary hire, contract hire or purchasing a compressor is the most practical route.

Compressed Air Systems UK · Unit 15, Fortnum Close, Birmingham, B33 0LG

Read our Latest Reviews

bryan wright profile picture
bryan wright
10 months ago
I have used Compressed Air Systems a number of times for repairs, servicing and also to purchase air compressors. The service I have received has been fantastic, friendly, helpful and very well priced. This company definitely offers convenience, value & quality. I massive thank you to all the team at Compressed Air Systems.
Response from the owner
10 months ago
Hi Bryan,Thank you so much for taking the time to review our company. We greatly appreciate your thoughtful comments and are thrilled to hear that you are satisfied with our services. It’s been a pleasure working with you, and we value the positive relationship we've built.We look forward to discussing any future opportunities or addressing any needs you might have. Please feel free to reach out whenever you’d like.Kind regards, TEAM CAS
Jordan Hay profile picture
Jordan Hay
11 months ago
I had an excellent experience with Compressed Air Systems! Their team was knowledgeable, friendly, and quick to respond. They helped me find the right compressor for my shop and even walked me through the installation process. Everything has been running flawlessly since day one. Highly recommend them for anyone needing reliable air solutions and professional service!
Response from the owner
10 months ago
Hello Jordan,Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about the service you received. We are absolutely thrilled to hear that you’re satisfied with your experience! Your satisfaction means a lot to us. We look forward to speaking with you soon!Best wishes, Team CAS
Sam Cain profile picture
Sam Cain
1 year ago
Exceptional service! The team went above and beyond to help fix our machine and get us back up and running in no time. Their expertise, dedication, and quick thinking made all the difference. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner
1 year ago
Hi Sam, Thank you for taking time to review our company. I'm so glad we were able to help! Kind regards Team CAS
Richard Vinten profile picture
Richard Vinten
2 years ago
I can't recommend CAS UK enough.
We had a Clarke for a couple of years that we abused running it 12 hours a day. We found CAS UK when it needed a repair, and we were very impressed with how quickly they responded and came out to repair and service the machine.

Our business started to expand and we needed a large compressor with a proper airlines feeding our machines and work stations. The guys from CAS supplied the new compressor and worked flat out getting the machine and pipe working in.
They're a brilliant group of lads with a great work ethic and really easy to communicate with.

We'll 100% continue to use and recommend them.
Photo from customer review
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Hi Richard, thank you for taking the time to review our company and the service you received. It’s thrilling to read such positive feedback. We look forward to working with you again soon. Team CAS
Mike H N Fisher profile picture
Mike H N Fisher
2 years ago
Excellent firm to deal with.
Very efficient at every level.
Quite a rare find ~ don't waste the opportunity if you have a need within their expertise. Mike Fisher
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Thank you for your kind words Mike it’s been a pleasure to partner with you. We look forward to speaking to you soon. Kind regards Team CAS
LJD Tyres profile picture
LJD Tyres
2 years ago
Turned up this morning, no appointment or nothing, had what i needed in stock and had it fitted in less than 30 mins! sorted me right out getting me back on the road changing tyres! thanks once again cant recommend you enough! see you when i next need you
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Thank you for your kind review, it was a pleasure to assist you today. We look forward to seeing you again soon! Team CAS
James Deeming profile picture
James Deeming
2 years ago
Can't thank this company enough for getting me back on the road today. From the initial phone call, trying to explain the problem not having a clue what part is called what, the girl who answered knew exactly what I needed. To then arriving 30 minutes later and 2 engineers came out to my van and fixed the problem in minutes. Absolutely brilliant service. Thankyou!!!
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Hi James, thank you for visiting us today. It was a pleasure to assist you. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Team CAS
Sheikh Mudassar profile picture
Sheikh Mudassar
3 years ago
Response from the owner
3 years ago
Thank you for your review. Have a great day! Kind regards Team CAS
Very professional help me out this morning immediately to get me back on the road supplied fittings and new compressor 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💪💪💪
Response from the owner
3 years ago
Hi Paul, thank you so much for taking the time to review the service you received. We really appreciate your kind words and glad we could help this morning. You’re welcome back anytime! Kind regards Team CAS
Harry Draper profile picture
Harry Draper
4 years ago
Brilliant service
Used them for years!
Thank you

H D
Response from the owner
4 years ago
Hi Harry, thank you so much for taking the time to review our company. We really appreciate your business and look forward to dealing with you again soon. Kind regards TEAM CAS
Lewwwyy profile picture
Lewwwyy
4 years ago
Response from the owner
4 years ago
Thank you for your kind and honest review. Team CAS
Les Owen profile picture
Les Owen
4 years ago
Took in what I believed to be a beyond repair compressor. Received back, an as new machine, all physical damage repaired and connector fittings renewed to latest standard.
Compressor delivered to my premises in what was a great service by Compressed Air Systems UK. Thanks for a great experience
Jordan Li profile picture
Jordan Li
4 years ago
I have used CAS for 15 years.

Never let me down!
Always been brilliant & came out the same day if there is ever an issue.

Thank you
Jordan
Aaron Courtney profile picture
Aaron Courtney
5 years ago
Me and my company have been using compressed air systems for around 10 years!
Very professional always great advisor for the best machine for what we need, friendly office staff and most of all the knowledge from them is second to none.
Would recommend to anyone that needs advise or want to buy the right machine for them.
Plus the backup you get is the best.
Amelia Blackwell profile picture
Amelia Blackwell
8 years ago
What a refreshing team to have as competent suppliers for our leads and compressed air; not once have they given us poor service. They've saved our business; A Gilligan (Coatings) Ltd thousands of pounds per year with new high tech and efficient equipment. Their advice and service supplied over the last 15 year period has been extremely valuable, we would never consider another company for our compressed air services
2WheelsOnly LTD profile picture
2WheelsOnly LTD
8 years ago
Had a new compressor fitted a few months ago. Perfect service and amazing aftercare.
I was advised well and even advised towards a better value option saving us a chunk of money. Top quality honest service all round...... Thanks again.
Les Owen
Google
Took in what I believed to be a beyond repair compressor. Received back, an as new machine, all physical damage repaired and connector fittings renewed to latest standard. Compressor delivered to my premises in what was a great service by Compressed Air Systems UK. Thanks for a great experience
Shannon Ali
Trustpilot
Never had one issue with Compressed Air Systems UK I service my 2 compressors 2 times a year as we run 6 days a week & there still like brand new thanks to there maintenance plans Thank you for everything you do for us!
Jordan Li
Google
I have used CAS for 15 years. Never let me down! Always been brilliant & came out the same day if there is ever an issue.
Liam Campbell
Google
Must say the service in this place was excellent 10/10
Aaron Courtney
Google
Me and my company have been using compressed air systems for around 10 years! Very professional always great advisor for the best machine for what we need, friendly office staff and most of all the knowledge from them is second to none. Would recommend to anyone that needs advise or want to buy the right machine for them. Plus the backup you get is the best.
Amelia Blackwell
Google
What a refreshing team to have as competent suppliers for our leads and compressed air; not once have they given us poor service. They've saved our business; A Gilligan (Coatings) Ltd thousands of pounds per year with new high tech and efficient equipment. Their advice and service supplied over the last 15 year period has been extremely valuable, we would never consider another company for our compressed air services
Karl Trevarthen
Trustpilot
From initial phone enquiry through to ordering I was very happy with the service. Product was very good and arrived quickly
2WheelsOnly LTD
Google
Had a new compressor fitted a few months ago. Perfect service and amazing aftercare. I was advised well and even advised towards a better value option saving us a chunk of money. Top quality honest service all round...... Thanks again.
Lee Chapman
Google
Had a new compressor fitted a few months ago? Perfect service and amazing aftercare. I was advised well and even advised towards a better value option saving us a chunk of money. Top quality honest service all round...... Thanks again.
Ray Hussain
Google
Highly recommended, Jason is a star! If he can save you some money he will not like other companies!! Fantastic experience 👍
James
Trustpilot
Great service and very helpful
Sacha Pickford
Google
I have nothing but great things to say about this company, they are fast, efficient, reliable and polite and the list is endless. Would highly recommend and will be using there service for many years to come.
Paul JE
Trustpilot
At THJ we sell & detail the finest cars in the world. So we need the cleanest air possible to help us clean & detail the cars, Compressed air systems uk always do a top job & we have never had one issue, thank you very much guys for all your help & helping up achieve the finishes we do on the cars. Paul JE
Arlind Xhafa
Google
Fantastic service, changed the faulty motor twice to ensure we were happy. Fully recommend
Harry Smith
Google
Excellent customer service, so great to be able to walk into an actual shop and be served by someone who knows what they're on about!
Klaire Louise
Google
Fantastic company, competitive prices and friendly staff. Thank you to all at Compressed Air Systems!
Harry Draper
Trustpilot
Brilliant service when servicing my compressor! Highly recommended Harry D
Daniel Hudson
Trustpilot
Fabulous company! Nothing was a problem, great workmanship, very experienced and knowledgeable. Will always have our business in the future. *****
Phil Kirk
Trustpilot
Fast Delivery No messing about Ordered, Paid and got compressor the next day
Tom
Trustpilot
We're an SME with a large machine shop and recently worked with Jason and his team to get a more efficient compressor installed. They were great throughout the process and really know their stuff. Communication and work quality have been excellent.
BSM
Trustpilot
Use them all the time! Call out for broken compressor they always comes same ray, unlike others iv used in the past! Highly recommend!
L Compton
Trustpilot
Nothings a problem they always have a friendly solution . Good telephone service quick response and well manufactured quality engineering products. Pound for pound in the long run these products stand the testament of time saving productivity time and money.
John
Trustpilot
True industrial engineering quality valves and parts with correct gauge wall thicknesses. Values for money as all items are reasonably priced for true quality items. People answer the telephone and solve any issues if required.
Tony Stevens
Trustpilot
Great service, quick delivery, very easy website to use good prices, will use again
Rodolfo Calansingin
Trustpilot
Been buying Parts ,very good service,Fast delivery
Adrian Marshall
Trustpilot
Great item with an easy web site to use, fast delivery.
Mark Collenette
Trustpilot
Amazing service! Ordered one day, delivered the next! Thank you!
Gerry Dance
Trustpilot
My enquiry to source a part for an old but faithful compressor was soon sorted by Jade. I purchased the required parts and they arrived the very next day! Excellent, friendly and fast service. Thank you all.
David Darbyshire
Trustpilot
Great to deal with, website easy to use and chat function works very well. Very quick delivery.
JA Partners
Trustpilot
Always a pleasure! Thanks CAS UK!
Tony Stevens
Trustpilot
Great website easy to use and you can fine all service kits parts for your compressors.
KS
Trustpilot
Easy to use website, Fast and efficient. 10/10 Will use again
Guy
Trustpilot
Really please with my compressor and very good delivery terms and timescal. Will definitely use tan air compressors again in the future. A+++++
Ricky Patterson
Trustpilot
Delivered the correct items on time
Jeremy Oliver
Had a small issue with a compressor Jason was on to the problem and was able to steer me through with his expert help remotely IMPRESSED
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