Kennards Hire has long built its reputation on supporting tradies with the tools and equipment needed to get the job done — no matter the size or scope.
Now, with the acquisition of Solution Plant Hire (SPH), that capability has expanded even further, giving tradies access to a broader range of earthmoving and compaction gear typically reserved for larger civil works.
From tighter-access jobs to more demanding site requirements, the expanded range means tradies can now tap into higher-capacity equipment when the job calls for it — all through a familiar hire partner.
Solutions-focused
Kennards Hire Earthmoving & Compaction General Manager Craig McMahon said the move was driven by growing demand across the board, including from customers taking on larger or more complex work.
“Our customers in that space were asking us to supply more of that product and provide a true one-stop-shop hire solution,” he said.
“So it was really an evolution of the business, driven by customer demand.
“When the opportunity came up, we moved on it.”
With experience across fast-growing regions like NSW’s Central Coast, Craig has seen the shift firsthand — with tradies increasingly requiring equipment that can bridge the gap between everyday jobs and larger-scale site work.
At the same time, the expansion strengthens Kennards Hire’s ability to support major projects across sectors like renewables, infrastructure and civil construction.
What’s on the menu?
- 12–35 tonne excavators
- 9T 4WD swivel tip dumpers
- Skid steers and forklift attachments
- Hydraulic breakers and specialist excavator attachments
- Large mud buckets and compaction attachments
- Additional dozer capability
“We now go up to 35-tonne excavators. Previously, we generally capped out around eight tonnes, with some 14-tonne machines,” Craig explained.
“So it’s essentially larger equipment, which gives us access to bigger jobs and more specialised work.”
SEE MORE: Tradie Tough Tests
For tradies, that means more flexibility on site — whether it’s tackling heavier groundwork, moving more material, or taking on projects that previously required outsourcing or additional contractors.
“That’s one of the most exciting parts,” he said.
“We’re seeing crossover both ways — customers from the acquired business accessing our Kennards’ broader range, and existing Kennards Hire customers stepping into larger equipment.”
The result is a more seamless experience, where tradies can scale up their equipment needs without changing suppliers — maintaining a single point of contact across every stage of the job.
Access and availability
Tradies can still access a large portion of the range through their local Kennards Hire branch, while bigger, specialist equipment can be organised ahead of time and delivered directly
to site.
“Bookings are usually handled through project managers, business development managers, or existing relationships, and then delivered directly to site,” Craig said.
SPH’s locations in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne are now integrated into the Kennards Hire network, with a new site also set to open in Tomago, in the Hunter region — further strengthening coverage and availability.
Like-minded culture
Beyond the machinery, Craig said the addition of SPH’s experienced team has been a major advantage.
“One of the biggest gains wasn’t just the machines — it was bringing across the people and their specialist knowledge,”
he said.
“We didn’t just buy the gear — we gained valuable people who understand those markets, which helps us better support customers.”
For tradies, that translates to better advice, stronger support and confidence in choosing the right equipment for the job.
Empowering projects
As infrastructure investment continues to grow across Australia, Kennards Hire is well positioned to support major projects — but the real win is how that capability flows down to everyday customers.
Tradies now have access to a deeper pool of equipment and expertise, making it easier to take on bigger, more complex jobs without added hassle.
“It’s a big step forward,” Craig said.
“Customers not only get access to bigger and more specialised gear, but also the expertise that comes with it.
“At the end of the day, we’re not just in the hire business — we’re in the customer service business. It’s about providing the right solution for the job, and that one-stop-shop approach makes things much more efficient for customers.”
