How Heron Hire Works

Heron Hire connects equipment owners with people who need gear for a job. Whether you own a machine sitting idle or need to hire something for a project — it's simple, secure, and local.

I own equipment I need to hire something

Mini Excavator

Skid Steer

Excavator

Track Loader

For Equipment Owners

Turn idle equipment into income

If you own an excavator, loader, trailer, mower, or any other piece of machinery that sits unused between jobs — Heron Hire lets you put it to work. We handle the advertising, listing content, and local marketing. You just approve bookings and get paid.

Free to list. Commission only on completed rentals.

Equipment operator in hi-vis on a rural job

Real equipment. Real income.

We handle the hard part

Tell us about your equipment and we'll take care of listing it, advertising it, and finding you hirers.

AI-powered listing content

Our platform uses AI to write professional descriptions, highlight key specs, and optimise your listing for search. We'll also help edit and present your photos.

Active local advertising

We run targeted ads on Facebook, Instagram, and Google for people searching for equipment in your area. Dynamic local targeting means your gear reaches the right people nearby.

Monthly performance reports

Receive a monthly summary of your views, bookings, and earnings. Your live dashboard is available 24/7 so you always know exactly what your equipment is earning.

Three steps to getting paid

From registration to your first payout — here's how it works.

Tell us about your equipment

Register your interest and we'll get in touch to help you get set up. Take a few photos on your phone, give us the basics, and we'll handle the rest — including writing the listing description using AI.

We list it and advertise it locally

Your listing goes live and we start running targeted ads to people in your area looking for equipment like yours. Facebook, Instagram, Google — all handled by us, targeting local searches.

Approve bookings and get paid

Renters request your gear — you approve or decline every booking. Payment is collected and held securely before the hire starts, then paid out to your bank account once the rental is complete.

You stay in control

Listing with Heron Hire doesn't mean giving up control of your equipment. Every decision is yours.

You approve every booking

No booking goes ahead without your say-so. Review the renter's profile and decide if you're happy before accepting.

You set the rates

Set your own daily, weekly, and monthly rates. Update them any time. Block dates when your equipment isn't available.

Payment held until rental ends

Funds are secured at booking via Stripe and released to you after the hire is complete. You never have to chase payment.

Damage deposit protection

Renters pay a refundable deposit held by Stripe. It's returned only once you confirm the equipment came back in good condition.

Verified renters only

All renters go through identity verification before they can make a booking. You're not lending to strangers.

Live dashboard, always

Track your bookings, earnings, and renter reviews from your owner dashboard. A monthly summary report is also emailed to you automatically.

Skid steer loader on a residential job with two people

Hire locally. Get the job done.

For Renters

Find the gear you need, near you

Whether you need an excavator for a landscaping project, a loader to move materials, or a trencher for a weekend job — Heron Hire connects you with local equipment owners who are ready to hire. No heavy dealer prices. No long-term commitments.

Search by location. Book online. Pay securely.

How to hire

From search to job done in four steps.

Find what you need

Search by equipment type, category, or location. Browse listings with photos, specs, rates, and reviews. Our AI assistant can also help you find the right gear for your specific job.

Request a booking

Select your dates and submit a booking request. The owner reviews your profile and approves it. You can message the owner directly with any questions before committing.

Pay securely

Once approved, pay through Heron Hire's secure Stripe-powered checkout. Your payment is protected and only released to the owner after the hire period is complete.

Collect, use it, and return

Pick up the equipment or arrange delivery with the owner. Complete your project, return the gear, and leave a review to help the community.

Simple, transparent fees

No monthly fees. No subscription costs. No surprises.

Listing your equipment

Always free to list

Early adopter commission

First 100 owners · first 6 months

Standard commission

10%

After intro period

Payment processing (Stripe) Included in commission

Renter booking fee None

Monthly subscription None

Commission charged On completed rentals only

Payments via Stripe

All payments are processed and held by Stripe — not Heron Hire. Industry-leading security, with funds protected until your hire is complete.

Identity verified accounts

Renters are required to verify their identity before making bookings. Owners see a verified profile before approving anything.

Australian built and operated

Built and hosted in Australia. Operated by Rogaland Pty Ltd (ABN 51 694 037 619). We're not an overseas platform — we're local.

A note on insurance: Equipment owners are responsible for ensuring their equipment is adequately insured for hire use. Hirers are responsible for holding appropriate insurance for the equipment they operate. We recommend speaking to your insurer before listing or hiring. Our team can provide guidance when we get in touch after your registration.

Common questions

What does it cost to list my equipment?

Nothing. Listing your equipment on Heron Hire is completely free. We only charge a commission when a rental booking is completed — 5% for early adopters in the first six months, then 10% thereafter. There are no monthly fees, no subscription costs, and no upfront charges.

What does Heron Hire do for me once I list?

We actively market your listing to people in your local area via paid advertising on Facebook, Instagram, and Google. We use AI to write and optimise your listing content, help you present your photos professionally, and send you monthly performance reports. You also get access to a live dashboard at all times.

How do I get paid as an owner?

Renters pay through Heron Hire's Stripe-powered checkout before the hire begins. Stripe holds the payment during the rental period and pays it directly to your nominated bank account once the booking is complete. Heron Hire never holds your money — Stripe does. Card processing fees are absorbed in the commission and not deducted separately from your payout.

What if a renter damages my equipment?

Renters pay a refundable damage deposit when they book. It's held by Stripe and only released back to the renter once you confirm the equipment was returned in good condition. If there is damage, you can raise a dispute and the deposit provides a first line of financial protection. We also strongly recommend ensuring your equipment is insured for hire use before listing.

Do I need insurance to hire equipment?

Hirers are responsible for holding appropriate insurance for the equipment they operate, including public liability. Requirements vary by state and equipment type — we recommend checking with your insurer before booking. Heron Hire does not provide insurance coverage for renters or owners.

Can I cancel a booking?

Yes. Owners and renters can both cancel a booking. Cancellation terms and any applicable refunds depend on how far in advance the cancellation is made and the owner's cancellation policy. Full details are shown at the time of booking.

Ready to get started?

Join the waitlist now and lock in the early adopter commission rate before we launch.