Air Compressor Finance

Q: Can I finance a used air compressor?

Yes, lenders regularly finance used compressors, particularly rotary screw types from established brands, though running hours matter more than calendar age since airend life is generally rated in hours run rather than years owned. Ask your supplier for maintenance records and, where relevant, logged running hours before you apply; this speeds up the credit decision and can improve the rate you are offered on a air compressor.

Q: Does finance cover the receiver tank, dryer and pipework?

Yes, generally. An air receiver, refrigerant or desiccant dryer, filtration and ring-main pipework can normally all be included in the finance if itemised on the supplier's invoice alongside the compressor itself. It is worth agreeing the full list of extras with your supplier in advance and getting everything itemised on one invoice, since anything added after the agreement is signed usually has to be paid for separately.

Q: What power supply does an air compressor need?

Compressors above roughly 4kW need a three-phase 400V supply; smaller workshop compressors under that are often available in single-phase 230V. Current draw and required supply capacity scale directly with motor size, so confirm this against your workshop's supply before ordering. Getting this confirmed with your supplier and, where needed, an electrician before you order avoids a costly mismatch or last-minute upgrade once the equipment has already arrived on site.

Q: How long does an air compressor last against the finance term?

A well-maintained rotary screw compressor typically runs for 10 to 15 years, or considerably longer with an airend rebuild partway through its life. A typical 3 to 6 year finance term covers less than half of that working life for most machines. Getting this confirmed with your supplier and, where needed, an electrician before you order avoids a costly mismatch or last-minute upgrade once the equipment has already arrived on site.

Q: Do air compressors hold their value?

Reasonably well for established brands with good service networks, since airends can be rebuilt rather than the whole compressor scrapped. Running hours, service history and whether the compressor is fixed or variable speed all affect resale value more than age alone. Keeping full service records and having any major wearing component reconditioned on schedule is the single biggest thing an owner can do to protect a air compressor's resale value.

Spread the cost of air compressors from £1,000 to £80,000+ with flexible finance options. HP, lease or refinance; compare rates from 40+ lenders.

Can you finance a air compressor?

Yes, air compressors are financed as a standard asset purchase, usually on hire purchase or a lease, with the machine itself acting as the security. UK prices typically run £1,000 to £80,000, and most deals are written over 12–84 months with a deposit of around 10–20%. Decisions typically take 24–48 hours. Used machines are financeable too, usually with a shorter term.

Typical Cost

£1k – £80k

Approval Speed

24–48 hours

Same-day for < £100k

Rates From

4.5% APR

What would a air compressor cost per month?

Air Compressor price (ex VAT) £12,000

Deposit 10%

Agreement term 60 months

Annual interest rate 9%

Balloon payment £0

Your estimate

Indicative only. Not a quote and not an offer of finance.

Pre-filled with a typical air compressor price. Indicative only, not a quote.

Finance options

Hire Purchase (HP)

Rate: From 4.9% APR
Term: 12–84 months
Deposit: 10–20%
Ownership: Yours at the end
Best for: Almost every manufacturing and fabrication business wanting to own the air compressor outright

Finance Lease

Rate: From 4.5% APR
Term: 12–84 months
Deposit: None required
Ownership: Return or buy (balloon payment)
Best for: Tax efficient; claim 100% of payments against profit

Operating Lease

Rate: From 5.2% APR
Term: 24–60 months
Deposit: None required
Ownership: Return at end
Best for: Stay current with variable speed drives and lower energy running costs. Off balance sheet.

Representative example

On a purchase price of £12,000: a 10% deposit of £1,200, then 48 monthly payments of £253 at 5.9% APR representative (fixed). Total amount payable £13,344, including the deposit. The rate you are offered depends on your business and the asset.

Machine or specification	Guide price	Type
Hydrovane HV07	£3,500 – £6,500	Rotary Vane Compressor
Atlas Copco GA22	£12,000 – £22,000	Rotary Screw Compressor
Kaeser ASD 40	£18,000 – £32,000	Variable Speed Screw Compressor
Compair L Series	£8,000 – £16,000	Rotary Screw Compressor

Tax benefits

Air compressors qualify for Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) and full expensing, letting you deduct the full cost from taxable profits in the year of purchase, up to £1,000,000 under AIA for qualifying plant and machinery. HP agreements let you claim capital allowances as the asset sits on your balance sheet. Lease payments are generally deducted as an operating expense, spread over the lease term.

Bad credit?

Several of our 200+ lenders specialise in businesses with imperfect credit histories. You may need a larger deposit or personal guarantee, but options exist. Checking your options here does not affect your credit score, because we do not run a credit search to match you. A lender will run their own checks only if you decide to apply.

Frequently asked questions

Can I finance a used air compressor?

Yes, lenders regularly finance used compressors, particularly rotary screw types from established brands, though running hours matter more than calendar age since airend life is generally rated in hours run rather than years owned. Ask your supplier for maintenance records and, where relevant, logged running hours before you apply; this speeds up the credit decision and can improve the rate you are offered on a air compressor.

Does finance cover the receiver tank, dryer and pipework?

Yes, generally. An air receiver, refrigerant or desiccant dryer, filtration and ring-main pipework can normally all be included in the finance if itemised on the supplier's invoice alongside the compressor itself. It is worth agreeing the full list of extras with your supplier in advance and getting everything itemised on one invoice, since anything added after the agreement is signed usually has to be paid for separately.

What power supply does an air compressor need?

Compressors above roughly 4kW need a three-phase 400V supply; smaller workshop compressors under that are often available in single-phase 230V. Current draw and required supply capacity scale directly with motor size, so confirm this against your workshop's supply before ordering. Getting this confirmed with your supplier and, where needed, an electrician before you order avoids a costly mismatch or last-minute upgrade once the equipment has already arrived on site.

How long does an air compressor last against the finance term?

A well-maintained rotary screw compressor typically runs for 10 to 15 years, or considerably longer with an airend rebuild partway through its life. A typical 3 to 6 year finance term covers less than half of that working life for most machines. Getting this confirmed with your supplier and, where needed, an electrician before you order avoids a costly mismatch or last-minute upgrade once the equipment has already arrived on site.

Do air compressors hold their value?

Reasonably well for established brands with good service networks, since airends can be rebuilt rather than the whole compressor scrapped. Running hours, service history and whether the compressor is fixed or variable speed all affect resale value more than age alone. Keeping full service records and having any major wearing component reconditioned on schedule is the single biggest thing an owner can do to protect a air compressor's resale value.

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Guides and resources

What Is Asset Finance? HP vs Leasing Operating vs Finance Lease Best Asset Finance Companies Close Brothers Review Lombard Review

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