What arborist equipment costs in Australia
A tree business runs on three machines: the chipper, the stump grinder and the truck that moves them. Here is what each costs in Australia right now, from the used market where real prices live, because new commercial arborist gear is mostly dealer-quote.
Wood chippers
| Class | Price | Financed, per week |
|---|---|---|
| 6 inch farm-grade (PTO or petrol) | $3,500 to $5,000 | $15 to $25 |
| 12 inch commercial, used (Vermeer, Bandit) | $48,000 to $60,000 | $240 to $300 |
| 15 inch commercial, used | around $77,000 | ~$380 |
| 18 to 21 inch, new | dealer quote; a new 21 inch lists at $260,000 | from $990 |
The jump from $5,000 to $50,000 is real: hydraulic feed, diesel power and road-tow chassis are what make a chipper commercial. On used machines, hours and feed-roller condition set the price, and ex-council machines with low hours are the buys worth chasing.
Stump grinders
Handlebar petrol units run $2,800 to $3,500 new and $1,500 to $3,500 used. Compact tracked machines (Toro STX class) trade around $22,000 to $35,000. Mid self-propelled units run $12,000 to $43,000 new, and late-model large tracked machines (Rayco 165hp class) hold $140,000 to $175,000 used. Most operators start handlebar, then buy tracks when access jobs justify it.
The tilt tray
Moving the chipper and grinder is the third cost: used tilt trays run $65,000 to $190,000 depending on age and GVM, and new factory-built trays $240,000 to $330,000 ex GST. Watch whether listings quote ex GST or drive-away; it explains most of the apparent price gaps.
Financing the kit
All three machines write as chattel mortgages, new or used, dealer or private sale, and a full kit, say a used 12 inch chipper, tracked grinder and used tilt tray around $200,000 together, runs about $990 a week over five years as one facility. Property-backed borrowers generally price around 6% to 9% p.a. and non-property-backed deals around 9% to 13%, with approvals commonly back in 24 to 48 hours. Run your kit through the repayment calculator, or see landscaping finance.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a commercial wood chipper in Australia?
Used 12 inch commercial machines from the major brands run $48,000 to $60,000. New machines in the 18 inch class are dealer-quote, with a new 21 inch listing at $260,000. Farm-grade 6 inch units are $3,500 to $5,000.
What does a stump grinder cost?
Handlebar units $2,800 to $3,500 new, compact tracked machines $22,000 to $35,000, and large late-model tracked grinders $140,000 to $175,000 used.
Can I finance used arborist equipment from a private seller?
Yes. Chippers, grinders and trucks are financed used, including private sales and auctions, with the machine identified and inspected before settlement.
Can the chipper, grinder and truck go on one facility?
Yes, and it is usually the right structure: one facility, one repayment, sized to the whole kit rather than three separate loans.
The whole kit, one repayment
Tell us the machines and we will come back with one weekly number for the kit, usually within a day.
This article is general information only and not financial, credit, or tax advice. Ventas Asset Lending is a finance broker, not a lender. Approvals are subject to lender assessment. Consider your own circumstances and speak to a qualified professional, including your accountant for any tax questions.