What this class covers
ANZSIC class 6631 encompasses Australian businesses that rent or hire heavy machinery and scaffolding to customers without providing operators. These businesses maintain physical inventory of equipment specifically for rental purposes, serving various industries including construction, mining, agriculture, and industrial maintenance. The classification applies to short-term and long-term rental arrangements where the customer assumes responsibility for operating the equipment.
Typical businesses in this class include scaffolding hire companies that provide modular systems for construction projects, equipment rental yards offering excavators and bulldozers to construction firms, specialized mining equipment providers serving resource projects, agricultural machinery suppliers renting to farmers during peak seasons, and mobile platform companies providing access equipment for maintenance work. These operations focus on the equipment provision rather than the service delivery using that equipment.
This classification is used by government agencies for statistical reporting, by businesses when applying for certain industry-specific grants or licenses, and by service providers understanding market segments. The Australian Bureau of Statistics uses ANZSIC codes like 6631 to track economic activity across different industry sectors.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses classified under ANZSIC 6631 primarily engage in:
- Renting agricultural machinery such as tractors, harvesters, and irrigation equipment to farmers without operators
- Providing construction equipment including excavators, bulldozers, compactors, and concrete mixers for hire
- Leasing mining machinery like drills, loaders, and specialized extraction equipment to mining operations
- Renting mobile elevated work platforms and access equipment for maintenance and construction
- Hiring out scaffolding systems and temporary support structures (excluding erection services)
Exclusions and nearby codes
Several related activities are specifically excluded from ANZSIC 6631 and classified elsewhere:
Financial leasing arrangements where the primary service is providing financing for equipment acquisition (rather than physical rental) fall under ANZSIC 6230 Non-Depository Financing. This includes lease-to-own arrangements where the lessor effectively provides financing rather than equipment rental services.
Equipment rental with operators is excluded from this class and classified according to the primary industry where the service is performed. For example, bulldozers with operators would be classified in Division E (Construction), while mining equipment with operators would fall under Division B (Mining).
Transport equipment rental including trucks, trailers, and other vehicles is covered by ANZSIC group 661 Vehicle Rental and Hiring. Scaffolding erection services (where the business installs the scaffolding) are classified in Division E Construction rather than equipment rental.
Practical guidance
Businesses operating in this classification should register for an Australian Business Number (ABN) and may need to register for GST if annual turnover exceeds $75,000. Equipment rental income must be reported on Business Activity Statements, and businesses can claim GST credits on equipment purchases, maintenance, and related expenses.
For workers' compensation insurance, businesses should use the Business Industry Code (BIC) 66310, which corresponds to this ANZSIC class. This code helps determine premium rates based on industry risk factors. Equipment depreciation schedules are important for tax purposes, as rental businesses can claim deductions for the declining value of their equipment assets.
When applying for industry grants or reporting to statistical agencies, businesses should consistently use ANZSIC 6631 to ensure accurate classification. Some state and territory programs may offer specific support for equipment rental businesses, particularly those serving priority industries like construction or agriculture.