Excavator hire in Australia generally starts from $229 per day for a standard 1.7-tonne dry hire machine. How much does it cost to hire an excavator? Daily rates depend mostly on the machine size and how long you need it. You’ll find that national averages across the country are often much higher, with standard rates starting at $250 to $280 per day. We work hard to keep our rates highly competitive to protect your budget.
This guide breaks down the real rates for machinery hire so you can plan your next project without any budget surprises.
Quick Price Call Out: Standard 1.7-Tonne Mini Excavator
- Daily Dry Hire: $229 per day (National average: $250 to $280 per day)
- Weekend Package: $363 total (National average: $400 to $450 total)
- Weekly Trade Rate: $935 total (National average: $1,100+ total)
Key Takeaways
- Dry hire is the cheapest route: Expect to pay $229 per day for a standard 1.7-tonne mini excavator if you operate it yourself. Typical national market rates easily exceed this starting point.
- Wet hire adds operator costs: Hiring a machine with a professional operator usually costs between $90 and $150 per hour, often with a three-hour minimum charge.
- Watch out for standard fees: Delivery charges, fuel costs, and cleaning fees can easily add $100 to $300 to your final bill if you don’t plan ahead.
Typical excavator hire rates in Australia
The daily cost of renting an excavator depends mostly on the weight class of the machine. Smaller units are easier to transport and cost less to run, which makes them much cheaper to rent. While standard industry listings show much higher averages, our rates keep your upfront costs low.
Here is what you can expect to pay for standard daily dry hire across different machine sizes:
- Micro Excavators (Under 1.2 Tonnes): These tiny machines start from $219 per day. The typical national average for this size is around $240 per day. They’re perfect for tight backyards with narrow gate access.
- Standard Mini Excavators (1.5 to 2.0 Tonnes): The industry standard 1.7-tonne unit starts from $229 per day. This is well below the national standard of $250 to $280 per day. This size is the most popular choice for general trenching, pool digs, and gardening projects.
- Medium Excavators (2.5 to 5.0 Tonnes): Larger compact units start from $299 to $450 per day. The national average for this class often starts at $350 per day. You’ll need a commercial vehicle or professional delivery to get these to your site.
Your total project cost depends mostly on whether you choose dry or wet hire. Dry hire means you rent the machine on a trailer and operate it yourself. Wet hire means you pay for both the machine and a professional operator to do the digging. You can check out our machine hire with operator options to see how we can handle the hard work for you.
Quick Price Call Out: Wet Hire (Operator Included)
- Standard Hourly Rate: $90 to $150 per hour
- Minimum Booking: Three hours plus travel time
- Travel Charge: Often matches one hour of standard operator rates
Who can legally operate a hire machine?
You don’t need a specialised licence to dry hire a mini excavator for personal use on private property. Anyone with a standard car licence and a capable towing vehicle can pick up a machine on a trailer.
If you want to know more about the rules, read our guide on whether anyone can rent a mini excavator to check your local requirements.
What factors affect the hire price?
The daily rate is only one part of your total invoice. Several other factors can drive up the final cost of your machinery rental.
- Transport and delivery: If you don’t have a vehicle rated to tow 2.5 tonnes, you’ll need the hire company to deliver the machine. This service usually costs between $100 and $200 depending on your distance from the yard.
- Specialised attachments: Most standard hires include a mud bucket and two trenching buckets. If you need an auger for fence posts, a ripper for hard clay, or a concrete breaker, you’ll pay an extra $50 to $100 per day.
- Weekend rates and packages: Demand is highest on Saturdays and Sundays. While standard weekend hire averages around $450 across Australia, we offer special weekend packages. These packages let you pick up the machine on Friday afternoon and return it on Monday morning for just $363.
- Fuel and cleaning charges: You must return the excavator clean and full of diesel. If you bring it back covered in mud or with an empty tank, the depot will charge you a premium to wash and refuel it.
Excavator hire cost comparison table
Here is a quick look at how the costs stack up for a standard 1.7-tonne machine under different hire arrangements.
| Hire Option | Typical Rate | Best For | Included Gear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Dry Hire | $229 per day | DIYers, hands-on builders | Machine, trailer, three buckets |
| Weekend Dry Hire Package | $363 total | Weekend warrior projects | Machine, trailer, three buckets |
| Hourly Wet Hire | $90 to $150 per hour | Complex jobs, tight deadlines | Machine, professional operator |
Smart budgeting tips to keep your costs low
You can keep your machinery rental costs to a minimum with a bit of planning. Use these practical tips to protect your budget on your next project.
- Batch your work: Don’t hire a machine for three separate single days over a month. Prepare all your clearing, trenching, and post holes so you can knock it all out in a single weekend.
- Grab the garden hose: Spend ten minutes washing down the tracks and buckets before you hook the trailer back up. If you return a muddy machine, depots’ll charge you a standard $110 cleaning fee.
- Refuel at the local service station: We expect the machine to come back with a full tank of diesel. If we’ve to refuel it for you, the standard surcharge is $3.50 per litre. This is actually lower than the typical $4.50 per litre charged by most commercial hire yards, but you’ll still save more by stopping at a local service station on your way back.
Final Word: Plan your project before you book
Understanding how much does it cost to hire an excavator helps you choose the right approach for your project. If you have the time and a suitable towing vehicle, dry hire is the most cost-effective way to get the job done.
Ready to start digging?
- Check out our mini excavator hire options to book your machine.
- If you prefer to have a professional handle the earthworks, book our machine hire with operator to get the job done right.
- Speak to your local Diggermate team to find the best package for your site.
Disclaimer: Prices, availability, fees and hire terms may vary by location. Every Diggermate location is locally owned and operated, so please contact your local Diggermate team for current pricing and a quote tailored to your project.
