Quick Answer
Dry hire means hiring an excavator without an operator. You operate the machine yourself. Dry hire is significantly cheaper than wet hire (with operator).
Dry hire refers to hiring equipment without an operator — you receive the machine and operate it yourself. This is in contrast to wet hire, where the hire company provides both the machine and a licensed operator. Dry hire is the standard model for BuildHire. When you hire a mini excavator from BuildHire, we deliver the machine to your site, you operate it for the hire period, and we collect it when you're done. Dry hire is significantly cheaper than wet hire. A wet hire excavator with operator typically costs $600–$1,200/day. BuildHire's dry hire rates start from $200/day for the same machine. For contractors and owner builders who are licensed (or hiring machines under 3 tonnes that don't require a licence), dry hire provides the same earthmoving capability at a fraction of the cost. Dry hire also gives you more flexibility — you control the pace, the method, and the schedule without having to coordinate with an operator's availability.
Yes — significantly. Wet hire rates for an excavator with operator typically range from $600–$1,200/day. BuildHire's dry hire rates start from $200/day for the same machine.
Some experience is helpful but not required for smaller machines. BuildHire provides full operating instructions with every hire. Our 0.8T and 1T mini excavators are straightforward to operate.
Dry hire provides the machine only — you operate it. Wet hire provides the machine plus a licensed operator. Dry hire is cheaper and more flexible; wet hire is suitable for unlicensed customers.
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