If you're planning an excavation project in Sydney, one of the first questions you'll ask is: how much does it cost to hire an excavator? The answer depends on the size of the machine, the length of your hire, and where your site is located. Here's a complete breakdown.
Excavator Hire Daily Rates in Sydney (2026)
The following rates are BuildHire's current daily hire rates, all inclusive of GST:
| Machine | Daily Rate | Delivery & Collection |
|---|---|---|
| 0.8T Mini Excavator (Yanmar SV08) | $200/day | $110 |
| 1.7T Mini Excavator (Yanmar ViO17) | $205/day | $110 |
| 3.5T Excavator (Yanmar ViO35-7) | $325/day | $150 |
| 5.5T Excavator (Yanmar ViO55) | $345/day | POA |
| 8T Excavator (Yanmar ViO80) | $420/day | POA |
| 14.5T Sumitomo Excavator | $470/day | POA |
All prices include GST. Fuel not included. Delivery & collection prices are for Sydney metro. POA = price on application.
What's Included in the Hire Rate?
BuildHire's dry hire rates include:
- ✓ The machine itself for your nominated hire period
- ✓ Standard digging bucket
- ✓ Machine induction and handover on delivery
- ✓ 24/7 phone support during your hire period
The following are not included in the base hire rate:
- ✗ Delivery & collection (charged separately — from $110)
- ✗ Fuel (you refuel the machine during your hire)
- ✗ Operator (dry hire means you operate the machine yourself)
- ✗ Attachments (rock breaker, auger, etc. — available to hire separately)
Delivery & Collection Costs
Delivery & collection is one of the most commonly overlooked costs when budgeting for excavator hire. Here's what to expect:
Weekly & Monthly Rates
If your project runs for more than 3–4 days, a weekly rate will almost always work out cheaper. BuildHire offers discounted weekly and monthly rates — call 1300 157 882 or WhatsApp us for a custom quote.
💡 Tip: Longer Hire = Lower Daily Rate
Weekly rates typically work out 20–30% cheaper per day than daily rates. Monthly rates offer even greater savings. If your project will take more than 3 days, always ask for a weekly quote.
What Affects the Cost of Excavator Hire?
Several factors influence the total cost of your excavator hire:
Machine size
Larger machines cost more per day. Choose the smallest machine that can do the job to keep costs down.
Hire duration
Daily rates are highest. Weekly and monthly rates offer significant discounts.
Delivery distance
The further your site from Sydney metro, the higher the delivery & collection cost.
Attachments
Rock breakers, augers, and grabs are available to hire separately and add to the total cost.
Timing
Peak demand periods (spring/summer) may affect availability. Book early to secure your machine.
Sample Project Cost Estimates
Here are some typical project cost estimates to help you budget:
| Project | Machine | Est. Duration | Est. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard landscaping | 0.8T or 1.7T | 1–2 days | $420–$630 |
| Pool excavation (residential) | 1.7T | 2–3 days | $630–$945 |
| Trench for drainage/pipes | 0.8T or 1.7T | 1 day | $310–$425 |
| Site preparation (house) | 3.5T | 2–3 days | $1,000–$1,425 |
| Driveway excavation | 1.7T or 3.5T | 1–2 days | $425–$1,000 |
Estimates include hire rate + delivery & collection. Fuel and attachments not included. Actual costs may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a mini excavator in Sydney per day?
Mini excavator hire in Sydney starts from $200/day for a 0.8T machine and $205/day for a 1.7T. A 3.5T excavator costs from $325/day. All prices include GST.
What is included in excavator hire rates?
Dry hire rates include the machine and standard bucket. Delivery & collection, fuel, insurance, and operator costs are not included in the base daily rate.
Are weekly excavator hire rates cheaper than daily rates?
Yes — weekly and monthly hire rates are significantly cheaper per day than daily rates. Call BuildHire on 1300 157 882 for a weekly or monthly quote.