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 Rates in Sydney (2026)
These are BuildHire's current daily and weekly rates, all including GST:
| Machine | Per day | Per week |
|---|---|---|
| 0.8T Mini Excavator (Yanmar SV08) | $200 | $1,000 |
| 1T Mini Excavator (Kubota U10-5) | $200 | $1,000 |
| 1.7T Mini Excavator (Yanmar ViO17) | $205 | $1,100 |
| 3.5T Excavator (Yanmar ViO35-7) | $340 | $1,550 |
| 5.5T Excavator (Yanmar ViO55) | $370 | $1,650 |
| 14.5T Excavator (Case CX145C) | $490 | $2,000 |
All prices include GST. Fuel not included. Delivery and collection are quoted for your site.
What's Included in the Hire Rate?
BuildHire's dry hire rates include:
- ✓ The machine itself for your nominated hire period
- ✓ Mud bucket, GP bucket and ripper
- ✓ 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 and collection (quoted separately for your site)
- ✗ Fuel (you refuel the machine during your hire)
- ✗ Operator (dry hire means you operate the machine yourself)
- ✗ Attachments (rock breaker, auger and more, hired separately, see excavator attachment hire)
Delivery and Collection Costs
Delivery and collection are easy to forget when you budget. We quote them for your site and hire dates before you book, so there are no surprises. The price depends on the machine and how far your site is from our Arncliffe yard. The 5.5T and bigger machines go by third party transport, priced on enquiry.
Send us the site address and dates online, on WhatsApp or on 1300 157 882 for a delivery quote.
Weekly Rates
A BuildHire week is 7 days. On the 3.5T, 5.5T and 14.5T, a week costs less than 5 daily rates ($1,550 vs $1,700, $1,650 vs $1,850 and $2,000 vs $2,450). On the 0.8T and 1T a week costs the same as 5 days ($1,000), and on the 1.7T it costs $75 more ($1,100 vs $1,025). If you need a machine for longer than a week, call 1300 157 882 or WhatsApp us.
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
Weekly rates are in the table above.
Delivery distance
The further your site is from our Arncliffe yard, the higher the delivery and collection cost.
Attachments
Rock breakers, augers, and grabs are available to hire separately and add to the total cost.
Timing
Spring and summer are busy. Book early to get the machine on the day you want it.
Sample Project Cost Estimates
Rough machine hire costs for common jobs, worked out from the daily rates above. Your job may take more or less time.
| Project | Machine | Est. Duration | Est. Machine Hire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard landscaping | 0.8T or 1.7T | 1 to 2 days | $200 to $410 |
| Pool excavation (residential) | 1.7T | 2 to 3 days | $410 to $615 |
| Trench for drainage or pipes | 0.8T or 1.7T | 1 day | $200 to $205 |
| Site preparation (house) | 3.5T | 2 to 3 days | $680 to $1,020 |
| Driveway excavation | 1.7T or 3.5T | 1 to 2 days | $205 to $680 |
Machine hire only, incl GST. Delivery and collection (quoted for your site), fuel and attachments are extra. Your actual cost depends on the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a mini excavator in Sydney per day?
Mini excavator hire starts at $200 a day for the 0.8T and 1T, and $205 a day for the 1.7T. A 3.5T is $340 a day. All prices include GST. Delivery and collection are quoted for your site.
How much does weekly excavator hire cost?
A BuildHire week is 7 days. It is $1,000 for the 0.8T or 1T, $1,100 for the 1.7T, $1,550 for the 3.5T, $1,650 for the 5.5T and $2,000 for the 14.5T, incl GST, and it costs less than seven daily rates. Against 5 daily rates, on the 3.5T, 5.5T and 14.5T a week costs less. On the 0.8T and 1T it costs the same as 5 days, and on the 1.7T it costs $75 more. Call us to talk about longer hires.
How much does delivery cost?
Delivery and collection are quoted for your site and hire dates, so you know the full price before you book. The 5.5T and bigger machines go by third party transport, priced on enquiry.
What is included in excavator hire rates?
The machine for your hire period, a mud bucket, a GP bucket and a ripper. Delivery and collection, fuel, attachments and an operator are not included. We only dry hire, so you or your crew run the machine. Return the machine with the same fuel level, or a refuelling charge applies (minimum $50 + GST). Cleaning charges may apply for mud, concrete or other build-up (minimum $150 + GST).
How can I keep the cost of excavator hire down?
Pick the smallest machine that can do the job, check the weekly rate against the days you need, and plan the work so the machine is busy every day you have it. Booking early helps you get the machine on the day you want it.