Site preparation, footings excavation, slab prep, and bulk earthworks — the right machine for every stage of your build. Dry hire from $340/day, delivery subject to availability across Sydney.
Machines: 3.5T, 5.5T
Strip topsoil and vegetation from the building footprint before setting out. The 3.5T handles standard residential blocks; the 5.5T is faster on larger sites.
Machines: 5.5T, 14.5T
Level sloped sites, cut benches, and move bulk material. The 5.5T suits residential cut-and-fill; the 14.5T handles larger commercial sites.
Machines: 3.5T, 5.5T
Excavate strip footings, pad footings, and pier holes to engineer specifications. The 3.5T is ideal for standard residential footings; the 5.5T for deeper or wider commercial footings.
Machines: 3.5T, 5.5T
Trim and level the formation, excavate for edge beams, and prepare for the slab pour. Precision work — the 3.5T's bucket control is well suited to this stage.
Machines: 5.5T
Excavate basement levels and subfloor voids for split-level homes. The 5.5T provides the reach and power for deeper excavations in tight urban sites.
Machines: 3.5T, 5.5T
Backfill around footings, retaining walls, and subfloor structures. Precise placement of fill material in layers for compaction.
| Machine | Daily Rate | Delivery | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5T Excavator | $340/day | Quoted | Footings, slab prep, residential earthworks |
| 5.5T Excavator | $370/day | on enquiry | Cut & fill, deeper footings, larger sites |
| 8T Excavator | Coming soon | Coming soon | Bulk earthworks, basement excavation |
| 14.5T Excavator | $490/day | on enquiry | Large commercial sites, heavy earthworks |
All prices inc. GST. Weekly rates available. Call 1300 157 882 for trade pricing.
For residential footings and slab preparation in Sydney, a 3.5T or 5.5T excavator is the most efficient choice. The 3.5T handles standard residential footings (600mm wide, 600mm deep) and slab prep on suburban blocks. For larger slabs, cut-and-fill sites, or harder ground conditions, the 5.5T is recommended for faster completion.
Yes. BuildHire provides excavators for all stages of site preparation — stripping topsoil, bulk earthworks, cut and fill, footings excavation, and slab preparation. We deliver across all of Greater Sydney with next-day availability for most locations.
Excavator hire for building sites in Sydney starts from $340/day for a 3.5T, $370/day for a 5.5T and $490/day for a 14.5T. Delivery & collection is charged separately. Weekly rates are available for ongoing projects. Call 1300 157 882 for trade pricing.
Get instant pricing for your building site. Delivery subject to availability across Sydney.