Site preparation, footings excavation, slab prep, and bulk earthworks — the right machine for every stage of your build. Dry hire from $325/day, next-day delivery across Sydney.
Machines: 3.5T, 5.5T, 8T
Strip topsoil and vegetation from the building footprint before setting out. The 3.5T handles standard residential blocks; the 5.5T and 8T are faster on larger sites.
Machines: 5.5T, 8T, 14.5T
Level sloped sites, cut benches, and move bulk material. The 8T is the standard choice for 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, 8T
Excavate basement levels and subfloor voids for split-level homes. The 5.5T and 8T provide 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 | $325/day | from $150 | Footings, slab prep, residential earthworks |
| 5.5T Excavator | $380/day | on enquiry | Cut & fill, deeper footings, larger sites |
| 8T Excavator | $420/day | on enquiry | Bulk earthworks, basement excavation |
| 14.5T Excavator | $450/day | on enquiry | Large commercial sites, heavy earthworks |
All prices inc. GST. Weekly and monthly 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 or 8T 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 $325/day for a 3.5T, $380/day for a 5.5T, and $420/day for an 8T. 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. Next-day delivery across Sydney.