As a rough 2026 guide, a 1.7 t mini excavator dry hires for about $250–$400 per day, a 20 t excavator wet hires for about $150–$220 per hour, a 20 t Franna crane is about $180–$260 per hour, a 19 ft electric scissor lift is about $100–$200 per day and a tandem tipper is about $110–$150 per hour. Transport, minimum hours, fuel and damage waivers can add 20–50% on short hires.
Why rates vary so much
Metropolitan markets with deep fleets are generally cheaper than regional and remote areas, where transport and support costs are higher. Demand peaks—end of financial year, before Christmas and after floods—push rates up and availability down.
Longer hires attract lower effective rates: weekly rates are commonly 3–4 times the daily rate, and monthly rates lower again.
The costs outside the rate
The headline rate is often less than half the story on a short job.
- Float or delivery each way
- Minimum hours per day (wet hire) or minimum hire period
- Travel time for operators
- Fuel, AdBlue and cleaning
- Damage waiver or insurance
- Attachments and GPS/machine control
- Standby rates for weather or delays
- After-hours, weekend and public-holiday loadings
How to compare quotes
Ask every supplier to quote the same scope: machine class, attachments, hours per day, days, delivery and pick-up, fuel arrangement and waiver. Build a simple forecast total for each—then compare.
| Equipment | Typical basis | Indicative range |
|---|---|---|
| Mini excavator 1.7 t | Dry, per day | $250 – $400 |
| Excavator 5 t | Dry, per day | $400 – $650 |
| Excavator 20 t | Wet, per hour | $150 – $220 |
| Skid steer / posi-track | Dry, per day | $300 – $500 |
| Plate compactor | Per day | $80 – $140 |
| Smooth drum roller 10 t | Wet, per hour | $120 – $170 |
| Tandem tipper | Wet, per hour | $110 – $150 |
| Water cart 13 kL | Wet, per hour | $120 – $160 |
| Franna crane 20 t | Wet, per hour | $180 – $260 |
| All-terrain crane 50–60 t | Wet, per hour | $250 – $400 |
| Electric scissor lift 19 ft | Per day | $100 – $200 |
| Knuckle boom 45 ft | Per day | $350 – $600 |
| Forklift 2.5 t | Per week | $400 – $700 |
| Telehandler 14 m | Dry, per day | $400 – $700 |
| Generator 20 kVA | Per day | $100 – $180 |
Indicative only, compiled from typical published metro rates. Excludes transport, fuel, waivers and minimums. Regional and remote rates are commonly higher. Always obtain a written quote.
Common questions
How much does it cost to hire an excavator in Australia?
Roughly $250–$400 per day for a dry-hire mini excavator, $400–$650 per day for a 5 tonne machine, and $150–$220 per hour for a wet-hire 20 tonne excavator, plus transport and extras.
Is plant hire cheaper by the week?
Usually yes. Weekly rates are often 3–4 times the daily rate, making the effective daily cost much lower.
Do hire rates include GST?
Trade quotes are usually shown excluding GST. Confirm before comparing.
Why is transport so expensive?
Moving plant needs a float or tilt tray, a licensed driver, loading time and sometimes permits or escorts. On a one-day hire it can equal or exceed the hire rate.