Wet hire means the machine comes with an operator (usually charged hourly with a minimum); dry hire means you hire the machine only and supply a competent operator (usually charged daily or weekly). Wet hire suits short, specialised or high-risk work; dry hire suits longer jobs where you have skilled operators and can manage daily checks, fuel and insurance.
Wet hire
The machine arrives with an operator. It suits specialist work (cranes, graders, trimming to level), short programmes and teams that want productivity and machine knowledge packaged together.
The supplier normally carries operator competency, and often machine insurance, while the machine is operated by their employee—confirm this in writing.
Dry hire
You supply the operator. It works well when your team holds the right competencies, knows the site and can manage daily pre-start checks, greasing, fuel and safe operation.
You usually take on responsibility for damage, theft and misuse while the machine is on hire, so check your insurance and the damage waiver on offer.
Compare the whole job
Ask about minimum hours, travel, mobilisation, standby, fuel, damage waivers and attachment charges. Compare the forecast total, not a single headline rate.
| Factor | Wet hire | Dry hire |
|---|---|---|
| Operator | Supplied by hire company | You supply a competent operator |
| Typical charge | Per hour, with minimum | Per day, week or month |
| Fuel | Often extra or included—confirm | Usually your responsibility |
| Damage risk | Largely with supplier (confirm) | Largely with hirer |
| Best for | Specialist, short or technical work | Longer hires with in-house operators |
Common questions
What does wet hire include?
Wet hire normally includes the plant and an operator. Fuel, travel, overtime, attachments and minimum hours vary by supplier and should be confirmed.
Can I combine wet and dry hire?
Yes. Projects often use operated specialist plant alongside dry-hired general equipment when the team has the right capability.
Is dry hire cheaper?
The rate is lower, but you pay for your own operator, fuel, and damage risk. For short or specialised jobs, wet hire is often cheaper overall.