How much does equipment hire cost?
Equipment hire in Australia ranges from $40–$150 per day for small tools and trailers up to $250–$550 per day for a mini excavator, or $700–$1,400 with an operator.
Typical price band
$380typical
standard job $250–$550
$40 low$1,400 high
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Real-world examples
Small tools or trailer$40 – $150
Mini excavator, dry hire$250 – $550
Machine with operator$700 – $1,400
What affects the price
— Equipment type & size. Rates climb steeply from hand tools to trailers to earthmoving machinery.
— Dry versus wet hire. Adding an operator roughly doubles the day rate but covers skill and liability.
— Hire duration. Weekly rates typically work out at three to four times the daily rate, not seven.
— Delivery & float fees. Machines need a float truck each way, often $100–$250 per trip.
— Waivers & extras. Damage waivers, fuel, attachments and cleaning fees add to the base rate.
Tips before you post
— If the job will take more than three days, ask for the weekly rate — it's usually far better value.
— Photograph the equipment condition at pickup and return to avoid damage disputes.
— If you've never run an excavator, wet hire often works out cheaper than a slow, rough DIY job.
Beyond the price: Hiring equipment: dry hire, wet hire and the fees people forget
Read the guide →Other costs in this category
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Indicative range only, not a quote. Get quotes from local tradies for an exact price. Last updated 13 July 2026.
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