The Excavator is a powerful piece of equipment that is very useful for most landscaping and construction projects. Construction site preparation, trench digging, or landscape levelling are examples of tasks that can be completed using an excavator.

In the case of Melbourne VIC, what is the hourly cost to hire excavator? We will explain this so you can maximize your investments and plan appropriately.

1. Components Related Cost to Hire Excavator

1.1 Type and Size of Excavators

The hire price may differ based on the type or size of excavators. A mini excavator is suitable for smaller, simpler projects. It costs less to hire than larger machines used for bigger construction jobs. Here’s a quick summary:

It is cheaper to hire mini excavators (1-5 tonnes) if you want them for tight spaces or residential projects.

Medium-sized (6-20 tonnes) excavators are best suited for intermediate-level constructions.

Large excavators (21+ tonnes) are reserved for heavy industry works.

1.2 Duration of Hire

Your choice of excavator also dictates the cost to a degree. Intuitively, day-long or week-long hires offer increased value relative to an hourly rate. Consideration must also be made for partially completed tasks, as in the case of two-hour jobs, which get billed on an hourly basis and prove more costly than multi-day hires.

1.3 Attachments and Extras 

Excavators have optional extra tools like buckets, augers, and rock breakers, which sharpen their functionality but cost more. If your project requires specific add-ons, make sure this is factored within your budget.

1.4 Operator Fees 

Some businesses add extra fees for hiring workers. These workers operate equipment and vehicles like excavators. They charge an hourly rate on a pay-as-you-go basis. This can often be the safest and most efficient choice if you do not possess heavy machinery operating experience, albeit at a premium cost.

2. Typical Cost To Hire Excavator in Melbourne

2.1 Hourly Rates 

Expect to pay anywhere between $90–$150 per hour for mini excavators; larger units can go up to $250 p/h or even beyond. These prices often cover fuel costs and routine servicing but disregard add-on charges, including attachments and operator fees.

2.2 Daily and Weekly Rates 

Mini Excavators: Approx daily rates are $300-$500 while weekly estimates stand at $1200-$1800

Medium-sized excavators: heard higher price listings with approx 600-900 per day, setting them in the range of 2500-4000 weekly

Large Excavators: For heavy-duty models, pricing starts at $1,000 and can reach up to $6,000 per week.

You are more likely to get price benefits when hiring equipment for a longer duration of time. Make an effort to negotiate better deals if your project spans several days or weeks.

3. Is An Operator Included in The Cost?

In Melbourne, excavator hire companies have different rules about including operators with the machine hire. Some include the operator in the cost, while others charge separately. Operators are charged anywhere between $40 to $100 per hour based on experience and project difficulty. Although this charge may feel burdensome upfront, employing an operator guarantees optimal safety and efficiency while getting the job done.

4. Wet or Dry Hire – Which One Should You Pick?

4.1 Wet Hire Definition

Wet hire is when you are provided with both the excavator and an operator. This is best for you if you do not want to deal with operating the machinery personally or when you want speedy and quality work.

4.2 Dry Hire Definition

In this case, only the machinery is rented. No operators are provided. This option is cheaper but puts more responsibility on you.

As a driver, you must operate the excavator yourself. In addition to these tasks, handling fuel as well as minor maintenance duties may also be required.

4.3 Cost Analysis  

Wet Hire: This type of hire is always more costly due to additional pricing for the operator of around $50-$100 per hour.  

Dry Hire: Dry hires seem cheaper at first, but they have hidden costs. You need knowledge of operations and extra time for set-up work.  

5. Suggestions for Reducing Excavator Hire Expenses  

5.1 Schedule In Advance  

Reserving equipment during slower periods yields greater discounts, especially when booking in advance.  

5.2 Bundle Your Packages  

Contracting various pieces of equipment from a single provider may qualify you for bundled service discounts.

5.3 Prefer Local Suppliers  

Compared to multinational companies, local suppliers tend to have more favourable pricing as well as lower transportation costs within Melbourne.

5.4 Do It Yourself? Self Evaluation vs Hiring Professionals  

Determine your true capabilities before making a decision. While professional operators add to dry hire expenses, their speed often offsets these additional charges, providing a net savings on the final bill.

6. Excator Rental Companies Located in Melbourne  

Melbourne is home to countless hire firms leasing excavators at competitive prices, with some of the better-known providers being: 

Greenoak Plant Hire – A company recognized for its reputation stemming from having flexible terms and a wide variety of equipment.

Kennards Hire – Has specialized attachment options alongside excavator rentals offering tailored solutions.

Coates Hire– One of Australia’s leading rental companies with an extensive network in Melbourne as one of their primary markets

7. Additional Charges You Need to Be Aware Of  

7.1 Delivery Charges  

Most hire companies charge a separate fee to bring the excavator to you. This fee ranges from $50 to $200, depending on where you are located.  

7.2 Insurance  

Investigate if there is any insurance offered in your hire package. If there isn’t, you may need to bear additional financial burdens to cover damages or loss associated with the equipment.

7.3 Fuel Charges  

Since excavators are fuel-intensive pieces of machinery, make sure that you double-check whether fuel is incorporated within the hire cost or is charged separately.

7.4 Cleaning Fees  

Ensuring that the hired equipment is returned in clean condition is often mandated by the rental agreement. For machines that are excessively dirty beyond everyday use, cleaning fees can be charged.

Conclusion  

The cost to hire excavator in Melbourne, VIC, varies. It depends on the size of the machine, how long you need it, and if an operator is included. Typically, most companies charge between $90-$250 per hour, while extra attachments, fuel and transport fees also increase this rate.

To avert these expenses, planning and bundling orders paired with comparing quotes from local providers will result in lower overall prices without sacrificing service standards.

Lastly, while personal operators may have higher direct costs due to increased hire rates, they can save time and reduce risks. Their help is valuable during long operations. They use their expertise after initial overhauls and throughout later project stages.

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