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How to get excavator hire right for your project

earthworks and concreting services south east queensland
Excavators are easily one of the most common types of construction equipment you’ll find on project sites across Australia. Finding an excavator for hire isn’t usually a difficult process because they are so commonplace. However, finding the right one for you can get confusing – excavators come in many different shapes and sizes and fulfil many different functions.

It’s important to ensure that you hire the right excavator for the job the first time round to avoid spending precious time and money on a machine that doesn’t suit your project. Here are a few pointers on how to choose the right excavator for hire on your project.

What is the size and scope of the project?

The type of excavator that you need for your project is most heavily influenced by the size of the project, the type and amount of work that needs to be performed, and the available space at the project site to accommodate the excavator.

For a project expected to take a few weeks, you’ll probably need to hire a larger excavator. However, if you are organising a smaller a smaller job over a few days, a smaller excavator can still suit the job.

When work is being performed in or near a residential or urban area, a smaller excavator or mini excavator may be the most appropriate choice. In these areas, a larger excavator runs the risk of intruding on utility lines, power lines, and buildings.

What type of excavator do you need?

Excavators also come in different types, each suited for different types of projects. Here are a few of the most common types of excavators for hire out there:

Mini excavator

Mini excavators are basically just a smaller version of a standard excavator and have all the same features. They are ideal for tight access excavation jobs and are usually below 5.5 tonnes in size.

Standard excavator

After you’ve decided on the excavator you need for your project, you’ll also need to decide if you want to hire an operator along with it. Excavator wet hire will include a machine operator to perform the work you need done on your project. A skilled operator who is familiar with the excavator will be able to perform the work more efficiently and safely than someone who is not. However, excavator wet hire is also more expensive.

Excavator dry hire is essentially hiring only the machine, so you’ll have to operate it yourself or supply someone who can. This is usually cheaper option compared to wet hire. However, if you or your operators aren’t skilled enough to, the project may take longer, you may have to fork out even more to hire another operator yourself, and safety may become an issue.

Zero swing excavator

A zero-swing excavator is an excavator that has a body or cab that does not rotate. This means they can operate in extremely limited spaces without risking damage to surrounding structures.

Long reach excavator

A long reach excavator has an extended arm and boom, so it can perform work from a safe distance whenever the terrain – or the work – makes it unsafe for the operator to be too close.

Wet hire or dry hire?

After you’ve decided on the excavator you need for your project, you’ll also need to decide if you want to hire an operator along with it. Excavator wet hire will include a machine operator to perform the work you need done on your project. A skilled operator who is familiar with the excavator will be able to perform the work more efficiently and safely than someone who is not. However, excavator wet hire is also more expensive.

Excavator dry hire is essentially hiring only the machine, so you’ll have to operate it yourself or supply someone who can. This is usually cheaper option compared to wet hire. However, if you or your operators aren’t skilled enough to, the project may take longer, you may have to fork out even more to hire another operator yourself, and safety may become an issue.

We provide a range of excavators for hire across QLD and the NT

If you’re looking to wet hire or dry hire an excavator in Queensland or the Northern Territory, make the ADD Corporation your first choice. We offer a range of flexible hire options on our fleet of excavators. Contact our team today for an obligation free quote by calling (07) 5405 3649.

Contact Our Team Today

Get a free quote by filling out the online form below or speak with a member of our team now by calling (07) 5405 3649.