Mini excavator hire with operator
Take a mini excavator and skid steer on a trailer to jobs, and hire them out with you driving.
- A$40k-120k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A mobile plant hire business built around one or two compact machines, such as a mini excavator and a skid steer, carried on a trailer behind a ute. You turn up and operate the machine for the customer (wet hire).
Your first three steps
- Get operator training and a construction induction (White Card) if you do not already have them, and check what builders in your area ask for
- Price a good used machine, trailer and ute, and compare financing options against the likely hours you could book
- Introduce yourself to local landscapers, builders and concreters and offer a trial day rate
Who pays
Landscapers, builders, concreters, plumbers, farmers and homeowners with digging, trenching or levelling jobs.
How it makes money
Hourly or daily rate for machine and operator, plus float or transport fees. Attachments like augers and buckets can bring in extra hire income.
Skills that help
- Safe, competent machine operation
- Towing and loading plant
- Quoting and reliable scheduling
Watch out for
- Check your state's work health and safety rules and any required tickets or licences for the machines you operate
- Check your driver licence class and trailer rules for the combined weight of ute and trailer
- Insurance: public liability, plant and equipment cover, and risk of hitting underground services (check Dial Before You Dig)
- Machines are costly and lose time when broken down, so budget for servicing and repairs
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: mini excavator hire with operator
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mini excavator hire business in Australia?
Estimated startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $120,000, depending on the machines you buy, your ute and trailer setup, and insurance. Machines are costly and lose time when broken down, so budget for servicing and repairs as well.
How much can a mini excavator wet hire business earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $18,000, depending on how many hours you work and how much work you win. The estimate assumes at least about 20 hours a week. This is revenue, before machine, fuel and insurance costs.
Do I need a licence to operate a mini excavator in Australia?
Check your state's work health and safety rules and any tickets or licences required for the machines you operate. Also check your driver licence class and trailer rules for the combined ute and trailer weight, and your insurance, including cover for underground services.
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