Excavators

Excavator For Rent

When taking on a construction, landscaping or digging project requiring an excavator for rent is typically the most wallet-friendly choice. Rather than investing in purchasing your own excavator, which carries a steep upfront price tag, renting allows access to the ideal excavator while avoiding huge capital costs. Excavator rentals provide optimal equipment for projects small and large. Mini excavators tackle residential jobs, whereas medium and large excavators power major commercial developments. Regardless of the project size, excavator rental delivers cost savings and convenience when excavation work is required.

What Sizes Of Excavators Can Be Rented?

Excavators differ greatly in the size and capacity of the drilling depth. Here are some of the common sizes available for rent:.

• Mini Excavator Rental. Mini excavators weigh under 10,000 pounds and are ideal for landscaping, small construction jobs, and working in tight spaces. They have digging depths around 10-15 feet. Mini excavators are more maneuverable than their full-sized counterparts. Rental rates typically range from $200-$300 per day.
• Medium size excavators for rent. Medium-sized excavators weigh between 10,000 and 40,000 pounds. They work well for residential construction, utility work, and some commercial jobs. Digging depth capacity averages 15-20 feet. Rental rates for medium-sized excavators are around $350-$500 per day.
• Rental of large size excavators. Large excavators weigh over 40,000 pounds and have digging depths over 20 feet. They are built for big commercial construction jobs, mining, demolition, and working with heavy materials. Large excavator rentals range from $500-$800 per day.

What kind of work are excavators used for?

Excavators are extremely versatile pieces of machinery used for various types of digging and earth moving work:

• Landscaping projects like trenching, grading, and digging ponds
• Constructing building foundations
• Underground utility installation - sewers, water lines, electrical
• Heavy demolition work
• Mining raw materials
• Forestry work like uprooting stumps
• Digging holes for posts, signs or fences
• Removing debris, dirt or rocks from a site

With different bucket attachments, excavators can scoop, grab, hammer and more making them useful for all sorts of industrial and construction jobs.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Backhoe

A backhoe is one of the most popular types of excavators to rent. Backhoes have a bucket on the front and a small backhoe arm in back for digging in confined spaces. Backhoe rental rates are very reasonable, often close to mini excavator prices. You can expect to pay around $200 - $400 per day to rent a backhoe, depending on its size and capabilities. Week-long backhoe rentals may range from $1,000 - $2,000 in total. Just remember to factor in costs like delivery fees and damage waivers too. Checking excavator rental rates near your location is the best way to get an accurate quote. Prices can vary across different rental companies as well. With some shopping around, you can find an affordable backhoe rental for your upcoming digging project.

FAQ

Things to Consider When Renting an Excavator

There are a few key things you’ll want to keep in mind as you shop for an excavator rental:

• Delivery fees. Most rental companies offer delivery and pick-up services for an added fee. This is highly convenient and ensures the equipment shows up ready to work. Delivery/pick-up fees for mini excavators typically start around $100 each way within 25 miles. Bigger excavators have higher delivery costs.
• Operator training. Operating an excavator takes skill and precision. If you’ve never used one before, rental companies usually offer basic operating training to ensure safety and prevent damage. There’s typically an additional fee for training, ranging from $100 to $300 per day.
• Fuel costs. The majority of excavator rentals do not include the cost of fuel to run them. You’ll need to either pay for a full service rental with fuel or factor in fuel expenses to your project’s budget. Most mini excavators use regular diesel or gasoline. Bigger machines use high efficiency diesel.
• Site preparation. Be sure to have your work site cleared and prepared before the excavator shows up. Remove debris, brush and any compounds that could damage the machine. The rental company can provide a checklist of requirements to ensure optimal working conditions. Many mini excavators can fit through backyard gates, but larger models need a clear, spacious path.

Safety Tips for Excavator Operation

Operating heavy excavation machinery requires proper safety precautions:

• Wear close-fitting clothes to prevent being caught in moving parts.
• Use protective eye gear, gloves, hardhat, and boots.
• Check for underground utilities before digging.
• Maintain a safe distance from power lines.
• Ensure the machine is on solid, stable ground.
• Allow a compacting buffer around trenches to prevent collapse.
• Only lift approved loads within the excavator’s limits.
• Following basic operating guidelines, safety rules, and common sense will lead to a smooth experience renting an excavator.

Tips To Save Money on Excavator Rentals.

Here are some smart tips for keeping excavator rental costs low:

• Rent for a full week to get a lower daily rate.
• Avoid weekend rentals which can cost more.
• Split costs with other workers on the job site.
• Look for off-season discounts in winter months.
• Opt for a mini excavator which has cheaper rental fees.
• Find coupons from websites like RetailMeNot and Groupon.
• Purchase damage waiver from your own insurance provider instead of the rental company.
• Buy the fuel yourself instead of paying higher full-service fees.
• See if the rental company offers free delivery within certain mileage radius.

Being flexible with your dates, sizing down equipment if possible, and utilizing available discounts are great ways to pay less for an excavator rental.

Excavator Features to Look For

With so many makes, models, and sizes of excavators available, it can be tricky to determine what features serve your needs best. Here are some key things to consider:

• Digging Depth. Make sure to select an excavator with adequate digging depth capacity for your project. Mini excavators offer 10-15 feet, while larger models can dig down well beyond 20 feet. Know your required digging parameters before renting.
• Bucket Size. Most excavators come equipped with buckets sized from 12 inches up to 36 inches wide. Having a properly sized bucket to hold necessary debris or material is important for efficiency. If need be, ask if larger specialty buckets are available.
• Swing Radius. The swing describes the working range of excavator’s cab rotation. A smaller radius restricts how much you can maneuver, while larger degrees of swing allow you to reach materials further away from the tracks/tires.
• Tracks vs Wheels. Tracked excavators distribute weight better and provide more traction, especially in muddy conditions. Wheeled models offer faster movement speeds and are better for pavement or firm ground. Consider your surface conditions before choosing tracks or wheels.
• Adjustable Boom Length. Some high end excavators have booms that can extend outward for added versatility. An adjustable boom gives you broader reach for digging, lifting or dumping ability.
• Safety Certifications. Verify that any rental excavator has ROPs (roll-over protection) and FOPS (falling object protection) to guard the operator cab from accidents or debris. Newer models also have advanced LCD displays showing critical engine & equipment stats. Don’t compromise when it comes to safety shields and visibility.

Choosing an excavator with the right combination of digging power, lift capacity, and mobility will help ensure your project’s success! Let the rental company know exactly what features you need.

Questions to Ask When Renting an Excavator

Renting the right excavator for your job starts with asking the right questions upfront. Here are some important things to inquire about:

• What is your daily and weekly rental rate?

Rates can vary quite a bit, so collect quotes from 3-4 rental companies before deciding. Inquire if they offer longer term discounts.

• What size excavator do you recommend for my project?

Explain your specific needs and soil conditions, and let them suggest the ideal type and size of excavator.

• What attachments are included?

Most rentals include a standard bucket, but other useful attachments like hammers or augers might carry additional rental fees.

• How much is your damage waiver policy?

Adding a damage waiver takes away liability if the excavator gets scratched, dented or damaged while rented. Fees are often 10-15% of the rental rate.

• Do you offer delivery, pick-up and operating training?

Get full pricing for any auxiliary services you'll require.

• What safety gear do you provide?

Helmets, hi-viz vests, gloves and other safety equipment should come standard with the rental.

• What requirements do you have for site access?

Make sure you prepare the site properly before delivery with enough space, clearance and level ground surface.

• What fluids need to be replenished?

You'll likely need to refill the fuel tank and engine fluids once the job is done. Asking the right questions upfront ensures you get an excavator well-suited to the job and avoid any hidden charges or fees down the road.