The Ultimate Guide to Excavator Hire Geelong

Excavator Hire Geelong – Excavator Rental

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This article compares excavator hire options in Geelong, covering providers, typical rates, and key considerations.

Understanding Your Excavator Hire Options

Before comparing specific companies, it helps to know the two main hiring arrangements and the size categories commonly available in Geelong.

Dry Hire vs Wet Hire

Dry hire means you rent the machine only, without an operator. You are responsible for fuelling, transporting, and operating the equipment. Wet hire includes an operator who runs the excavator, often charged by the hour.

According to iSeekplant, typical wet hire rates in Geelong range from $100 to $200 per hour for standard excavators. Dry hire is generally cheaper per day but puts the responsibility on you. Proquip (PQRS) offers dry hire only, while many other Geelong providers offer either arrangement or do not specify, so always ask.

Mini Excavators vs Standard Machines

Mini excavators, typically under 6 tonnes, are popular for residential work, narrow access sites, and small-scale digging. Geelong hire companies offer sizes such as 0.8-tonne, 1.7-tonne, 2.5-tonne, 3.5-tonne, and 5.5-tonne models from brands like Kubota, Wacker Neuson, and Yanmar. Larger machines in the 8- to 35-tonne range are available for bigger projects, with Proquip listing CAT, Sumitomo, Komatsu, Kobelco, Volvo, Hitachi, Kubota, and Case brands. Choosing the right size depends on the depth, reach, and ground conditions you need to handle.

Excavator Hire Providers in Geelong

Several companies serve Geelong and surrounding areas. Below are the main providers from the research data, with their locations, range, and key details.

Belgrove Hire Geelong

Belgrove Hire offers excavators including a 0.8-tonne Kubota K008-3 at $275 per day, a 1.7-tonne Kubota U17-3 at $286 per day (which includes trailer hire), and a 4-tonne Kubota KX040 at $451 per day. They serve Geelong, the Surf Coast, and the Bellarine Peninsula.

Kerr’s Hire

Kerr’s Hire has three Geelong locations: North Geelong, Grovedale, and Ocean Grove. Their excavator fleet includes a 0.8-tonne Wacker Neuson 803, a 1.7-tonne Zero Tail EZ17 QH, a 2.7-tonne Zero Tail Wacker Neuson EZ26, and a 5-tonne Wacker Neuson. Contact them directly for pricing and availability.

Kennards Hire Geelong

The Kennards Hire branch in Geelong is at 12 Maxwell Avenue, Belmont VIC 3216. They can be reached on (03) 5247 3100 or by email at geelong@kennards.com.au. Trading hours are Monday to Friday 6:30AM to 5PM, Saturday 7AM to 4PM, and Sunday 8AM to 12PM. They are closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Check with the branch for their current excavator hire rates.

Proquip (PQRS)

Proquip offers dry hire of excavators across Geelong, Melbourne, Ballarat, Perth, Albury, and Wagga Wagga. Their range covers mini excavators from 1 to 8 tonnes and large excavators from 8 to 35 tonnes, plus 3D GPS and tilt hitch/slew machines. They list brands including CAT, Sumitomo, Komatsu, Kobelco, Volvo, Hitachi, Kubota, and Case. Proquip requires a quote request for pricing rather than publishing rates online.

Scoop Hire

Scoop Hire provides Kubota mini excavator hire with published daily rates: 0.8-tonne at $230, 1.7-tonne at $230, 2.5-tonne at $280, 3.5-tonne at $330, and 5.5-tonne at $420. They also have a Yanmar 10-tonne at $510 per day and a Kobelco 15-tonne at $600 per day. Scoop Hire can deliver across Melbourne metro and Geelong, or you can collect from Sunshine North, Geelong, or Woodend.

DiggerMate (Lara)

DiggerMate is based in Lara, just outside Geelong, and offers a 1.7-tonne mini excavator day hire starting at $229 (GST inclusive). This makes them one of the more affordable options for smaller digging tasks in the Geelong region.

Geelong Excavator Hire (Facebook)

A Facebook page named ‘Geelong Excavator Hire’ lists a 17G excavator (approximately 1.7-tonne) at $175 per day, with a five-day or 40-hour option at $700. Rates from social media sources may change quickly, so verify availability and terms directly before booking.

Typical Excavator Hire Rates in Geelong

Rates vary significantly depending on the provider, machine size, and whether transport is included. The table below compares daily rates for a 1.7-tonne mini excavator from several Geelong-area companies. Note that prices may change, so always confirm with the provider.

For larger machines, iSeekplant reports typical standard excavator hire costs in Geelong as $100 to $200 per hour for wet hire and $150 to $300 per hour for standard excavators (likely dry hire). These figures are marketplace averages, not guaranteed rates from a single provider.

Factors That Affect Excavator Hire Costs

Several variables influence the final price you pay for excavator hire in Geelong. Understanding these can help you compare quotes more effectively.

Machine Size and Hourly vs Daily Rates

Smaller machines are cheaper per day. A 0.8-tonne excavator from Scoop Hire costs $230 per day, while a 15-tonne Kobelco from the same company is $600 per day. If you need the machine for only a few hours, some providers may offer half-day or hourly rates, though few publish these. Hourly wet hire rates with an operator can add up quickly, as the $100 to $200 per hour range suggests. For longer projects, weekly or five-day discounts are sometimes available, such as the $700 for five days from the Geelong Excavator Hire Facebook listing.

Delivery and Trailer Inclusions

Delivery fees can add substantially to the total cost. Belgrove Hire’s $286 daily rate for a 1.7-tonne excavator includes a trailer, effectively bundling transport. Scoop Hire does not mention a trailer in their $230 rate, so you may need to arrange transport separately or pay for delivery. DiggerMate’s $229 rate appears to be collection only from Lara. Proquip and others usually quote delivery separately. Always ask whether the quoted price includes delivery to your Geelong site and collection afterwards.

Tips for Choosing an Excavator Hire Company

Start by identifying the machine size you need. For small trenching or digging in backyards, a 1.7-tonne mini excavator is versatile and affordable. For larger earthmoving, consider a 4- to 5-tonne machine or a bigger excavator through Proquip or Scoop Hire. Compare dry hire daily rates across multiple providers, but factor in transport costs.

If you do not have a ute or trailer, the all-inclusive rate from Belgrove Hire may work out cheaper than a lower rate plus delivery from another company. Check the condition of the equipment by reviewing customer feedback or visiting the depot. The research shows that buyers report that personal service and equipment condition matter.

For wet hire, ask whether the operator has experience with your specific type of work. Finally, confirm whether the rate includes GST and what insurance or bond is required. Most providers do not make these details public, so a quick phone call can clarify everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to hire an excavator in Geelong?

In Victoria, you generally need a White Card (construction induction) and, depending on the machine’s weight, a High Risk Work Licence for plant operation. For mini excavators under 1.5 tonnes, a licence may not be required, but each hire company sets its own policy. Always check with the provider before booking.

What is the cheapest excavator hire in Geelong?

Based on the research, the cheapest daily rates for a 1.7-tonne mini excavator appear to be from DiggerMate at $229 (GST incl.) for collection in Lara, and the Facebook listing at $175 per day. However, cheapest does not always mean best value if transport costs or machine reliability are factored in. Compare all-in costs including delivery.

Can I hire an excavator for a weekend in Geelong?

Some providers may offer weekend hire. Kennards Hire Geelong is open Saturday 7AM to 4PM and Sunday 8AM to 12PM, so you can collect Friday and return Monday. Other companies like Scoop Hire and Belgrove Hire may have different weekend policies. Contact them directly to ask about weekend rates and availability.

What sizes of excavators are commonly available for hire in Geelong?

Mini excavators from 0.8 tonnes to 5.5 tonnes are widely available through most providers. Larger machines up to 15 tonnes are offered by Scoop Hire, and Proquip provides excavators from 1 to 35 tonnes, including 3D GPS and tilt hitch models. The most common sizes for residential and small commercial work are 1.7 tonnes and 2.5 tonnes.

Whether you are digging footings, clearing land, or renovating a backyard, excavator hire in Geelong gives you access to professional equipment without a long-term commitment. Compare rates, confirm transport inclusions, and choose a provider that matches the size and hire type you need. For the latest pricing and availability, contact the companies directly, as rates and stock change regularly.