Excavators are among the most-rented pieces of heavy construction equipment in the country. Whether you're digging a foundation, clearing land, or trenching for utilities, knowing what you'll pay before you call a rental yard saves time and puts you in a better negotiating position.
Excavator Rental Cost by Size
Excavator rental rates are primarily determined by machine size (measured in operating weight or horsepower):
Mini Excavators (1–6 tons)
Mini excavators — also called compact excavators — are the most popular rental category. They're easy to transport on a standard trailer and fit in confined spaces.
| Size | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | |------|-------|--------|---------| | 1–2 ton (micro) | $250–$350 | $700–$1,000 | $1,800–$2,800 | | 3–4 ton | $350–$500 | $1,000–$1,500 | $2,500–$3,800 | | 5–6 ton | $450–$650 | $1,300–$1,900 | $3,200–$5,000 |
Mid-Size Excavators (7–20 tons)
Used for larger site work, commercial foundations, and deep trenching projects.
| Size | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | |------|-------|--------|---------| | 7–10 ton | $700–$1,000 | $2,000–$3,000 | $5,500–$8,000 | | 12–16 ton | $950–$1,400 | $2,800–$4,200 | $7,500–$11,000 | | 17–20 ton | $1,200–$1,800 | $3,500–$5,500 | $9,500–$14,000 |
Large Excavators (21–50+ tons)
Required for heavy mining, highway construction, or large-scale earthmoving.
| Size | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | |------|-------|--------|---------| | 21–30 ton | $1,500–$2,500 | $4,500–$7,500 | $12,000–$20,000 | | 30–50 ton | $2,500–$4,000 | $7,500–$12,000 | $20,000–$35,000 |
Rates are national averages. Your local market, fuel costs, and machine age all affect final pricing.
What's Typically Included in the Rental Rate
Most excavator rentals include:
- Standard bucket attachment
- Full fuel tank (you return it full)
- Basic liability coverage (not damage waiver)
- Delivery within a certain radius (confirm with the rental company)
Not usually included:
- Specialty attachments (auger, breaker, tilt bucket) — add $50–$250/day
- Transportation beyond the free delivery zone
- Operator insurance or liability coverage above a certain amount
- Fuel (you are typically responsible)
Additional Costs to Budget For
Delivery and Pickup
Transporting an excavator requires a lowboy trailer and a CDL driver. Expect $150–$600 each way depending on distance and machine size. Some rental companies include free delivery within 25–50 miles.
Damage Waiver
Most companies offer an optional damage waiver for 10–15% of the daily rate. This covers accidental damage not caused by negligence. It's often worth purchasing unless your insurance policy explicitly covers rented equipment.
Fuel
Excavators run on diesel. A 5-ton mini excavator burns roughly 3–5 gallons/hour under load. At $4/gallon, that's $12–$20/hour in fuel costs. Budget accordingly.
Operator Costs
If you don't have a qualified operator, rental companies can sometimes refer you to operators, or you can hire through local staffing agencies that specialize in heavy equipment operators (typically $40–$80/hour).
How to Get the Best Rental Price
- Get at least three quotes. Prices vary significantly between rental companies, especially for weekly and monthly jobs.
- Ask about package deals. Some companies discount 10–20% if you rent multiple pieces of equipment.
- Rent mid-week or off-season. Rates are often lower Tuesday–Thursday and during slower winter months.
- Negotiate on longer rentals. Monthly rates are flexible — don't accept the listed price without asking for a discount on anything over three weeks.
- Check for fuel pre-purchase options. Some rental companies offer prepaid fuel at below-pump rates.
What to Check Before You Sign
- Confirm the machine's hour meter reading at pickup and return
- Inspect all hydraulic lines, teeth, and undercarriage components
- Note any existing damage on the rental contract before leaving the yard
- Ask about the 24/7 breakdown policy — reputable companies replace or repair machines within hours
Find an Excavator Rental Near You
Browse our directory to find rental companies in your area with excavator availability. Filter by state or city to compare local providers and request quotes.