Excavator hire FAQs

Dry hire means you operate the excavator yourself. Digger2Hire supplies the confirmed machine and attachments, completes the handover and remains available by phone or SMS, but does not supply an operator.

Tell us your preferred dates, job suburb, what you need to do, approximate access width and whether you prefer delivery or collection. We may ask for photos or another measurement where that helps assess access or suitability.

No separate machine operator licence is required for this dry hire. You still need to operate safely and follow the supplied instructions. Approved customer collection also requires a current full open driver licence and a suitable towing arrangement.

Yes. Many customers are first-time operators. At handover we walk you through the controls, safety features and basic checks. Tell us about the job and access first so we can help assess whether the machine and dry-hire arrangement are suitable.

We sight your physical driver licence, record the machine and attachment condition, explain the controls, safety features and basic checks, complete the hire documents and take payment. The machine is released when those steps are complete.

Yes. Calls and SMS are welcome 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Brisbane customers deal directly with Frank and Northern Rivers and Tweed customers deal directly with Rick.

Current daily machine rates are $200 for the K008-3, $250 for the U17-3, $350 for the U25-3 and $500 for the ViO55-6B. Availability varies by location. Brisbane’s normal daily machine is the U17-3, while the wider fleet is normally based in Northern Rivers and Tweed. See our Pricing page for current details.

When comparing cheap mini excavator hire, look at the total hire cost, not just the machine-only headline rate. Digger2Hire’s advertised hire prices have no GST added, and included attachment packages do not attract separate daily attachment hire charges. You also get direct 24/7 phone support and flexible 24/7 delivery and collection by arrangement.

The $250 rate includes the U17-3 and the confirmed attachment package, with no separate daily hire charges for those included attachments. Brisbane includes three buckets, a ripper, Auger Torque X2000 drive with 300 mm and 450 mm augers, and a hydraulic rock grabber where suitable. Northern Rivers and Tweed U17 hires also include a sleeper grab. Delivery is separate.

No. Delivery and collection are separate from the daily machine rate. Standard return delivery and collection for eligible plant-trailer machines are $150 within approximately 20 km where applicable. Longer distances are quoted individually. The 5.5T ViO55-6B requires flatbed-truck transport and delivery is quoted based on the job location.

Call or SMS your local operator before the agreed return or collection time. An extension is not confirmed until we agree it with you, and it may affect the total hire price. Approved additional hire costs are payable at return. We do not provide credit accounts.

Yes. Delivery is the usual option where practical. Standard delivery and collection for eligible plant-trailer machines are $150 return within approximately 20 km where applicable, subject to safe access, scheduling and the confirmed service area. Longer distances can be quoted individually. The 5.5T ViO55-6B requires flatbed-truck transport and delivery is quoted based on the job location.

Yes. Flexible delivery and collection can be arranged 24 hours a day for the confirmed hire where practical. Call or SMS your local operator 24/7 to discuss the job, timing and site access.

Approved customer collection may be available by appointment from Cannon Hill for Brisbane hires or Tweed Heads for Northern Rivers and Tweed hires on eligible plant-trailer machines. We confirm the machine, trailer, driver and towing arrangement before collection is approved. The 5.5T ViO55-6B requires flatbed-truck delivery and cannot be customer collected.

For approved customer collection, the K008-3 and U17-3 require a tow vehicle rated to at least 2,500 kg braked towing capacity; the U25-3 requires at least 3,500 kg. You also need a compatible functioning electric brake controller, a current full open driver licence and a comprehensively insured tow vehicle. We confirm the exact machine, trailer, vehicle and collection arrangement before approval. The 5.5T ViO55-6B cannot be customer collected.

Normally no. Digger2Hire usually retains the plant trailer during delivered hires unless another arrangement is agreed beforehand.

No standard 4 pm depot deadline applies. Delivery, customer return or Digger2Hire collection times are agreed when the hire is confirmed. Flexible after-hours arrangements can be made where practical.

Brisbane’s normal daily machine is the 1.7T Kubota U17-3. The K008-3 and U25-3 are normally based in Northern Rivers and Tweed but may suit selected mid-term or longer-term Brisbane arrangements. Northern Rivers and Tweed normally offers the K008-3, U17-3, U25-3 and ViO55-6B. The ViO55-6B is not a normal Brisbane machine.

Attachments vary by machine and location. The confirmed package is included in the listed daily rate without separate daily attachment hire charges. See Equipment and Attachments for the current packages.

The U17-3 and U25-3 packages include an Auger Torque drive with 300 mm and 450 mm augers and a hydraulic rock grabber where suitable for the confirmed hire. Availability varies by machine and location, so tell us what you need to drill or move before booking.

Start with the job, access width, required digging depth or reach and available working room. The U17-3 is the normal all-rounder, the K008-3 suits exceptionally tight access, and the U25-3 and ViO55-6B suit larger work where access allows. Availability varies by location. See our machine size guide or call or SMS us with the job details.

It depends on the machine and the whole access route. The U17-3 retracts to approximately 990 mm wide and the Northern Rivers and Tweed K008-3 retracts to approximately 700 mm. Larger machines need more room. Measure posts, walls, turns, eaves, slopes and ground conditions as well as the gate opening. Send measurements or useful photos if you are unsure.

Digging depth varies by machine and configuration. Use the relevant machine page for the published guide figures, then tell us about the trench, footing or excavation so we can help assess suitability.

We confirm the required fuel type and return fuel level for your particular hire before handover. Use only the correct fuel and call us before refuelling if you are unsure.

Remove excessive mud and rubbish and return the machine reasonably clean so its condition can be checked properly. Make sure every attachment, pin, key and supplied item is returned with it.

Your delivery, customer-return or Digger2Hire collection time is agreed for the hire. Call or SMS before that time if your plans change.

Stop using the machine where it is safe to do so and call or SMS Digger2Hire before continuing. Do not attempt repairs unless Digger2Hire has approved them.