What to Consider Before Hiring an Excavator for Your Project

Hiring an excavator can make short work of everything from landscaping and trenching to preparing foundations or clearing land. But before you dive into the hiring process, several important factors must be weighed. Whether you’re a homeowner reshaping your backyard, a builder prepping a site, or a farmer managing seasonal tasks, excavator hire can be a time-saving, cost-effective solution—when done right.

Let’s explore the key considerations that ensure your project stays on track, on time, and budget.

Understand Why Hiring is More Practical Than Buying

Buying an excavator might be appealing for those managing regular large-scale projects, but for most, it’s unnecessary and expensive. Hiring gives you access to well-maintained, job-ready equipment without the long-term commitment or overhead of ownership.

• Avoids the high upfront purchase cost
• No ongoing maintenance, storage, or registration fees
• Flexible hire periods tailored to project duration
• Access to modern, regularly serviced machines
• Ideal for short-term, seasonal, or once-off projects



Hiring also gives you the ability to switch between machine sizes or attachments depending on the job—something ownership doesn’t easily allow.

Match Excavator Size to the Scope of Work

Excavators come in various sizes, from mini models suited to tight spaces to large earthmovers for serious commercial or rural work. Choosing the wrong size can affect access, fuel costs, or the duration of your job.

• Mini excavators: Perfect for backyard work, pool digs, and small trenching jobs
• Medium excavators: Great for driveways, house pads, and moderate-scale site prep
• Large excavators: Better suited to open paddocks, land clearing, or deep digging tasks



Understanding what needs to be done—and where—helps you avoid overkill or underperformance on site.

Think About Attachments That Suit Your Project

Excavators can be more than just digging machines. With the right attachments, you can complete various tasks without switching equipment. Consider what extras will make your job faster, cleaner, or more precise.

• Buckets: Choose different sizes for trenching, digging, or bulk earthmoving
• Augers: Ideal for fence posts, footings, or planting work
• Rock breakers: Break up tough ground, concrete slabs, or compacted soil
• Grabs: Useful for removing debris, green waste, or tree stumps



Attachments increase the versatility of your hire, so it’s worth factoring them into your planning.

Evaluate the Operator Option: Dry Hire vs Wet Hire

Hiring an excavator doesn’t always include someone to operate it. Depending on your experience, budget, and timeframe, you’ll need to decide whether dry hire (machine only) or wet hire (machine + operator) is the right fit.

• Dry hire: Suitable if you’re licensed and confident operating the equipment
• Wet hire: Best for those without experience, or if you want to speed things up
• Wet hire also adds peace of mind, knowing a trained operator manages risk on your behalf.



It’s also worth checking licensing or insurance requirements for whoever will be in the driver’s seat.

Review Site Access & Terrain Constraints

Before the machine arrives, take a good look at the physical space available. Access limitations and ground conditions can dictate the appropriate size and type of excavator.

• Are there narrow gates or tight turning areas?
• Is the ground firm, sloped, or uneven?
• Are there overhead powerlines, trees, or structures to navigate?
• Will the soil type (sandy, clay, rocky) affect traction or digging efficiency?



Discussing these points upfront helps you choose the most suitable model and avoid delays or damage on delivery.

Account for Safety Standards & Obligations

Excavators might look straightforward, but they carry significant risks if used improperly. Whether your project is residential, rural, or commercial, safety isn’t optional—it’s a legal and practical necessity. Machines of this size and power require careful handling, and any oversights can result in serious injury, property damage, or costly delays.

Before you begin, ensure you’re across your obligations and best practices:

• Only licensed or competent operators should use machinery
• Hiring companies should provide well-maintained, compliant machines
• Attachments must be properly secured and appropriate for the task
• Always check for underground utilities before digging
• Use appropriate PPE, signage, and exclusion zones on-site



A safety-first mindset ensures smoother project delivery and reduces liability for all involved.

Plan Hire Duration Realistically

One overlooked aspect of excavator hire is how long you’ll need the machine. It’s easy to assume that a small trench or hole will only take a day or two, but delays are common—especially with unexpected weather, tough ground conditions, or changing project requirements. Being overly optimistic with your hire period can lead to additional delivery costs, availability issues, or the stress of rushing work to avoid penalties.

• Estimate how many days the job will likely take
• Add buffer days for rain or unexpected delays
• Consider if weekend access is needed
• Ask if flexible hire terms or extensions are available
• Booking longer terms can often reduce daily rates



Starting with a realistic timeline means you’re not rushed or facing return penalties later.

Choose a Hire Company That Offers Ongoing Support

Not all hire services are equal. The right provider will offer more than just a machine—they’ll offer advice, backup, and reliability. You want peace of mind knowing that help isn’t far away if anything goes wrong.

• Do they offer delivery and pickup options?
• Are their machines regularly serviced and presented clean?
• Can they recommend attachments or machine sizes for your job?
• Do they provide backup support in case of breakdowns?
• Are staff knowledgeable and responsive to questions?



Choosing a provider that supports you from booking to completion means less stress and better project outcomes.

Book Your Excavator Hire in Dubbo with Confidence

At Dubbo HardCore Soils & Earthmoving, we take the guesswork out of equipment hire. Our range of excavators and attachments is tailored for everything from backyard improvements to major site works. Whether you need a mini machine for tight access or a powerful digger with an experienced operator, we’ve got the right option ready for your project.

Visit us to view our full range of hire equipment and learn more about how we can support your next project. Give us a call or get in touch through our contact page to book your excavator hire today.