Disclaimer: All costs and prices mentioned in this guide were sourced at the time of writing and should be used as estimates. The provided prices and information are subject to change and may vary depending on location and other factors. It is advisable to consult local sources and professionals for the most up-to-date and accurate details.

Picking the right machinery can either make or break operations in mining or civil projects in Western Australia. But how much should you expect to pay in 2025? We’ve put together this practical guide to help you budget for machinery rental in WA’s mining, civil, and earthmoving industries.

This is an overview of heavy equipment and machinery rental costs in 2025, factors affecting pricing, and tips for choosing the right equipment for your project.

Why Hire Instead of Buy?

Heavy machinery is a major investment, and purchasing outright isn’t always practical—especially when projects vary in scope and duration. Renting equipment allows businesses to access the latest models without the massive upfront costs and reduces maintenance and storage hassles. It also offers flexibility, meaning you can upsize or downsize your fleet as needed.

Average Heavy Equipment Rental Prices in 2025

Rental prices can vary based on the machine’s size, brand, condition, and whether wet (with operator) or dry hire (without operator) is required. Below is an approximate price range for common machinery used across WA mine sites and civil projects:

1. Excavators

• 20–30 Tonne Excavator: $80–$150 per hour
• 30–50 Tonne Excavator: $120–$250 per hour
• Large Mining Excavators (100+ Tonne): $300–$600 per hour

2. Dozers

• Small Dozer (D5–D6 size): $100–$180 per hour
• Medium Dozer (D7–D8 size): $180–$300 per hour
• Large Dozer (D9–D11 size): $400–$700 per hour

3. Graders

• 12H-14M graders (civil & earthworks use): $130 - $200 per hour
• 16M-24M graders (mining applications): $300 - $500 per hour

4. Dump Trucks & Haul Trucks

• 40-50 tonne articulated dump trucks: $150 - $250 per hour
• 100+ tonne rigid haul trucks (mining spec): $500 - $900 per hour

5. Wheel Loaders

• Small Loader (Up to 3m³ bucket capacity): $90–$150 per hour
• Medium Loader (3m³–5m³ bucket capacity): $150–$300 per hour
• Large Loader (5m³+ bucket capacity): $350–$600 per hour

6. Dump Trucks

• Rigid Dump Truck (30–50 tonne capacity): $150–$300 per hour
• Rigid Dump Truck (100+ tonne capacity): $400–$800 per hour
• Articulated Dump Truck (20–50 tonne capacity): $120–$250 per hour

7. Water Carts

• 10,000L–20,000L Capacity: $90–$180 per hour
• 30,000L + Capacity (Mine-spec water carts): $250–$400 per hour
• 50,000L + (mining dust suppression): $300 - $600 per hour

8. Compactors & Rollers

• Padfoot & Smooth Drum Rollers (10–15 tonne): $90–$200 per hour
• Heavy-Duty Compactors (15+ tonne): $200–$350 per hour

9. Crushing & Screening Equipment

• Jaw Crushers: $300–$700 per hour / $5,000 - $12,000 per week
• Cone Crushers: $400–$900 per hour / $6,000 - $15,000 per week
• Screening Plants: $250–$600 per hour

Whether you're looking to rent excavators, dozers, graders, or dump trucks, understanding current rental rates can help you budget effectively and make informed decisions.

Factors Affecting Rental Prices

Several factors influence the cost of renting heavy equipment:

• Wet vs. Dry Hire – Renting with an operator (wet hire) is more expensive than dry hire. Operators typically cost $50–$150 per hour, depending on skill level and machine type.
• Rental Duration – Long-term rentals (monthly or annual) often come at discounted rates compared to short-term or daily hire.
• Machine Size & Specification – Larger, high-capacity machines and specialised equipment (mine-spec machinery) cost significantly more.
• Location & Logistics – Remote sites (e.g., Pilbara, Goldfields) incur higher transport and mobilisation fees (typically $500–$5,000, depending on distance and machine size).
• Fuel & Maintenance – Some rental companies include fuel and servicing in the rate, while others require customers to cover these costs.
• Mining Compliance & Safety Features – Machines with advanced safety features (e.g., collision avoidance systems and fatigue monitoring) often come at premium rates.
• Seasonal Demand – Peak mining and civil project seasons can drive up prices, so planning ahead helps secure better deals.

Cost-Saving Tips for Renting Heavy Equipment

• Compare Quotes – Prices vary between plant and machinery rental providers. Get multiple quotes to secure the best deal.
• Consider Long-Term Rentals – If you need equipment for months, negotiate a fixed-term contract for lower rates.
• Check for Package Deals – Some companies offer bundled pricing for multiple machines or fleet rentals.
• Review Mobilisation Costs – Factor in transport fees, especially for remote mine sites.
• Choose the Right Machine for the Job – Over-specifying a machine can result in higher rental costs than necessary.
• Opt for Dry Hire If Possible – If your team has licensed operators, renting without an operator (dry hire) can save 30–50% in labour costs.

Finding the Right Equipment Hire Provider

WA is home to many well-established equipment and machinery hire companies catering to the mining and civil industries. When comparing providers, consider:

• Fleet availability & condition – Newer models can improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Support & servicing – On-site maintenance options can prevent costly delays.
• Flexibility – Look for companies that offer tailored hire agreements to suit your project’s needs.

Here are some of WA’s trusted providers of plant and equipment hire:

Desert Sands Cartage Contractors Desert Sands Cartage Contractors has heavy machinery like semi-drop decks, front-end loaders, and dozers available for hire. These equipment are fortified for safe hauling and transport anywhere in Western Australia. We also have professional and licensed drivers and operators to do the job. If you’re looking for interstate haulage or any heavy-duty transport…Read more

Versatile Plant Hire & Contracting Pty Ltd VPHC has a fleet of over 40 machines and heavy vehicles, enough to cover any earthmoving task our customers require. We have an impressive fleet comprising dozers, bobcats, positracks, 25T excavators, and more. Our range of machines is available for hire, either with our skilled and experienced operators or for your use. Plus, we can…Read more

Saltbush Contracting Saltbush Contracting has a diverse range of equipment for hire, like wheel loaders and tool carriers, skid steers, excavators, rock breakers, rollers, dozers, crushing and screening plants, rigid tip trucks, dump trucks, graders, service trucks, water carts, general freight road trains, side tipping on-road and off-road road trains, drop decks & low…Read more

Blue Roc Drilling Blue Roc Drilling operates in a well-maintained engineering workshop, enabling research and development to be carried out on an ongoing basis. Our rigs are also well-maintained and fitted with emergency shut-off switches and safety cages. Visit Blue Roc Drilling's business page and get to learn more about us now…Read more

Caper Group Pty Ltd Caper Group Pty Ltd is your go-to source for quality hire contractors, machinery, and equipment in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, supporting your construction and mining projects with a wide range of reliable tools. Our equipment includes advanced thermal imaging cameras, robust excavators, powerful 11,000L vacuum trucks, versatile skid steers…Read more

Vetters Contracting When wanting reliable machinery for your business, make your first call to the pros at Vetters Contracting. Besides offering high-quality equipment for hire, we also provide excellent service and support. We provide unparalleled quotes and follow through with honesty, reliability and integrity. Rest assured, our team will assist you in selecting the best mining…Read more

Power Torque Engineering Power Torque Engineering can provide backup power with our reliable generator hire service, which is cheaper than buying your own generator and easier than setting up solar panels. We deliver trailer-mounted, fully serviced generators ready to go - no need for you to spend hours trying to figure it all out. Our team of experts will also be on hand…Read more

Final Thoughts

Renting heavy machinery is a cost-effective way to manage projects in mining, civil, and earthmoving industries in Western Australia. However, rental prices vary based on machine type, project location, and hire duration. By understanding the 2025 pricing trends and considering key cost factors, you can make smarter rental decisions and keep your project within budget.

Need a custom rental price comparison for your project? Contact local equipment hire companies for detailed quotes tailored to your needs.