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
10. Cranes
- Franna Cranes (15T–25T): $130–$250 per hour
- Pick and Carry Cranes (12–25 Tonne): $120–$220 per hour
- Truck Mount Cranes (20–100 Tonne): $150–$400 per hour
- Rough Terrain Cranes (30–80 Tonne): $250–$500 per hour
- All-Terrain Cranes (40T–100T): $300–$700 per hour
- Large Mobile Cranes (100T+ Large Lifting Projects): $750–$1,500 per hour
- Tower Crane (monthly rate): $15,000–$30,000+ per month depending on height/load requirements
11. Scaffolding
- Basic Mobile Scaffolding: $80–$150 per week (dry hire)
- System Scaffold (labour & erection included): $25–$45 per m² per week
- Aluminium Scaffold Towers (Per Week): $200–$500
- Tube and Coupler System (Per m²): $10–$25 per week
- Custom Scaffold Designs for industrial sites: Quote-based (generally $50–$80+ per m² installed)
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:
 |
As one of WA's plant and equipment hire specialists, Pilbara Plant Hire is renowned for providing reliable, efficient, and cost-effective plant hire solutions to the mining, civil, and construction industries. We offer a wide range of equipment, including excavators, loaders, dozers, graders, water trucks, and more. Moreover, our mission is to provide our clients with reliable, high-quality equipment…Read more |
 |
If you're searching for high-quality quarrying equipment and supplies in Karratha, WesTrac is the perfect partner. Our warehouses offer a vast selection of new, used, and rental equipment and over 75,000 product lines. We are your all-in-one solution for equipment servicing, rebuilds, support, fluids, and finance. With WesTrac, you can increase productivity, meet project deadlines, and optimise…Read more
|
 |
CST Hire is Australia’s #1 specialised truck & light vehicle rental fleet company. Our fleet consists of quality, fully maintained and serviced vehicles and trucks, like 4WD light vehicles, 4WD buses, fitters trucks, fuel trucks, crew trucks, 4WD crane trucks, crane trucks, crane/tilt combos & tilt trays, water trucks, tippers, service trucks, semi water tanker, tatra, crew cab trucks, and more. We have the capability…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.