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At iseekplant, we've catalogued an expansive fleet of over 2,800 mini excavators from trusted suppliers across Australia, ensuring your projects are powered by reliable and efficient machinery.
These 2.5-tonne workhorses are perfect for tight access areas and are favoured for their agility and small footprint. With such a vast selection, you're sure to find the perfect excavator to meet the demands of your project, whether it's for plumbing, landscaping or residential construction work.
In this quick guide, we highlight 2.5 tonne excavators on our platform. We'll also discuss standard hire rates for different types of 2.5 tonne excavators, popular brands, attachments and how to transport them to your site.
The hire rates for 2.5-tonne excavators are influenced by several factors, including location, hire duration and any additional attachments needed. On average, dry hire rates can range from $150 to $300 per day, while wet hire rates may vary between $400 to $600. This table should give you an idea of standard hire rates for different types of 2.5 tonne excavators:
Type of 2.5 Tonne Excavator | Average Dry Hire Rate (per day) | Average Wet Hire Rate (per day) |
---|---|---|
Mini Excavator (2.5 Tonne) | $260 - $330 | $550 - $700 |
Standard 2.5 Tonne Excavator | $280 - $350 | $600 - $750 |
Zero Swing 2.5 Tonne Excavator | $290 - $360 | $620 - $770 |
2.5 Tonne Excavator with Auger | $310 - $380 | $640 - $790 |
Note: Rates are indicative and subject to change based on location and supplier. All prices listed on this page are estimates, exclude GST and are in AUD.
When planning for your excavation needs, there are additional costs beyond the base hire rates that should be considered. The table below provides insight into potential additional expenses:
Additional Cost | Potential Charges | Description |
---|---|---|
Delivery and Pickup | $100 - $300 | Cost for transporting the excavator to and from the site, varies by distance. |
Fuel Consumption | Cost varies on usage | Fuel costs will depend on the excavator's operation hours and the current price of fuel. |
Operator Overtime | $50 - $100 per hour | Charges for any work done beyond the agreed-upon standard operating hours. |
Attachments (other than standard bucket) | $50 - $150 per day | Additional cost for special attachments like augers or hammers, if required. |
Damage Waiver | 5% - 10% of the hire rate | Optional coverage to mitigate costs associated with accidental damage to the equipment. |
Environmental Levy | Applicable in certain regions | A charge may be applied to support environmentally friendly practices in the industry. |
Insurance | Required unless provided by hirer | Cost for insurance coverage on the excavator during the hire period if not already covered by the hirer's policy. |
Note: Additional costs are approximate and can vary by provider and location.
Remember to enquire with your chosen hire company about any other potential fees or charges that might apply to your needs. Connect with one of our suppliers with our Get a Quote tool to get an accurate quote based on your project’s needs today!
Selecting the right brand and model is crucial for maximising efficiency on the job. Top manufacturers like Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Bobcat have made significant inroads into the mini excavator market, offering models with durability, fuel efficiency, and user-friendly controls. Below is a table featuring popular models, their specs and a balanced view of their advantages and drawbacks:
Brand | Notable Models | Quick Specs | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|
Caterpillar | 302.5C | 2.7 m dig depth; 17.9 kW power | High manoeuvrability | Higher cost |
Komatsu | PC26MR-3 | 2.5 m dig depth; 15.5 kW power | Precision control | Limited reach compared to larger models |
Bobcat | E26 | 2.4m dig depth; 15.5 kW power | Zero tail swing design | May require additional attachments for certain tasks |
To maximise the utility of a 2.5-tonne excavator, various attachments can enhance its versatility. Augers for drilling, breakers for demolition and grapples for debris management are just a few of the essentials.
The following table provides insight into the key attachments that can be paired with your excavator hire, including their utility and any additional hire costs:
Attachment | Utility | Additional Hire Cost (AUD) |
---|---|---|
Auger | Drilling holes for fencing or footings | $50 - $100/day |
Breaker | Concrete and asphalt demolition | $75 - $150/day |
Grapple | Sorting and loading debris | $60 - $120/day |
Compactor | Soil compaction for trenches and embankments | $70 - $130/day |
Transporting a 2.5-tonne excavator requires careful consideration to ensure safety, efficiency and compliance with local laws. Whether moving to a nearby job site or across greater distances, selecting the appropriate transport method is crucial for logistical success and regulatory adherence.
These pieces of equipment are ideal for transporting 2.5 tonne excavators:
Each option has unique features that make them suitable for the job. Tilt tray trucks have a tilting tray that facilitates the loading and unloading of the excavator without additional equipment. Low loader trailers sit low to the ground, ensuring that even tall excavators can be transported safely under bridges and overpasses. Flat bed trucks are widely available and can carry various equipment types, but they may require cranes for loading and unloading the excavator.
It's crucial to know the varying rules and regulations that apply to the transportation of heavy machinery like 2.5-tonne excavators across different states and territories in Australia. These laws govern weight, dimensions, securing of loads and travel times, all designed to ensure road safety. This table shows transport regulations by state/territory:
State/Territory | Rule/Law Governing Transport |
---|---|
New South Wales (NSW) | Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and local state regulations |
Victoria (VIC) | Compliance with VicRoads' oversize and over mass permits |
Queensland (QLD) | Department of Transport and Main Roads guidelines and permits |
Western Australia (WA) | Main Roads WA's regulations for heavy vehicle transport |
South Australia (SA) | NHVR permits and state-specific road transport regulations |
Tasmania (TAS) | Transport regulations managed by the State Growth Department |
Northern Territory (NT) | Heavy vehicle regulations as per the NT Road Transport Act |
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | HVNL as applied in ACT, with additional territory-specific requirements |
Before transporting a 2.5-tonne excavator, it is essential to consult with state authorities or a professional transportation company familiar with the regulations to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
When your project requires precision and versatility, a 2.5-tonne excavator is the go-to equipment. Here at iseekplant, we simplify finding the right machine for your job. With a vast directory of hire options across Australia, you can quickly compare rates and find a reliable supplier near you.
No matter the scope of your project, we have suppliers with both wet and dry hire options to match your needs. For everything in between, we can connect you with suppliers of backhoes, dozers, loaders and other equipment your job needs. Got questions or need assistance? Our expert team is just an email or phone call away at projects@iseekplant.com.au or 1300 691 912.
Don't delay your project searching for equipment. Click 'Get a Quote' now, and we'll connect you with top-tier 2.5-tonne excavators ready for hire. With iseekplant, hiring the machinery you need is just a few clicks away.
"Thrupps Mulching & Ecavation is Travis Thrupp He is nothing short of his Bio. * Consistent in doing a No 1 professional job each time in the key areas..."
- K & R EllisView profile"Very professional team. Did a full warehouse demolition for us, followed by excavation work. It's always a pleasure to work with Paul, he is always an..."
- John CarloView profile"I highly recommend Jared for any civil job you may have. He is professional, knowledgeable and reliable. I engaged with him for a retaining wall job i..."
- PhilView profileHere are some frequently asked questions and tips on finding the right 2.5 tonne excavator supplier for your job.
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