Find the Best 60 Tonne Excavators Near You

The daily hire cost for a 60 tonne excavator typically ranges from approximately $1,200 to $1,600. For weekly hire, rates may range from $6,000 to $9,000, depending on location, supplier and additional services like operators or attachments.

60 tonne excavators are ideal for large-scale construction projects, mining operations and major earthmoving tasks. Their size and power make them suitable for heavy-duty digging, trenching and demolition. They are also used in large-scale landscaping and in constructing roads and infrastructure.

Attachments such as buckets, hammers, rippers and grapples are available for 60 tonne excavators. These attachments often come at an additional cost to the base hire rate. The cost varies depending on the attachment type and the hire duration.

60 tonne excavators typically consume fuel at around 25 to 40 litres per hour, depending on the intensity of the work and the excavator's model. This high fuel consumption is a significant factor in operational costs, especially in long-term projects.

Operating a 60 tonne excavator requires a specific heavy machinery licence or certification. In Australia, this is often a Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations or a similar qualification. Operators must also adhere to local safety and operational regulations.

Transporting a 60 tonne excavator typically requires specialised heavy haulage equipment, such as low loaders or heavy-duty trailers. The transport cost varies based on distance and logistics complexity, often ranging from several hundred to a few thousand dollars.

A 60 tonne excavator typically has a width of about 3 to 4 metres and a length of around 10 to 12 metres. Its size can pose challenges for site access, particularly in urban or confined spaces, requiring careful planning for delivery and operation.

Insurance for hiring a 60 tonne excavator generally covers damage to the machine, third-party liabilities and sometimes the operator. It's crucial to clarify with the hire company what their policy covers. Clients may also need to arrange additional insurance depending on the project's risk factors.

Hiring a 60‑tonne excavator in Australia generally costs:

• Dry hire (machine only): $1,300 – $1,600 per day
• Wet hire (with operator): $1,950 – $2,250 per day

Keep in mind that the final rate can vary depending on:

• Location and transport costs
• Duration of hire (daily vs weekly)
• Attachments or special equipment needed

For a tailored quote, it’s best to Request a Quote through our site.

A 60‑tonne excavator is suited for large-scale commercial, industrial, and civil projects where heavy digging, lifting, or material handling is needed. Typical applications include:

• Civil construction: Roadworks, bridge foundations, and large-scale drainage projects.
• Mining and quarrying: Excavation of rock, ore, or aggregate.
• Bulk earthworks: Large site cut-and-fill, land clearing, and landscaping.
• Demolition: Breaking and removing large concrete structures or heavy buildings.
• Pipeline and utilities: Trenching for major pipelines or utility installation.

These excavators are ideal when smaller machines like 25–35 tonne models lack the reach, power, or bucket capacity for the task.

Hiring a 60‑tonne excavator requires ample space for safe operation and movement due to its size and reach. Key considerations include:

• Operational footprint: Allow for the full swing of the excavator’s upper structure (usually 8–10 m for a 60‑tonne machine).
• Boom reach: Depending on the arm and boom configuration, the maximum dig or lift radius can exceed 15 m, so clearance around the work area is necessary.
• Access and manoeuvring: Wide, stable pathways are needed for the excavator to enter, turn, and exit the site safely.
• Safety exclusion zone: Keep a safe buffer around the machine to protect workers and structures; typically 3–5 m beyond the swing radius.
• Transport and setup: Ensure enough space for delivery trucks or low-loaders to offload the excavator without obstruction.

In summary, a large open area with good access is essential when operating a 60‑tonne excavator.

Good question. Transporting a 60‑tonne excavator involves significant costs — here’s an overview of what to expect and the factors that drive expense:

What Affects Transport Costs for a 60‑Tonne Excavator

• Base transport rate: According to transport guides, moving “extra large” gear (30 t+) can cost $5,000–$8,000+ for local hauls (within ~200 km).
• Trailer hire: Using a low-loader / gooseneck capable of handling 51–70 tonnes typically costs $550–$750 per day for the trailer alone.
• Permits: Oversize or heavy‑load permits might be required; an NHVR access permit costs around $91 for some classes.
• Escort / pilot vehicles: If required for oversized transport, pilot vehicles can cost $2.50–$3.50 per km.

Estimated Total Transport Cost Example:

Tip: Use our “Get a Quote” tool on iSeekPlant to connect with heavy-haulage providers and get an accurate transport quote for your 60-tonne excavator.

The bucket capacity of a 60‑tonne excavator determines how much material it can move per scoop and is a key factor for project planning, especially for large-scale construction, mining, or earthmoving jobs.

Typical Bucket Capacities:

Notes:

• Capacity varies depending on the model, arm configuration, and material type (e.g., soil vs. rock).
• For precision tasks like trenching, smaller buckets may be fitted even on a 60‑tonne machine.
• Operators should always use the bucket size recommended in the excavator’s load chart to ensure safety and efficiency.