How much does it cost to hire an amphibious excavator?

The cost to hire an amphibious excavator can vary widely based on its size and additional attachments. On average, daily hire rates range from $1,200 to $2,500 for smaller models, while larger models can range from $2,500 to $5,000 per day. Rates may also fluctuate based on location, duration of the hire and supplier-specific charges. It's best to request a specific quote from suppliers using our <a href="https://www.iseekplant.com.au/get-rates">Get a Quote tool</a> to get an accurate estimate for your project.

In what situations would I need to hire an amphibious excavator?

Amphibious excavators are ideal for projects that involve wetlands, marshes or any water-logged sites. They are also suitable for tasks like dredging, canal deepening and swamp or pond maintenance.

Are there specific qualifications or licences required to operate an amphibious excavator?

Operating an amphibious excavator typically requires the same high-risk work licence as standard excavators, often referred to as an Excavator Operator Licence or a certificate of competency for earthmoving. However, due to the unique environments they operate in, some regions or companies might mandate additional safety training courses or wetland conservation certifications. Always check with local regulatory bodies or employers for any site-specific requirements.

Can I use standard excavator attachments with an amphibious excavator?

Yes, many amphibious excavators are compatible with standard excavator attachments. However, always check with the manufacturer or hire company to ensure a specific attachment's suitability.

What is the maximum digging depth of an amphibious excavator?

The digging depth of an amphibious excavator varies by model. However, they typically range from 4 metres to 6 metres. It's essential to choose a model based on the specific requirements of your project.

Is there a difference in fuel consumption between amphibious excavators and regular excavators?

Amphibious excavators might consume more fuel than their standard counterparts, especially when operating in challenging terrains. The exact difference will depend on the model and the operating conditions.

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11 Amphibious Excavators for Hire on iseekplant

Venturing into waterlogged or marshy project sites? We've got you sorted. With 11 leading suppliers offering amphibious excavator hire on iseekplant, as well as track mats, low loaders and drotts, finding the right equipment tailored to your needs is hassle-free.

Amphibious excavators come with specialised undercarriages that are designed to tackle terrains that regular excavators can't handle. In this quick guide, we help you find the best fit for your project, including hire rates, how amphibious excavators work, pros and cons of certain manufacturers and alternatives on our platform.

Amphibious Excavator Hire Rates Guide

Amphibious excavators can sometimes seem costly due to their specialised nature. These machines can work in challenging terrains where traditional excavators fail, hence the premium on their hire rates.

Based on recent market trends, the average hire rates for amphibious excavators have experienced a slight uptick, given the increased demand for coastal and wetland restoration projects. Below is a guide that highlights the general hire rates. Keep in mind that various factors like location, duration of hire and specific project needs can influence these rates.

Size Variant	Average Wet Hire Rates	Average Dry Hire Rates
Small (Below 15 Tonnes)	$250 - $350 per hour	$180 - $240 per hour
Medium (15-30 Tonnes)	$350 - $450 per hour	$240 - $330 per hour
Large (Above 30 Tonnes)	$450 - $580 per hour	$330 - $420 per hour

Note: All prices listed on this page are estimates, exclude GST and are in AUD.

Additional Costs to Consider

When budgeting for an amphibious excavator hire, there's a whole range of additional expenses that could sneak up on you if you're not prepared. From transport charges to daily maintenance, understanding these can make your budgeting process smoother:

Cost Type	Description	Estimated Cost
Transport Charges	Cost to move the excavator to and from the job site	$100 - $500 depending on distance
Operator Fees	If you don't have a certified operator, hiring one is essential	$30 - $60 per hour
Maintenance & Repairs	Daily upkeep or unexpected repairs	$50 - $200 per day
Fuel Charges	Amphibious excavators, especially larger ones, can be fuel-intensive	$100 - $300 per day
Site Preparation	Cost to prepare the site, especially for wet or marshy lands	$200 - $800
Insurance	Protection against potential damages or accidents	Varies based on project risk and duration
Environmental Fees	Possible charges for working in environmentally sensitive areas	Varies based on location and regulations

The table gives an overview of potential expenses. However, always discuss these with your hire company to avoid unforeseen costs. Still looking for a supplier? Our Get a Quote tool can help connect you with our suppliers to get an accurate estimate based on your project today!

How Is an Amphibious Excavator Different from Regular Excavators?

Often called ‘swamp buggies’, amphibious excavators stand out significantly from their land-bound counterparts. Not only are they designed for specific environments, but their overall build and operational features are uniquely tailored to suit certain challenging terrains. So, what exactly sets them apart? Let's examine the distinctive features of amphibious excavators:

Terrain Adaptability: Unlike regular excavators, amphibious versions can work in wetlands, marshes and swamps. This is due to their pontoon-like undercarriage that ensures buoyancy and stability on soft terrains.
Specialised Undercarriage: The amphibious excavator's undercarriage is uniquely designed with pontoons and additional supporting structures. These enable the machine to stay afloat and manoeuvre efficiently in waterlogged areas.
Hydraulic Extendable Undercarriage: Some amphibious excavators come with hydraulic systems that allow the width of the undercarriage to be adjusted. This flexibility enables the machine to have a broader base for stability or a narrower base for transportation purposes.
Amphibious Capabilities: The very essence of an amphibious excavator lies in its ability to function seamlessly on land and in water. Regular excavators lack this dual functionality, making the amphibious variant a preferred choice for projects near or in water bodies.

Comparison Table: Amphibious Excavators vs. Standard Excavators

Excavator Type	Technical Specs	Practical Applications	Pros	Cons	Maintenance Practices
Amphibious Excavators	Pontoon-like undercarriage; Hydraulic extendable undercarriage; Specially designed sprockets for water environments	Wetlands and marshes; Swamp areas; Projects near or in water bodies	Ability to work in waterlogged areas; Versatile with both land and water functionality; Can tackle terrains regular excavators can't	Can be more expensive to hire and maintain; Heavier and can require special transport arrangements; Not as efficient on dry terrains	Regular checks for pontoon integrity; Frequent cleaning to prevent water damage; Checking of hydraulic systems for any water ingress
Standard Excavators	Tracked or wheeled undercarriage; More compact build; Designed primarily for dry land operations	Urban construction; Road building; Mining operations	High efficiency in dry terrains; Broad range of attachments; Well-suited for more common construction tasks	Limited to dry land operations; Cannot tackle waterlogged or marshy terrains	Routine track or tire checks; Regular cleaning to prevent dust accumulation; General attachment and engine maintenance

Specs, Pros and Cons of Popular Amphibious Excavator Manufacturers

When choosing amphibious excavators, thinking about the leading manufacturers from the pack plays a crucial role in your project's success. Several industry titans have consistently proven their expertise and reliability. Here's a closer look at each of them:

Hitachi: Recognised for their advanced engineering, Hitachi amphibious excavators are designed with durability in mind, catering especially to challenging terrains.
Komatsu: Renowned for its steadfast machinery, Komatsu offers excavators equipped with high-grade hydraulics, ensuring consistent performance in marshy environments.
Caterpillar: Caterpillar's lineage in construction machinery is evident in their amphibious range, where adaptability meets robust performance.
Hyundai: Prioritising operator experience, Hyundai designs its machinery to ensure maximum ease of use and safety, particularly in challenging excavations.

The table below shows each manufacturer's notable models, highlighting their quick specs and pros and cons:

Manufacturer	Notable Model	Quick Specs	Pros	Cons
Hitachi	ZX210LC-6	Weight: 20.5T; Power: 164hp	Engineered for longevity, fuel-efficient operations	Replacement parts can be on the higher side
Komatsu	PC210LCi-11	Weight: 23.5T; Power: 165hp	Superior hydraulics, built for resilience	Transportation requires meticulous planning
Caterpillar	320 GC	Weight: 21T; Power: 147hp	Wide adaptability, hassle-free parts procurement	Regular maintenance essential after heavy-duty use
Hyundai	HX220L	Weight: 22.5T; Power: 173hp	Operator-focussed design, intuitive controls	Limited amphibious variants in their lineup

Alternative Equipment to Amphibious Excavators on iseekplant

Choosing the right machine for the job is essential. Sometimes, while amphibious excavators excel in certain terrains, you might find that another piece of machinery fits your specific needs better. Let's examine two of the most viable alternatives to amphibious excavators on our platform for your consideration:

Swamp Dozer: Commonly used in wetlands, swamp dozers are built to handle tough, mucky conditions. Think of it as a regular dozer but with enhancements made specifically for waterlogged environments.
Mini Excavator: While these might be smaller in stature, mini excavators are surprisingly versatile. If the job doesn't require the aquatic capabilities of an amphibious excavator but still needs precision in tighter spaces, a mini excavator is a wise pick.

Alternative	Notable Brand and Model	Pros	Cons	Vs. Amphibious Excavators
Swamp Dozer	CAT D4 Swamp Dozer	Designed for wet terrains, powerful	Not as versatile in aquatic environments	More terrain-focused than aquatic-capable
Mini Excavator	Komatsu PC30MR-5	Agile, precise, ideal for tight spaces	Not suitable for very wet or mucky terrains	Lacks the aquatic adaptability but excels in confined areas

Dive into Your Next Project with Confidence at iseekplant!

Working on wetlands or unstable grounds? Our selection of amphibious excavators will ensure your project keeps moving forward without a hitch. In addition, included in our network are suppliers of backhoes, dump trucks, trenchers and other equipment you need to get the job done.

Browse through our extensive list of suppliers, weigh the specs and pick the machinery that's right for you. Don't let challenging terrains bog you down – elevate your project with iseekplant's solutions.

For any inquiries, feel free to email us at projects@iseekplant.com.au or dial 1300 691 912. If you're all set to plunge into action, hit 'Get a Quote' now!

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