Float Hire

Hiring a float can vary quite a bit in price, and costs depend on the float type, hire duration, and where you’re located. In most cases, horse floats and small tool floats have set day rates, while heavy machinery floats are priced by custom quote due to load size, distance and whether an operator is needed.

Typical Float Hire Costs

Most modern horse floats include hydraulic brakes, so electric brake controllers are often not required. Extras such as cleaning fees, accessories, delivery or pick-up can add anywhere from $120 to $600+ each way for machinery floats. For the best price, I usually compare local suppliers and check availability in advance, especially for weekend bookings.

Floats (also called machine floats or low loaders) are designed to transport heavy machinery and construction equipment safely from one site to another. They are commonly used in civil, construction, and mining projects.

Floats are preferred because their low tray height and ramps allow machines to drive on and off easily, while heavy-duty tie-down points ensure safe transport over roads.

“Float” trailers (machine / low‑loader floats) come in a variety of sizes depending on the weight and dimensions of the equipment being hauled. Here are some common float sizes and configurations in Australia:

Common Float Sizes & Configurations

Bottom line: There’s a wide range of float sizes — from standard tri-axle low loaders to very wide, heavy‑duty quad floats. When hiring, you should match the float size to your machine’s dimensions (width, height, weight) to ensure safe transport.

Yes — in Australia, towing a float (machine float / low loader) often requires a special licence, depending on the combined vehicle and trailer weight.

Bottom line: If your float plus machine exceeds the weight limits for a standard car or MR licence, you’ll need an HR, HC, or MC licence. Always check the state transport authority rules and the float hire company’s requirements — some suppliers only allow their own licensed drivers to tow.

Yes — we offer float hire options with operators (“wet hire”), where a licensed driver is supplied to manage the transport safely and efficiently.

Bottom line: When you hire a float through iSeekPlant, you can choose wet hire to include a professional operator, ensuring proper licensing and safe machinery transport.