Mini Excavators vs Hiring: Which Makes More Sense Long-Term?

If you regularly need excavation work done — whether for landscaping, construction, plumbing, fencing, or rural property maintenance — you’ve probably asked yourself:

Should I keep hiring a mini excavator… or just buy one?

For many Australian tradies and property owners, buying a mini excavator can make far more financial sense in the long run.

Let’s break it down clearly.

The Cost of Hiring a Mini Excavator in Australia

Hiring might seem convenient at first. You pay a daily rate, use the machine, and return it done.

But over time, those hiring fees add up.

Typical hire costs can include:

• Daily or weekly hire rates

• Delivery and pickup fees

• Damage waivers

• Fuel charges

• Availability delays

If you’re hiring even once or twice a month, you’re often spending thousands per year, and at the end of it, you own nothing.

The Cost of Owning a Mini Excavator

At Digger King, our machines start from:

Diggers from $14,990+GST

You can see the full breakdown here

When you purchase your own mini excavator:

• You build an asset

• You control availability

• You can take on more jobs

• You can earn income with it

• You eliminate ongoing hire fees

For many owner-operators, the machine can start paying for itself surprisingly quickly.

Long-Term Cost Comparison

Let’s simplify it:

• 2 days per month = potentially $9,600 – $14,400 per year

• Over 2 years = $19,000 – $28,000+

That’s more than the cost of owning your own machine.

Meanwhile, owning means:

• No booking delays

• No rush charges

• No weekend premium rates

• No limitations on job timing

When Hiring Makes Sense

Hiring can make sense if:

• You only need a machine once or twice per year

• You’re testing the waters before committing

• You have short-term project needs

But if excavation work is even semi-regular for you, hiring becomes expensive quickly.

When Buying Makes Sense

Buying makes sense if:

• You’re a landscaper, plumber, builder, or fencing contractor

• You own rural property

• You take on renovation or drainage projects

• You want to start a side hustle

Owning gives you the flexibility to:

• Take last-minute jobs

• Work weekends

• Help neighbours or clients

• Generate extra income

You can explore available models and packages here

1.3 Ton Mini Excavator Example

Compact, easy to transport, and ideal for tight access jobs, machines like our 1.3 Ton are perfect for owner-operators and property owners.

They’re designed to handle:

• Landscaping

• Trenching

• Post holes

• Drainage

• Site prep

All while being simple to operate and maintain.

Other Long-Term Considerations

1. Availability

Hire yards get booked out, especially during peak seasons.

Owning means the machine is ready when you are.

2. Business Growth

Owning allows you to:

• Expand services

• Increase job capacity

• Improve scheduling efficiency

3. Resale Value

Your mini excavator remains a tangible asset. If your circumstances change, you still retain resale value.

Australia Wide Delivery

We deliver Australia-wide, making it easy to get your machine wherever you’re located.

For details on ordering and delivery, visit our FAQ page

Final Verdict: Hire or Buy?

If you only need a machine once a year, hire.

If you need it regularly, buying usually makes more sense long-term.

Instead of paying ongoing hire fees, you could be investing in your own equipment, building equity, and even creating a new income stream.

Ready to Own Your Own Mini Excavator?

Call us on 1300 810 059
Diggers from $14,990+GST

Australia-wide delivery
See full range pricing