Are you considering renting an excavator for your next project and wondering how much does it cost to rent an excavator? In this blog, we'll break down excavator rental cost by type, along with the factors influencing excavator rental prices.From the well-known Crawler Excavator to the agile Mini Excavator, we detail the specs and applications of each type, ensuring you have the right knowledge to choose the best excavator for your needs.
The Types of Excavator Rentals and Their Costs
Each type of excavator offers unique benefits suited for different tasks. Below is a breakdown of the various types of excavators available, their general excavator rental rates, and specific applications whether you're comparing crawler excavator rates or looking to rent an excavator for a smaller job.
1. Crawler Excavator Rental Cost
Crawler excavators are heavy-duty machines used for large-scale digging, earthmoving, and demolition tasks. Their tracked design allows for excellent stability and mobility over rough terrain, making them ideal for grading, landscaping, and mining. If you're comparing excavator rental cost per hour across machine types, crawler excavators typically fall in the mid-to-upper range due to their size and power.
- Rental Cost Per Hour: Approximately $100 – $150
- Rental Cost Per Day: Approximately $750 – $1,200
- Rental Cost Per Week: Approximately $3,000 – $5,000
2. Wheeled Excavator Rental Cost
Wheeled excavators are versatile and fast, suitable for urban engineering projects like utility work and road maintenance. Their mobility allows them to move between sites without needing additional transport.
- Rental Cost Per Hour: Approximately $120 – $170
- Rental Cost Per Day: Approximately $800 – $1,300
- Rental Cost Per Week: Approximately $3,200 – $5,200
3. Mini Excavator Rental Cost
Mini excavators are compact and highly maneuverable, making them perfect for indoor operations, landscaping, and smaller construction tasks in tight spaces. Their small size allows for ease of transport and minimal ground disruption. Because of their affordability and flexibility, mini excavator rental cost is one of the most commonly searched pricing questions among homeowners and small contractors looking to rent a mini excavator for driveway work, landscaping, or utility repairs. Whether you need a mini excavator rental near me for a single day or a full week, understanding the mini excavator rental cost per day helps you budget accurately.
- Rental Cost Per Hour: Approximately $30 – $50
- Rental Cost Per Day: Approximately $150 – $350
- Rental Cost Per Week: Approximately $600 – $1,400
4. Long Reach Excavator Rental Cost
Long-reach excavators have extended arm and boom sections, making them ideal for hard-to-reach areas, such as over waterways, deep pits, or in demolition projects. They are particularly useful for projects requiring extended horizontal reach. Given their specialized design, long reach excavator rental rates tend to run higher than standard crawler excavators.
- Rental Cost Per Hour: Approximately $150 – $200
- Rental Cost Per Day: Approximately $1,000 – $1,600
- Rental Cost Per Week: Approximately $4,000 – $6,400
5. Drag Line Excavator Rental Cost
Dragline excavators are used in civil engineering and surface mining. They are most effective for underwater excavating, port construction, and large-scale landscaping due to their large bucket capacity and long reach.
- Rental Cost Per Hour: Approximately $180 – $230
- Rental Cost Per Day: Approximately $1,200 – $1,800
- Rental Cost Per Week: Approximately $5,000 – $7,500
6. Suction Excavator Rental Cost
Suction excavators, or vacuum excavators, are used for delicate underground applications. They provide a safer method to expose buried utilities, reducing the risk of damage compared to traditional digging techniques.
- Rental Cost Per Hour: Approximately $150 – $220
- Rental Cost Per Day: Approximately $1,200 – $1,700
- Rental Cost Per Week: Approximately $4,800 – $6,800
7. Skid Steer Excavator Rental Cost
Skid steer excavators are small, agile, and versatile, suitable for a variety of jobs from demolition to debris removal and material handling. Their compact size makes them ideal for projects in tight spaces and urban environments. Their compact excavator rental cost also makes them a budget-friendly option for smaller residential jobs.
- Rental Cost Per Hour: Approximately $50 – $70
- Rental Cost Per Day: Approximately $200 – $400
- Rental Cost Per Week: Approximately $800 – $1,600
NOTE: These prices are general and can vary based on location, supplier, and current market conditions. Always consult with rental agencies for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Excavator Rentals
Several key factors play a role in determining excavator rental prices and overall excavator rental cost. Understanding these factors can help you make a more informed decision and budget effectively for your project needs. Here are the primary factors influencing rental costs:
- Type and Size of Excavator: Larger and more specialized machines, like long-reach or dragline excavators, typically have higher rental rates than smaller, more common types like mini excavators.
- Rental Duration: The length of the rental period significantly impacts the cost. Daily rates might be higher, but weekly or monthly rentals often offer a discounted rate.
- Geographical Location: Rental costs can vary based on the region or locality due to differences in demand, availability, and transportation costs.
- Equipment Age and Condition: Newer models or those in better condition with advanced features might cost more to rent compared to older or more worn equipment.
- Additional Costs and Fees: Consider the added expenses, such as delivery charges, insurance, fuel costs, and any operator or maintenance services that might not be included in the base rental rate.
- Season and Demand: Rental costs can fluctuate based on the time of year and current market demand, with prices potentially increasing during peak construction seasons.
- Rental Company’s Pricing Structure: Different rental companies have varying pricing structures, discounts, and loyalty programs that can influence the final cost.
3 Benefits of Renting vs. Buying an Excavator
When you're faced with the decision of getting an excavator for your project, you might be torn between renting an excavator or buying one outright. Both choices have their benefits, but renting can often be the more advantageous route, especially under certain conditions.Here are three primary benefits of choosing to rent an excavator over purchasing one.
1. Lower Initial Investment
Renting an excavator requires a considerably lower initial investment compared to buying. If you’re a small business or handling a short-term project, budgeting is crucial. Renting an excavator means you won’t have to shell out a large sum of money upfront. This frees up your budget, allowing you to allocate resources to other essential parts of your project or business. Plus, you get to use the latest equipment without committing to a hefty purchase.
2. Flexibility in Project-Specific Needs
Every construction project is unique, and the excavator you need might change based on the job’s specifics. Renting gives you the flexibility to choose the right type and size of excavator for each project. This way, you’re not stuck with a machine that doesn’t fit your next job’s requirements or one that becomes obsolete as your needs evolve.
3. No Long-Term Storage Costs
Owning an excavator isn’t just about the purchase price. You have to consider long-term costs like storage and maintenance, which can add up quickly. When you own heavy machinery, you’re responsible for keeping it somewhere safe when it’s not in use and ensuring it stays in good working condition. These costs can pile up, especially during times when you’re not using the equipment. By renting, you pass these responsibilities and costs back to the rental company, freeing you from the hassle and extra expenses
Excavator Rentals in Pennsylvania and New York
At Five Star Equipment, we’re your trusted partner for excavator rentals across Pennsylvania and New York. We provide a wide range of high-quality excavators to fit every project’s needs. With our expert guidance and reliable machinery, we ensure your job gets done right and efficiently. Choose Five Star Equipment for your next project and experience the difference in quality and service!
Summary
If your next project depends on renting an excavator, knowing the range of excavators available and their rental rates from mini excavator rental cost to large excavator rental cost is important in helping you confidently choose the most suitable excavator for your specific project.



