When working in the construction industry, access to the right equipment can make or break your project timeline—and your budget. From excavators and bulldozers to skid steers and aerial lifts, heavy equipment is critical on nearly every jobsite. But purchasing machinery outright isn’t always the best choice, especially for smaller contractors or short-term projects. Renting provides a cost-effective alternative that offers flexibility without the burden of ownership.
So, how much does it actually cost to rent heavy equipment? The answer depends on a variety of factors, including the type of machine, duration of the rental, and the specific needs of your job. In this post, we’ll provide a breakdown of typical rental rates and help you better understand the full cost of securing construction equipment for rent.
Why Contractors Choose to Rent Heavy Equipment
Before diving into the numbers, it’s worth understanding why equipment rental continues to grow in popularity across the construction industry. For many companies, renting is not only financially savvy—it’s also practical.
Key Benefits of Renting:
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Avoids large upfront capital investment
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No long-term maintenance or repair costs
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Reduces need for storage and transportation
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Offers access to newer, more efficient machines
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Scales with changing project needs
For these reasons, many contractors build rental costs into their bids and use them as a tool for smarter resource planning.
Factors That Affect Equipment Rental Rates
Not all rentals are priced equally. Several variables influence how much you’ll pay for heavy equipment, even when renting the same model.
1. Type of Equipment
Naturally, the cost to rent a compact track loader is significantly lower than renting a full-size excavator or crane. More powerful, specialized, or larger machines will carry a higher price tag.
2. Duration of the Rental
Most providers offer daily, weekly, and monthly rates. The longer you rent, the lower your average cost per day. For example, renting a bulldozer for one day might cost $600, while a monthly rental could average out to just $300 per day.
3. Equipment Condition and Age
Newer machines with advanced features or lower hours on the engine typically come at a premium. However, many companies are willing to pay more for the reliability and productivity these models offer.
4. Location and Demand
Rates may be higher in urban areas or regions with limited equipment availability. Demand spikes during peak construction seasons can also influence pricing.
5. Attachments and Add-ons
Adding attachments like augers, buckets, breakers, or hydraulic thumbs can add to the total cost. Be sure to ask if these are included or charged separately.
Average Rental Costs by Equipment Type
Let’s take a look at general pricing estimates for common machines to give you a better sense of what to expect when searching for construction equipment for rent.
Excavators
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Mini Excavator (3,000 – 10,000 lbs):
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Daily: $250–$400
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Weekly: $900–$1,300
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Monthly: $2,500–$3,500
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Standard Excavator (15,000 – 45,000 lbs):
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Daily: $500–$900
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Weekly: $1,500–$3,000
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Monthly: $4,000–$8,000
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Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders
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Skid Steer Loader:
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Daily: $200–$350
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Weekly: $800–$1,200
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Monthly: $2,000–$3,000
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Compact Track Loader:
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Daily: $250–$400
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Weekly: $900–$1,400
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Monthly: $2,500–$4,000
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Bulldozers
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Small Bulldozer:
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Daily: $400–$700
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Weekly: $1,500–$2,500
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Monthly: $4,000–$6,500
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Large Bulldozer:
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Daily: $700–$1,200
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Weekly: $2,500–$4,500
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Monthly: $6,500–$10,000
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Backhoes
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Backhoe Loader:
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Daily: $250–$500
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Weekly: $1,000–$1,500
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Monthly: $2,500–$4,000
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Aerial Equipment
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Boom Lifts (60 ft):
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Daily: $300–$500
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Weekly: $1,200–$1,800
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Monthly: $3,500–$5,500
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Scissor Lifts:
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Daily: $100–$200
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Weekly: $400–$700
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Monthly: $1,000–$1,800
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These prices can vary depending on your location and provider, but they serve as a good starting point when budgeting.
Additional Rental Costs to Consider
Beyond the base rental rate, there are other expenses that may be added to your final invoice.
Delivery and Pickup
Many equipment rental companies charge for delivery and pickup based on distance. This could range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on how far the equipment needs to travel.
Fuel and Usage Fees
Most machines are rented with a full tank of fuel, and you’re expected to return them that way. Some providers may also include usage fees based on engine hours if you exceed agreed-upon limits.
Damage Waivers and Insurance
You may be offered optional insurance or required to show proof of business liability coverage. Damage waivers protect you from unexpected repair bills but come at an extra cost—usually 10–15% of the rental total.
Operator Fees (If Applicable)
In some cases, you may need to hire an operator along with the machine. This is more common with cranes or highly specialized equipment and may be priced hourly or daily.
Tips for Saving on Equipment Rentals
Managing costs on the jobsite includes making smart rental decisions. Here’s how you can get more value from your equipment rentals.
1. Plan Ahead
Booking early gives you access to better rates and ensures availability—especially during the busy season.
2. Bundle Rentals
If you need multiple pieces of equipment, bundling them together through one provider may result in volume discounts or reduced delivery charges.
3. Compare Quotes
Don’t settle for the first offer. Get quotes from at least two or three rental companies and compare not just price but service, support, and machine condition.
4. Use the Right Machine
Overspending often happens when contractors rent a machine that’s bigger or more advanced than the project requires. Choose the most efficient size and model for the task.
Is Renting the Right Option for Your Business?
If your business takes on diverse or short-term projects, renting can be a more cost-effective and flexible solution than buying. It frees up capital, reduces risk, and lets you focus on getting the job done without worrying about long-term maintenance or depreciation.
Whether you’re a small contractor or managing multiple job sites, construction equipment for rent allows you to scale your fleet with ease and stay competitive in a demanding industry.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what to expect when renting construction equipment can help you make informed decisions and keep your job on track and within budget. While prices vary depending on location, duration, and machine type, having a general idea of rental rates is key to planning accurately.
When you need reliable construction equipment for rent, be sure to work with a provider that offers well-maintained machines, transparent pricing, and responsive support. With the right rental partner, you can get the equipment you need—when you need it—without overextending your resources.
