2026 Comparison
Wet Hire vs Dry Hire
Compare hiring an excavator with an operator (wet hire) versus hiring the machine only (dry hire) — cost, safety, licensing requirements, and which option delivers better value for residential and commercial earthmoving.
Winner
Kennards Hire
Best overall option once average cost, coverage, and support reputation are weighed together.
Average Gap
$1,012
Difference in average pricing across overlapping earthmoving services.
Market Range
$9 - $8,500
The full low-to-high range across both providers.
Sydney, NSW · Est. 2005
From
$9
Average
$1,275
Coverage
6 areas
Best for: Homeowners and builders on the east coast who need a reliable full-service earthmoving contractor for residential site preparation, pool excavation, or driveway works.
Review All ExcavationsSydney, NSW · Est. 1948
From
$80
Average
$263
Coverage
10 areas
Best for: Licensed contractors and experienced DIY operators who want to hire earthmoving equipment without an operator, especially those needing flexible hire periods and access to a wide range of machines and attachments.
Review Kennards HireSide-by-Side Price Comparison
Compare overlapping service types directly so the right price anchor is clear before you request quotes.
| Service | All Excavations | Kennards Hire | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Excavator (1.5t, wet hire) | $115 | N/A | - |
| Standard Excavator (5t, wet hire) | $168 | N/A | - |
| Pool Excavation (complete) | $4800 | N/A | - |
| Site Cut / Levelling | $16 | N/A | - |
| Mini Excavator 1.5t (dry hire, daily) | N/A | $320 | - |
| Bobcat / Skid Steer (dry hire, daily) | N/A | $360 | - |
| Plate Compactor (dry hire, daily) | N/A | $100 | - |
| Trencher Walk-Behind (dry hire, daily) | N/A | $270 | - |
Pros & Cons
All Excavations
Pros
- ✓Full-service earthmoving with a diverse fleet from 1.5t to 20t excavators
- ✓Strong track record in pool excavation and residential site preparation
- ✓In-house soil removal and disposal included in most project quotes
Cons
- ✗Limited to east coast metro areas — no coverage in Perth, Adelaide, or regional areas
- ✗High demand can mean 2–4 week lead times during peak building season
Kennards Hire
WinnerPros
- ✓Largest branch network in Australia — equipment available in metro and regional areas
- ✓Well-maintained equipment fleet with comprehensive safety briefings on pickup
- ✓Flexible hire periods from half-day to weekly rates with competitive pricing
Cons
- ✗Dry hire only — you must supply your own licensed operator or be experienced yourself
- ✗Operator licences and insurance are your responsibility — not suitable for inexperienced users
Bottom Line
Verdict
Wet hire is more expensive per hour but includes a qualified, experienced operator who knows how to work efficiently and safely. Dry hire is cheaper per day but requires you to hold appropriate licences, have earthmoving experience, and carry your own insurance. For residential projects, wet hire is almost always the better value option.
Choose wet hire for any project where you are not a licensed and experienced earthmoving operator. The operator’s efficiency, safety knowledge, and machine skill will save more time and money than the difference in hire rate. Choose dry hire only if you are a licensed contractor with earthmoving experience and appropriate insurance coverage.
Comparison FAQ
Kennards Hire is cheaper on average in this comparison, but the right answer depends on your specific project scope, site access, soil conditions, and equipment requirements.
Machine size, operator experience, soil conditions, access difficulty, disposal arrangements, and whether compaction is included usually affect the total cost more than an hourly rate comparison. Always confirm the full scope and inclusions before accepting a quote.
Choose wet hire for any project where you are not a licensed and experienced earthmoving operator. The operator’s efficiency, safety knowledge, and machine skill will save more time and money than the difference in hire rate. Choose dry hire only if you are a licensed contractor with earthmoving experience and appropriate insurance coverage.