Excavator Hire Darwin
Mini and 8 tonne excavators with a skilled operator behind the controls.
Trusted by Darwin builders, trades and property owners for accurate, efficient excavation.
Excavator hire that turns up ready to work
Dobson Excavations provides excavator hire in Darwin on a wet hire basis, so every machine arrives with an experienced operator. You get accurate excavation without the cost of owning a machine, the time spent learning to run one, or the risk of doing it yourself.
Our fleet covers the 1.7 tonne mini excavator for restricted sites and the 8 tonne excavator for production digging. That range means we can match the machine to your site rather than making your site fit the machine.
We work alongside builders, pool companies, plumbers, electricians and landscapers, and we're just as happy helping a homeowner or rural landholder with a one day job.
Our excavators for hire
Both excavators are well maintained and operated by our own crew, so you know exactly who is on your site and how the machine has been looked after.
8 Tonne Excavator Hire
Our 8 tonne excavator is the workhorse of the fleet. It has the reach and digging power to move large volumes of soil and keep bigger projects on schedule, while still being practical on residential building sites.
Get a quote for the 8 tonne
Mini Excavator Hire
When access is tight, our mini excavator gets the job done with minimal disturbance to lawns, paving and existing structures. It's the go-to choice for established homes and backyard projects.
Explore mini excavator hireWhat's included with our excavator hire
Wet hire means less for you to organise. We take care of the machine and the operator so you can focus on the rest of your project.
- An experienced operatorSomeone who knows the machine, works safely and digs to your levels and dimensions.
- A well maintained excavatorServiced and ready to work, so your job isn't held up by breakdowns.
- The right bucket for the jobDigging and trenching buckets suited to your ground, with a hammer attachment available for rock and concrete.
- Transport to your siteWe arrange getting the excavator to you, with costs included in your quote up front.
- Advice before we startGuidance on access, timing and the best machine for your site.
Excavator hire for every kind of client
Builders
Site cuts, footings and service runs completed to plan so your build program keeps moving.
Pool Builders
Clean, accurate pool excavation on new homes and established backyards.
Plumbers & Electricians
Trenches for sewer, water, stormwater and underground power, dug to the depth you need.
Landscapers
Bulk shaping, garden bed preparation, retaining wall cuts and removal of old features.
Rural Landholders
Dams, drains, stumps and land clearing on blocks across the Darwin rural area.
Excavation projects we take on
From a single footing to a full site cut, our excavators handle a wide range of work across Darwin and the Top End.
Bulk Excavation
Removing large volumes of soil for building platforms, basements and site levels, with our 6 wheeler tipper available to cart spoil away.
Detailed Excavation
Footings, pits and pier holes dug accurately to engineer's specifications.
Stormwater & Drainage
Pipe trenches, pits, swales and spoon drains to move wet season water away from homes and sheds.
Dams & Water Storage
Excavation and shaping of small dams and water storage areas on rural properties.
Stump & Tree Removal
Pulling stumps and root balls and clearing vegetation ahead of building or fencing.
Rock & Concrete Breaking
Breaking out rock layers, old slabs and footings, then loading the rubble for removal.
Planning your excavation
A little preparation makes excavator hire faster and more cost effective. Here's what we'll talk through with you.
-
Locate underground services
Lodge a free request with Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) so we know where pipes and cables are before the bucket goes in.
-
Check your site access
Measure gates and driveways and note overhead power lines, trees and soft ground. This decides whether the mini or 8 tonne excavator suits your site.
-
Plan for the spoil
Decide whether excavated soil stays on site or needs to be removed. We can organise a tipper so the dirt is gone the same day.
-
Work with the weather
Darwin's wet season can turn a firm site soft quickly. We'll help you pick timing that protects your property and keeps the job on track.
Is your excavator hire supplied with an operator?
Yes. We only offer wet hire, so every excavator comes with one of our experienced operators. You don't need a licence, and you won't be responsible for operating the machine.
Is an excavator the same as a digger?
Yes, many people in Darwin call an excavator a digger. They're the same machine. You can read more on our digger hire Darwin page.
Which excavator size is right for my job?
The 1.7 tonne mini excavator suits restricted access, backyards and smaller jobs. The 8 tonne excavator suits open sites and larger volumes of soil. Tell us about your site and we'll recommend the best fit.
How far in advance should I book?
Booking early gives you the best chance of getting the date you want, especially during the dry season when demand is higher. Call us as soon as you know your timing and we'll do our best to fit you in.
Can your excavators dig through rock?
Yes. When we hit rock or old concrete, our hammer attachment breaks it up so excavation can continue. Let us know if you expect rock on your site so we can plan for it.
Do I need to locate underground services first?
Yes. Lodge a free request with Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) before any excavation starts. It helps protect underground pipes and cables, and keeps everyone on site safe.
Do you do excavation for builders and commercial sites?
Yes. We work with builders and trades on residential and light commercial sites, as well as directly with homeowners and rural landholders. Contact us to discuss your project.
Book your excavator
in Darwin
Talk to a local team who will give you honest advice, the right machine and a competitive price. Call now or send us your project details.
Excavator hire near you
We supply excavators with operators across greater Darwin, Palmerston and the rural area. Working further out in the Territory? Give us a call.
- Darwin
- Palmerston
- Casuarina
- Nightcliff
- Berrimah
- Winnellie
- Karama
- Leanyer
- Acacia Hills
- Adelaide River
- Batchelor
- Bees Creek
- Berry Springs
- Blackmore
- Coolalinga
- Darwin River
- Freds Pass
- Girraween
- Herbert
- Howard Springs
- Humpty Doo
- Knuckey Lagoon
- Lambells Lagoon
- Livingstone
- Marlow Lagoon
- McMinns Lagoon
- Noonamah
- Southport
- Tumbling Waters
- Virginia