How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Mini Excavator in 2026? (Complete Price Guide)
By the team at Beehive Rental & Sales — Serving Southern Utah's contractors and homeowners since 1994.
Mini excavator rental costs depend on machine size, rental duration, and your specific project requirements. Whether you're trenching for a sprinkler line in your backyard or excavating a pool in Washington Fields, understanding rental pricing helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. This guide breaks down every cost factor so you can plan with confidence.
“Quick Answer: Mini excavator rentals typically cost $200-$500 per day, $800-$1,500 per week, or $2,000-$4,000 per month depending on size class (1-8 tons). BeeHive Rental & Sales in St. George offers competitive rates on micro, small, and mid-size excavators with delivery throughout Southern Utah. Call (435) 628-6663 for exact pricing on your project.
Key Takeaways
- •Daily rates range from $200-$500 depending on machine size — micro excavators (1-2 ton) start around $200/day while mid-size units (6-8 ton) run $400-$500/day
- •Weekly and monthly rentals save 40-60% compared to daily rates — a $350/day machine typically rents for $1,100-$1,300/week or $2,800-$3,500/month
- •Size matters more than you think — Southern Utah's rocky desert soil and caliche layers often require stepping up one size class from what you'd need in softer soil
- •Hidden costs to plan for include delivery fees, attachment rentals, fuel, and optional damage waivers — budget an extra 15-25% beyond the base rental rate
- •Browse mini excavator options at BeeHive Rental & Sales or call (435) 628-6663 for a project-specific quote
Mini Excavator Rental Rates by Size Class
Not all mini excavators are created equal. The industry divides them into three size classes, and the price difference between them is significant. Choosing the right class for your project is the single biggest factor in controlling rental cost.
Micro Excavators (1-2 Ton)
These are the smallest machines in the excavator family. They're compact enough to fit through standard fence gates and light enough to transport on a small trailer.
| Specification | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Operating weight | 2,000-4,500 lbs |
| Digging depth | 5-7 feet |
| Bucket width | 12-18 inches |
| Daily rate | $200-$300 |
| Weekly rate | $800-$1,000 |
| Monthly rate | $2,000-$2,500 |
Best for: Residential utility trenching, small landscaping projects, tight-access backyard work, planting holes, and minor grading. If your project involves digging less than 6 feet deep in a confined space, a micro excavator is usually the most cost-effective choice.
St. George consideration: Micro excavators handle most residential work in established neighborhoods around Bloomington, SunRiver, and the Entrada area where backyard access is limited. However, if you hit the caliche layer — that calcium carbonate hardpan common throughout the St. George basin — a micro machine may struggle. Plan for slower progress or consider stepping up to a small excavator.
Small Excavators (3-5 Ton)
The workhorse class. Small excavators balance power, reach, and maneuverability, making them the most popular rental size for both contractors and homeowners.
| Specification | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Operating weight | 6,000-11,000 lbs |
| Digging depth | 10-12 feet |
| Bucket width | 18-24 inches |
| Daily rate | $300-$400 |
| Weekly rate | $1,000-$1,300 |
| Monthly rate | $2,500-$3,500 |
Best for: Foundation excavation, pool digging, sewer and water line installation, French drain systems, larger landscaping projects, and light demolition. This is the class that handles 70% of all excavation projects.
Why it's the most rented: Zero tail swing models in this class (like the Bobcat E35) let you rotate the cab fully without hitting adjacent structures. That means you can dig right next to a building or fence — critical for residential work where space is tight.
Mid-Size Excavators (6-8 Ton)
When the job demands serious digging depth, lifting capacity, or extended reach, mid-size excavators step up. These machines are overkill for basic residential work but essential for commercial projects and difficult terrain.
| Specification | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Operating weight | 12,000-18,000 lbs |
| Digging depth | 13-16 feet |
| Bucket width | 24-36 inches |
| Daily rate | $400-$500 |
| Weekly rate | $1,300-$1,500 |
| Monthly rate | $3,000-$4,000 |
Best for: Deep utility installation, commercial foundations, large-scale land clearing, heavy demolition, and projects involving rock or extremely hard ground. If you need to dig deeper than 12 feet or move large volumes of material, this is your class.
Factors That Affect Your Rental Cost
The base rental rate is only part of the equation. Several factors can push your total cost higher — or help you save money.
1. Rental Duration
This is where smart planning pays off. Rental companies structure pricing to reward longer commitments:
| Duration | Typical Pricing Structure |
|---|---|
| Daily | Full rate per day |
| Weekly | 3-4x daily rate (not 7x) |
| Monthly | 10-12x daily rate (not 30x) |
The math is clear: If your project will take more than 3 days, a weekly rental almost always saves money. If it will take more than 2 weeks, go monthly. A $350/day excavator at daily rates for 10 days costs $3,500. That same machine on a monthly rate might cost $3,000 total — and you get 20 extra days of access.
2. Attachments
A mini excavator without the right attachment is just an expensive anchor. Common attachments and their approximate additional daily costs:
- •Standard bucket — Usually included with rental
- •Hydraulic thumb — $25-$75/day (essential for grabbing rocks, debris, and irregular objects)
- •Hydraulic breaker — $100-$200/day (for breaking rock, concrete, or asphalt)
- •Auger — $75-$150/day (for fence posts, pier holes, and tree planting)
- •Trenching bucket — $25-$50/day (narrower bucket for utility trenching)
- •Tilt bucket — $30-$60/day (for grading and slope work)
Pro tip: If you're working in the rocky soil common throughout Washington County, a hydraulic thumb is almost mandatory. It lets you pick out boulders and rocks that a bucket alone can't handle. Ask about it when you reserve your excavator.
3. Delivery and Pickup
Unless you own a trailer rated for equipment transport, you'll need delivery. Typical delivery charges depend on distance from the rental yard:
- •Within city limits — $75-$150 each way
- •Within county — $100-$250 each way
- •Extended distance — $200-$400+ each way
Delivery often makes more financial sense than renting a transport trailer, paying for fuel, and spending time loading and unloading — especially for machines in the 3-ton and above class.
4. Insurance and Damage Waivers
Most rental companies offer optional damage waiver coverage:
- •Damage waiver — Typically 10-15% of the rental rate per day
- •Your existing insurance — Homeowner's or commercial policies may cover rental equipment (check with your agent)
- •No coverage — You're responsible for full repair or replacement costs
For first-time operators, the damage waiver is worth the peace of mind. One rock hidden in the soil that punctures a hydraulic line can cost more than the waiver for your entire rental period.
5. Fuel
Most rental agreements require you to return equipment with the same fuel level. Diesel fuel consumption varies by size:
- •Micro (1-2 ton) — 1-2 gallons per hour of operation
- •Small (3-5 ton) — 2-3 gallons per hour
- •Mid-size (6-8 ton) — 3-5 gallons per hour
At current diesel prices, fuel adds $15-$50 per day of active operation. Not a dealbreaker, but worth budgeting for.
Rental vs. Ownership: The Real Comparison
For anyone considering buying a mini excavator instead of renting, here is the honest math.
| Cost Factor | Renting | Owning |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $0 | $25,000-$90,000 (new); $15,000-$50,000 (used) |
| Annual depreciation | $0 | 15-25% of value per year |
| Maintenance | $0 (included) | $1,500-$4,000/year |
| Insurance | $0-$50/day (optional waiver) | $1,000-$3,000/year |
| Storage | $0 | $50-$200/month if off-site |
| Repairs | $0 (rental company's responsibility) | Unpredictable; $500-$5,000+ per incident |
| Cost per use day | $200-$500 | Depends on annual usage |
The breakeven point: If you buy a $40,000 used mini excavator, your annual ownership cost (depreciation + maintenance + insurance) runs roughly $8,000-$12,000 per year. At a rental rate of $350/day, you'd need to use the machine 23-34 days per year just to break even on ownership costs — not counting the $40,000 tied up in capital.
When buying makes sense: You operate an excavation business and use the machine 150+ days per year. For everyone else — contractors who excavate occasionally, homeowners tackling one or two projects per year, landscapers who dig periodically — renting is the clear financial winner.
How to Choose the Right Size for Your Project
Choosing the wrong size wastes money in both directions. Too small and you'll spend extra days on a machine that can't keep up. Too large and you're paying for capacity you don't need — plus the machine may not fit your job site.
Match Your Project to a Size Class
| Project Type | Recommended Size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sprinkler/irrigation trench | Micro (1-2 ton) | Shallow depth, minimal disruption |
| French drain installation | Small (3-5 ton) | 2-4 foot depth with gravel backfill |
| Residential pool excavation | Small to mid-size (4-8 ton) | 6-8 foot depth, volume removal |
| Sewer/water line | Small (3-5 ton) | 4-6 foot depth, precision work |
| Foundation excavation | Mid-size (6-8 ton) | Deep cuts, volume, and speed |
| Land clearing | Mid-size (6-8 ton) | Power for roots, stumps, and rocks |
| Backyard landscaping | Micro to small (1-4 ton) | Flexibility and access |
The Southern Utah Factor
If you've never dug in St. George before, understand this: the ground here is different. The soil profile across Washington County typically includes a top layer of sandy loam (easy digging), then a transition zone with increasing rock content (moderate difficulty), followed by caliche — a calcium carbonate ceite hardpan that can stop an undersized machine in its tracks.
What this means for your rental: Projects that would call for a micro excavator in softer soil regions often require a small excavator in Southern Utah. A 2-foot trench through caliche takes a 3-5 ton machine what a 1-2 ton machine would do in regular soil. Factor this into your sizing decision and budget accordingly. The team at BeeHive Rental & Sales can advise based on your specific project location.
Tips for Getting the Best Mini Excavator Rental Rate
1. Rent for the Right Duration
Never rent daily if your project spans more than three days. Weekly rates save 40-55% compared to equivalent daily rates. Monthly rates save even more for extended projects.
2. Reserve Ahead During Peak Season
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are peak construction seasons in Southern Utah. Equipment availability tightens and prices may increase for last-minute rentals. Reserve your excavator a week or more in advance.
3. Ask About Package Deals
If you need multiple pieces of equipment — say, an excavator plus a plate compactor plus a dump trailer — ask about bundled pricing. Many rental companies offer discounts when you rent multiple items for the same project.
4. Right-Size Your Machine
Renting a larger machine than necessary doesn't just cost more per day — it may also increase delivery costs (heavier equipment requires larger transport) and fuel consumption. Match the machine to the actual job requirements.
5. Minimize Idle Time
Track your meter hours. Most daily rentals include 8 hours of operation time. Plan your work to maximize productive hours. Have materials staged, utilities marked (call 811 before you dig), and a clear plan before the machine arrives.
6. Return Clean and Fueled
Cleaning fees and fuel surcharges are avoidable costs. Spend 15 minutes hosing off the machine and topping off diesel before return.
FAQ
How much does it cost to rent a mini excavator for a day?
Daily mini excavator rental rates typically range from $200-$500 depending on machine size. Micro excavators (1-2 ton) start around $200-$300 per day, small excavators (3-5 ton) run $300-$400, and mid-size excavators (6-8 ton) cost $400-$500 per day. These rates usually include 8 hours of operation time. Contact BeeHive Rental & Sales at (435) 628-6663 for exact daily rates.
Is it cheaper to rent a mini excavator by the week or by the day?
Weekly rentals are significantly cheaper per day than daily rates. A weekly rate is typically 3-4 times the daily rate rather than 7 times, saving you 40-55% on a per-day basis. For any project lasting more than 3 days, a weekly rental is almost always the better value. Monthly rates offer even greater savings for extended projects.
What size mini excavator do I need for my project?
For shallow trenching (irrigation, electrical), a micro excavator (1-2 ton) usually suffices. For deeper work like French drains, sewer lines, or pool excavation, a small excavator (3-5 ton) is the most versatile choice. Foundation work and large-scale digging call for a mid-size unit (6-8 ton). In Southern Utah's rocky soil, consider going one size larger than you would in softer ground conditions.
Do I need a license to rent a mini excavator?
No. You do not need a contractor's license, CDL, or special certification to rent and operate a mini excavator for personal or residential projects. You'll need a valid ID and credit card. Rental companies like BeeHive Rental & Sales provide operation training with every rental so first-time users can operate the equipment safely and effectively.
What hidden costs should I watch for when renting a mini excavator?
Beyond the base rental rate, plan for delivery and pickup fees ($75-$250 each way depending on distance), attachment rentals ($25-$200/day), fuel costs ($15-$50/day of operation), and optional damage waiver (10-15% of rental rate). Budget 15-25% above the quoted rental rate to account for these additional costs. Returning equipment late, dirty, or low on fuel can also trigger extra charges.
Ready to get an exact quote for your excavation project? The team at BeeHive Rental & Sales has been matching Southern Utah contractors and homeowners with the right equipment since 1994. Describe your project, and they'll recommend the right machine at the right price — no upselling, just honest equipment advice. Call (435) 628-6663 or browse excavator inventory to see what's available.