How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Mini Excavator? (2026 Rates)

Day rate

$200–$500

Week rate

$640–$1,800

Month rate

$1,700–$4,750

Updated

July 2026

A mini excavator rents for $200–$500 per day, $600–$1,200 per week, or $1,800–$3,500 per month in 2026. The exact price depends on size class (1–8 ton), your region, delivery distance, and whether you rent bare or with an operator.

Mini excavator rental rates by size class (US, 2026).
Size class	Day rate	Week rate	Month rate	Best for
1–2 ton	$150–$250	$500–$800	$1,400–$2,200	Tight access, landscaping, indoor demo
2–4 ton	$200–$350	$650–$1,000	$1,800–$2,800	Trenching, small foundations, utility work
4–6 ton	$300–$450	$900–$1,300	$2,500–$3,200	Pool digs, drainage, heavier grading
6–8 ton	$400–$500	$1,100–$1,500	$3,000–$3,500	Larger excavation, demolition

What affects mini excavator rental price

Four things move the number more than anything else:

Size class. Rates climb roughly linearly from 1-ton up to 8-ton machines — pick the smallest one that does the job.
Rental duration. Weekly rates are usually 3–4× the day rate (not 7×), and monthly rates are the best value per day. If your project runs more than 3 days, ask for the weekly rate.
Delivery and pickup. Transport is billed separately, typically $75–$200 each way. Consolidate deliveries or choose a supplier close to your site.
Attachments and extras. Augers, breakers, and thumbs add $50–$150/day. Fuel is usually charged on a “return full” basis, and a damage waiver adds ~10–15%.

Mini excavator rental cost by city

Rates vary by local supply and demand. City-level rate pages break down day, week, and month pricing plus delivery radius for your metro — Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Phoenix, Atlanta, and more.

What size mini excavator do I need?

1–2 ton — tight access, landscaping, indoor demolition.
2–4 ton — trenching, small foundations, utility work.
4–6 ton — pool excavation, drainage, heavier grading.
6–8 ton — larger excavation and demolition.

Should you rent or buy?

If your utilization is below ~60% (roughly under 12–14 days a month), renting almost always costs less once you account for maintenance, insurance, storage, and depreciation. Above that, ownership starts to pay off. The calculator below runs your exact numbers.

Rent vs buy calculator — mini excavator

Enter your numbers to see the monthly cost each way and the break-even point.

Purchase price ($) Rental day rate ($) Days used per month Ownership horizon (months)

Estimate only. Ownership cost assumes ~1.5%/mo of purchase price for maintenance, insurance & storage and ~55% residual value at horizon end. Rule of thumb: above ~60% utilization (12–14+ days/month) buying usually wins.

Get mini excavator rental quotes

Tell us what you need and where — we'll send back real quotes from local suppliers.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to rent a mini excavator for a day?+

Expect $150–$500 per day depending on size. A 1–2 ton machine runs about $150–$250/day, while a 6–8 ton machine is $400–$500/day. Weekly and monthly rates lower the effective daily cost significantly.

Is delivery included in mini excavator rental?+

Usually not. Delivery and pickup are typically billed separately at $75–$200 each way depending on distance. Ask for an all-in quote that includes transport, fuel, and any damage waiver.

Do you need a license to operate a mini excavator?+

No special license is required to operate a mini excavator on private property in most US states, but job sites often require operator competency training. Always call 811 to locate utilities before digging.

What size mini excavator do I need to dig a pool?+

A 4–6 ton mini excavator with a 10–12 ft dig depth handles most residential pool excavations. For tight backyard access, a 2–4 ton machine may be the only one that fits through a gate.

Is it cheaper to rent or buy a mini excavator?+

Renting is cheaper if you'll use it fewer than about 12–14 days a month or for a single project under ~6 months. Above that utilization, buying usually wins. Use the calculator below to check your numbers.

What's the cheapest way to rent a mini excavator?+

Book a weekly or monthly rate rather than stacking day rates, share delivery with nearby jobs, and rent the smallest machine that fits the task. Comparing quotes from multiple local suppliers typically saves 15–30%.