Wet Hire vs Dry Hire in WA: Costs & When Each Wins
The real cost comparison
In Perth, dry-hired mini excavators run roughly $200–$360/day (see our published rates). Wet hire (machine plus operator) typically runs $100–$200+ per hour depending on machine size, so a full day costs two to four times dry hire. That gap is the operator's wage, insurance and skill.
When dry hire wins
You've run the machine before, the job is open and forgiving (paddock, cleared block, no services in the dig line), and the timeline is yours. Trenching, post holes, spreading and general landscaping are classic dry-hire work. Over a week, dry hire's economics are hard to beat, our weekly rates run about four days' money for seven days' machine.
When wet hire wins
Tight sites, dig lines near services, batters and levels that must be right, or simply one nasty day of work: a good operator digs more in three hours than a first-timer in two days, and doesn't put a bucket through the water main. If the machine will sit idle while you do other trades' work, hire the operator for the dig day only.
What WA requires
There's no high-risk work licence for excavators or skid steers in WA, but you must be trained and competent, and commercial sites almost always require a VOC (verification of competency). Damage from inexperience isn't covered by bravado, ask us about damage waiver when you book, and confirm site requirements with your principal contractor or WorkSafe WA.
PSG's standard hire is dry. For jobs that clearly need an operator, call 1300 12 HIRE, depending on the job and location we can often arrange it.