EXCAVATOR RENTAL RATES & COSTS IN CANADA
Excavators are the workhorse of almost every dig, and rental rates swing widely depending on the size class you need. A one-tonne mini excavator for a backyard trench costs a fraction of a 50-tonne machine on a highway job.
This guide breaks down current excavator rental rates in Canada by size, explains what drives the price, and helps you pick the right class so you don't over-rent.
Quick answer
It typically costs $150–$20,000 per day to rent a excavator in Canada. Weekly rates run about 3–4× the daily rate and monthly rates about 3–4× the weekly, which lowers the effective day rate for longer projects. Delivery, an operator and insurance are usually quoted separately, and owners set the final price, confirmed when you e-sign your rental contract.
EXCAVATOR RENTAL RATES BY SIZE
Recommended guideline rates in CAD, from real catalog data. Owners set the final price, locked in at contract. See how excavators compare nationally on the Canada Rental Rate Index →
| Size class | Daily | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact (up to 48 HP) | $150–$650 | $544–$2,600 | $1,415–$7,800 |
| Mid-size (48–166 HP) | $315–$1,570 | $1,071–$6,280 | $2,785–$18,850 |
| Large (166+ HP) | $600–$20,000 | $2,040–$80,000 | $5,305–$235,000 |
QUICK COST ESTIMATE
Estimated total
Ballpark only — based on typical catalog rates and does not include delivery, operator, fuel, or insurance.
Excavator rental costs in Canada vary widely because "excavator" covers everything from a one-tonne mini digger to a 50-tonne machine. As a rule of thumb, a compact or mini excavator rents for roughly $250–$450 per day, a mid-size excavator (10–20 tonnes) runs about $500–$900 per day, and a large excavator can exceed $1,500 per day. Weekly and monthly rates bring the daily cost down sharply — often 3–4× the daily rate for a full week and 10–12× for a month — so the longer you keep the machine, the less you pay per day.
What determines the price. Five things move the number the most: the size and weight class of the machine, how long you rent it (daily, weekly or monthly), whether you need it delivered, any attachments you add (breakers, augers, thumbs, grading buckets), and whether you hire a certified operator with it. Rates also drift with region and season — expect to pay more in busy metros and during peak construction months.
Mini and compact excavator rental cost. A mini excavator (1–4 tonnes) is the cheapest and most popular rental for landscaping, trenching, utility work and tight residential sites. Daily rates typically land in the $250–$400 range, and because most minis can be towed on a standard trailer, you can often skip delivery fees and pick the machine up yourself. If you only need it for a day or two of digging, a mini is almost always the most cost-effective choice.
Mid-size and large excavator rates. Once you move up to a 10–20 tonne excavator for foundation work, road building or heavier excavation, expect $500–$900 per day plus delivery, since these machines need a float truck. Large excavators for major earthworks and demolition are quoted per job as often as per day.
Costs beyond the base rate. Budget for a few extras: delivery and pickup (priced by distance, or free within a set radius from some owners), fuel (you usually return it fueled), an operator if you're not certified to run it, and an optional damage waiver or your own equipment insurance. Attachments are billed separately and can be bundled at checkout.
How to keep the cost down. Rent for the longest period you'll realistically use — a weekly rate almost always beats seven daily rates. Pick the smallest machine that can do the job, pick the machine up yourself when it's trailerable, and book ahead in peak season. On HeavyRentals you compare real rates from local owners side by side, so you can see the true market price before you commit.
The ranges above are guideline rates built from real catalog data across Canada. Every listing owner sets their own final price, which is locked in on your e-signed contract — so use these numbers to sanity-check a quote, then browse live listings for the exact machine and city you need.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In Canada, expect roughly $250–$450 per day for a mini or compact excavator, $500–$900 per day for a mid-size 10–20 tonne machine, and $1,500+ per day for large excavators. Weekly and monthly rentals cost far less per day — often a week runs about 3–4× the daily rate.
A mini excavator (1–4 tonnes) typically rents for about $250–$400 per day. Because most minis can be towed on a standard trailer, you can often avoid delivery fees by picking the machine up yourself.
Yes — the longer the rental, the lower the effective daily cost. A weekly rate is usually around 3–4× the daily rate (versus paying seven separate days), and a monthly rate is often 10–12× the daily rate. If your job runs more than three or four days, ask for the weekly price.
Not always. Many contractors and property owners rent an excavator bare (no operator) if they are competent and, where required, certified to run it. If you would rather not operate it yourself, you can hire a certified operator through HeavyRentals and add that cost to the job.
The base rate covers the machine for the rental period. Delivery and pickup, fuel, attachments (breakers, augers, thumbs), an operator, and any damage waiver or insurance are usually billed on top. Always confirm delivery radius and fuel policy on the listing before you book.
For landscaping, trenching, drainage and tight residential lots, a 1–4 tonne mini excavator is usually enough. For foundations, utilities and larger digs, step up to a 10–20 tonne machine. For major earthworks and demolition, a large excavator is the right call. When in doubt, choose the smallest machine that reaches the required depth and reach — it costs less to rent and to move.
POPULAR EXCAVATOR BRANDS
READY TO RENT EXCAVATOR?
Compare real listings from equipment owners across Canada.
Browse excavator listings →