LARGE EXCAVATOR RENTAL
Heavy excavators from ~45 tonnes up — the machines that move serious volume on highway, mining, bulk-earthworks and major infrastructure jobs.
117
Models to rent
22
Brands
$2,560
Typical day rate
3
Size classes
Renting a Large Excavator in Canada
A large (heavy) excavator is one of the most-rented classes of construction equipment in Canada, and for good reason: it hits the sweet spot between capability and cost for a huge range of jobs. Instead of buying — where you carry the purchase price, maintenance, storage, insurance and depreciation — renting lets you match the machine to the project and hand it back when you're done. This guide pulls together real recommended rates, size classes and specs across 22 manufacturers and 117 models so you can budget accurately before you send a single rental request.
Every rate below is drawn from our machine catalog and the same rate engine that powers the Canada Rental Rate Index, so the numbers reflect the broad market rather than a single dealer's price list. Owners set final pricing, which is locked in when you e-sign your contract — and all contact stays private on-platform until then.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RENT A LARGE EXCAVATOR?
Recommended market rates in CAD across all catalogued large excavator units.
| Period | Low | Typical (median) | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per day | $880 | $2,560 | $20,000 |
| Per week | $2,992 | $10,240 | $80,000 |
| Per month | $7,780 | $30,700 | $235,000 |
As a rule of thumb, a weekly rate runs roughly 3–4× the daily rate and a monthly rate roughly 3–4× the weekly, so the longer you keep the machine the lower your effective day rate. For jobs longer than about three days, ask owners for a weekly rate; for anything over three weeks, a monthly rate almost always wins. Delivery, an operator, fuel and damage waiver are usually quoted separately.
LARGE EXCAVATOR SIZE CLASSES
Compact (up to 362 HP)
~$2,185/dayWe track 45 large excavator units in this class. Day rates range $880–$2,500, with weekly rates $2,992–$10,200. Choose this class when your access, dig depth and lifting needs line up with its size — going bigger than the job requires just raises your rate and transport cost.
Mid-size (362–476 HP)
~$2,760/dayWe track 35 large excavator units in this class. Day rates range $2,100–$3,500, with weekly rates $8,400–$14,000. Choose this class when your access, dig depth and lifting needs line up with its size — going bigger than the job requires just raises your rate and transport cost.
Large (476+ HP)
~$4,000/dayWe track 39 large excavator units in this class. Day rates range $3,000–$20,000, with weekly rates $11,500–$80,000. Choose this class when your access, dig depth and lifting needs line up with its size — going bigger than the job requires just raises your rate and transport cost.
WHAT A LARGE EXCAVATOR IS USED FOR
Contractors, landscapers, utilities and DIY renters reach for a large excavator on jobs like these:
- ▸Bulk earthmoving and mass excavation
- ▸Highway and infrastructure grading
- ▸Mining and aggregate operations
- ▸Deep foundations and shafts
- ▸Heavy demolition and site clearing
TOP LARGE EXCAVATOR MODELS TO RENT
Popular models by recommended day rate — click through for full specs and availability.
| Model | HP | Weight | Day rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liebherr R9800 | 2000 HP | 1,763,000 lb | $20,000 |
| Komatsu PC3000-6 | 1620 HP | 661,000 lb | $13,300 |
| Liebherr R9400 | 1200 HP | 882,000 lb | $12,000 |
| Kobelco SK3300D | 2000 HP | 726,000 lb | $11,400 |
| Liebherr R9350 | 1044 HP | 771,600 lb | $9,000 |
| Komatsu PC2000-11 | 1065 HP | 441,000 lb | $8,550 |
| Liebherr R9250 | 900 HP | 551,000 lb | $8,000 |
| Liebherr R9200 | 750 HP | 441,000 lb | $6,000 |
| Komatsu PC1250SP-11 | 753 HP | 274,000 lb | $5,700 |
| Liebherr R9150 | 680 HP | 330,000 lb | $5,500 |
| XCMG XE1250DK | 850 HP | 275,000 lb | $5,130 |
| Volvo CE EC950F | 670 HP | 209,000 lb | $4,500 |
| Hitachi ZX1000-3 | 626 HP | 220,000 lb | $4,280 |
| Caterpillar 395 | 544 HP | 209,000 lb | $4,200 |
| LiuGong 9400F | 700 HP | 176,000 lb | $4,200 |
| Kobelco SK1000D-11 | 626 HP | 220,500 lb | $4,180 |
| Liebherr R9100 | 544 HP | 220,000 lb | $4,000 |
| XCMG XE900D | 595 HP | 210,000 lb | $4,000 |
| Hitachi ZX870 | 544 HP | 196,000 lb | $4,000 |
| Kobelco SK850 | 544 HP | 191,000 lb | $4,000 |
HOW RENTING WORKS ON HEAVYRENTALS
- 1. Compare and request. Browse models and rates above, then send a rental request with your dates. Your contact details stay private.
- 2. Owner confirms. The equipment owner confirms availability, dates and the final rate — including any delivery, operator or insurance you asked to quote.
- 3. E-sign the contract. Both parties e-sign a binding contract in-platform. Only then are contact details shared, and the machine is reserved for your dates.
- 4. Work and return. Use the machine for your project, then both parties confirm the return and leave a review — building an on-platform reputation that keeps everyone accountable.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much does it cost to rent a large excavator in Canada?
Day rates for a large excavator typically run $880–$20,000, with a median around $2,560 per day. Weekly rates start near $2,992 and monthly rates from $7,780. Rates vary by size class, age and region; owners set final pricing in your contract.
What size classes of large excavator can I rent?
We track 3 size classes: Compact (up to 362 HP) (~$2,185/day); Mid-size (362–476 HP) (~$2,760/day); Large (476+ HP) (~$4,000/day). Bigger classes cost more but dig deeper, lift heavier and work faster.
What can a large excavator be used for?
Common jobs include bulk earthmoving and mass excavation, highway and infrastructure grading, mining and aggregate operations, deep foundations and shafts. Match the size class to your access, dig depth and lift needs.
How many large excavator models and brands are available?
Our catalog covers 117 large excavator models across 22 manufacturers, so you can compare specs and rates before you send a rental request.
Can I get delivery, an operator or insurance with a large excavator?
Yes — when you send a rental request you can request quotes from nearby delivery companies, certified operators and insurance brokers right inside the platform. All communication and contracts stay on-platform.
What's the minimum rental period for a large excavator?
Most owners rent by the day, week or month, and many set a minimum period (often 1–3 days). Weekly and monthly rates offer a lower effective day rate for longer projects.