Loader Hire

Need a loader for your project? You can check our complete guide for all the details including types of loaders, functionality, attachments, hire rates and other service costs. Be it a mini bobcat loader for a local jobsite or a heavy-duty tool carrier for a large-scale construction project – we got them in the fleet! Find additional info by exploring FAQs, articles, and insights to help you pick the right equipment for the task.

Hire Loaders from Suppliers Near You

ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA

Range of Loaders for Hire

The following loaders are available for hire, depending on the job and surface. Whether you need versatility, power, or maneuverability, there’s a loader fit for every job.

New Additions

Explore various models of loaders from hire companies near you.

Doosan DL250 Wheel Loader

Kubota SVL95 Posi-Track Loader

John Deere 317G Posi-Track Loader

John Deere 644 Wheel Loader

Volvo L120 Wheel Loader

Bobcat T770 Posi-Track Loader

Terex PT30 Posi-Track Loader

Manitou 1350 Posi-Track Loader

Kubota SVL90 Posi-Track Loader

XCMG XC958 Wheel Loader

XCMG XC948 Wheel Loader

XCMG XC938 Wheel Loader

Typical Wheel Loader Hire Rates

Hire costs depend on the type, size, and hiring period, but they’re generally range between $70 and $250 per hour. Cost is also usually determined by whether the hire includes a contractor or just the equipment.

Loader Type	Dry	Wet
Wheel Loader (Medium – Large)	$120 – $250p/h +GST	$180 – $350p/h +GST
Track Loader	$90 – $150p/h +GST	$140 – $220p/h +GST
Backhoe Loader	$100 – $180p/h +GST	$160 – $260p/h +GST
Mini Loader	$50 – $90p/h +GST	$90 – $140p/h +GST
Skid Steer Loader	$70 – $120p/h +GST	$110 – $180p/h +GST
Telehandler	$110 – $200p/h +GST	$170 – $300p/h +GST

Dry Hire vs Wet Hire

When it comes to hiring equipment, you are generally presented with these two options. The choice will depend on whether you possess the experience required in operating the machine you are hiring or need external assistance.

Dry Hire Businesses or individuals who have expertise operating the hire themselves may find this option suitable, where only the plant is rented.

If you already have trained staff, then this is the best option.
When you possess the knowledge necessary to operate the equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
If you wish to save on costs and are confident in managing the vehicle.
For longer-term construction projects, where hiring assistance may become expensive.

Although hiring equipment this way can be less expensive, the renter is in charge of running the unit, including any repairs or maintenance that may be required.

Wet Hire The need for both the plant and a trained controller is sometimes referred to as wet hire. This choice is ideal if you lack the staff or require someone with particular knowledge to do so.

When a qualified staff is unavailable.
When an experienced technician is needed for the range of construction jobs to guarantee efficiency and safety.
When you want the ease of having someone tackle short-term jobs.
Whether you are performing jobs that call for a certain set of skills, including negotiating challenging terrain or precise excavation.

Such rental may be more expensive, yet it offers further assurance by a qualified individual who can manage unforeseen difficulties.

Additional Hire Costs

Fuel, delivery, insurance, and accessories may incur additional hire fees based on your hire agreement. The overall cost may also be impacted by additional fees, damage waivers, and excess usage costs.

Attachments: Specialized tools, such as compaction wheels, rock breakers, or augers, might cost extra and usually range from $20 to $50 per hour.

Travel and Mobilization: Some providers charge for the time it takes for the operator to travel. If you decide to upgrade later, there can be an additional cost involved.

Minimum Hire Durations: For machinery weighing up to eight tonnes, many companies impose minimum hire durations of three hours + one hour for travel.

Penalty Rates: There may be an additional fee, often around 30%, for work done on Sundays, public holidays, or beyond regular business hours.

Since pricing might vary depending on area demand and availability, it is best to request multiple quotes for the most accurate and current rates.

Common Loader Attachments

Addons enhance versatility by enabling machines to perform tasks like material handling, grading, digging and site cleanup. Popular accessories include buckets, forks, grapples, augers and dozer blades, each designed for the specific job.

Buckets – Standard, multi-purpose and high-capacity buckets for material handling, and excavation.

Forks – Pallet forks for lifting and moving pallets, while log forks for handling logs and other materials.

Grapples — Used to stack large piles of materials including logs, scrap or trash.

Dozer Blades – Turns the loader into a mini dozer for grading, leveling, and pushing materials.

Augers – Augers are used for drilling holes in the ground, in construction, landscaping, and other tasks.

Sweepers – Rotating brooms used for cleaning sites, sweeping roads and removing debris.

Rippers — Breaks up compacted soil, asphalt or frozen ground prior to excavation.

Lifting Jib – Enables the loader to lift and position heavy items like beams and pipes.

Quick Hitch – Allows for quick easy swapping between the attachments without manual intervention to speed up the workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Loaders and Mini Skid Steers

What does a loader do?

A wheel loader is a piece of heavy equipment that uses its large front-mounted bucket to lift and dump payloads such as dirt, gravel, sand and debris. Generally, loaders are used for construction, agriculture, mining and landscaping tasks, including site preparation, material movement and roadwork.

What is the best loader manufacturer?

A wide range of wheel loader brands are popular in Australian construction, mining and agricultural sectors. Caterpillar is known for durability and a wide network of dealers. Komatsu combines power and fuel-efficiency, and Volvo is praised for safety, and comfort. John Deere is a respected name in agriculture and construction. CASE has affordable loaders engineered for mid-size applications, while Liebherr dominates a mining sector.

Can I operate a mini loader without a license?

Australia does not always require a mini loader license but may require certification, depending on state laws and worksite regulations. No formal license is usually needed for private use. However, skilled workers generally need to hold a Nationally Recognized Training (NRT) accreditation for commercial sites. And of course, always confirm with local regulators before operating a loader!

Where can I hire a loader?

Loaders can be hired from construction companies and equipment dealerships that offer plant hire, along with maintenance and servicing across Australia. There are several national providers that carry late model wheel loaders available for short and long term hires. Additionally, new generation loaders are available from local hire companies, and online marketplaces.

Recent Articles

Read related articles on loader hire prices, tool options, operational guidelines and a comparison with other earthmoving machines. These resources offer insights to help you select the right loader for your project.

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