How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Backhoe?

Backhoe loaders are go-to machines for earthmoving, landscaping and excavation jobs. If you need a backhoe for your next project, knowing how much they cost to rent can simplify the planning process and help keep your budget on track.

The average cost to rent a backhoe typically ranges from $280 to $1,000 per day, $800 to $3,500 per week and $2,200 to $8,000 per month. Prices can vary widely depending on size, brand, model and your project’s location.

Local retailers or an online equipment rental marketplace can provide the most accurate pricing information for your area. However, even a general estimate can be beneficial as you plan your budget and build out early cost estimates.

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Backhoe Rates per Hour

Some rental companies allow you to rent out backhoe loaders and attachments by the hour. In most cases, hourly rates for backhoe rentals range from $30 to $100 depending on equipment size, location and whether you need an operator. Some retailers also require a minimum number of hours or charge a minimum fee for smaller jobs.

What Affects Backhoe Rental Costs?

The cost to rent a backhoe is different for every project. Before you choose a supplier, it can be helpful to consider the following factors that affect backhoe rental prices.

Size

Backhoes come in multiple sizes, and the cost to rent depends on each machine’s horsepower and weight capacity. If you need a high-powered machine with 100 hp, it will likely cost more than a smaller machine offering 80 hp or less.

Location

Backhoe rental costs can vary widely from one location to the next. Rentals in busy urban centers often come with higher transportation and upfront costs than those in rural areas. Whether you’re browsing estimates online or requesting a quote from a rental marketplace, you should always provide your exact location to get the most accurate price.

Brand

Backhoe rental costs can vary depending on the brand and model you choose. Common brands like John Deere, Bobcat, Caterpillar and JCB all have different product offerings, and some manufacturers charge more than others. It’s important to review all of your options and request quotes from multiple retailers to find the best price and quality.

Market Conditions

Like in any industry, rental prices for construction equipment can fluctuate as supply and demand shift. Prices often go up during periods of heightened construction activity and drop during less active periods. If your project timeline is flexible, you may be able to plan around these periods to avoid price spikes.

Project Length

The total cost to rent a backhoe depends on the length of your rental period. If you only need the machine for a week or two, it will cost much less to rent than it would for a rental period spanning several months. To ensure that you aren’t paying for unused days or scrambling to extend your rental at the last minute, you should finalize your project timeline before renting.

Additional Costs To Consider

Renting a backhoe can come with additional costs that aren’t included in the initial quote. Some of these include optional attachments, operator training, and transportation to and from the job site.

• Attachments: Some jobs require additional backhoe attachments like augers, compactors or cold planers. These typically aren’t included in the base rental price and may need to be added separately.
• Insurance: Most retailers require you to purchase contractors equipment insurance when renting heavy construction equipment. Suppliers often include this information in the quote, but it can be helpful to ask about policy options in advance.
• Operator Costs: If you don’t already have a backhoe operator on your crew, some equipment rental companies can provide one for an additional cost. Retailers generally charge by the hour for an operator.
• Transportation: Depending on the project location, you may need to pay additional pickup and delivery fees. To reduce transportation costs, consider choosing a retailer close to your job site and calculate fuel costs ahead of time.

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Benefits of Renting vs. Buying a Backhoe

If you need a backhoe for your project, you might be wondering if it’s better to rent or buy. There are benefits to both, but many people find that renting affords greater flexibility and reduces project costs over time.

A new backhoe loader can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $80,000 depending on size, type and attachments. Over time, you can also expect to pay maintenance, storage, fuel and transportation costs. This might be worth it if you plan to use the machine on a regular basis, but it can be hard to build into a budget for a short-term project.

Renting reduces long-term costs by placing the responsibility for storage, depreciation and maintenance costs on the rental company instead of the buyer. If you need a backhoe for multiple projects, renting also gives you the freedom to choose a size and model that best suits each project.

Renting a backhoe is a great way to reduce project costs and ensure that you have the right machine for every project. For more pricing information, call your local retailer or request a quote online.

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