Some residential worksites will be relatively small and straightforward, requiring just a skid steer for most of the work.
Clients can hire earthmovers on a per-job basis, or they can be part of the crew that does multiple jobs for a client during a single visit to a construction site. To get an accurate estimate from an earthmover operator, you will need to provide them with relevant information such as the dimensions and weight of the excavated material to be moved, soil conditions at your excavation site (soil density will affect how much horsepower an operator needs to complete your job), ground elevations on-site (dirt can get heavy when you're digging down, but things get exponentially more difficult when you start removing fill from up high), excavation work (the deeper your holes are, the more earthmoving power is necessary), excavation costs range, and what specialised machinery/vehicles will be available on-site (a large excavator might need more room to move around than a smaller skid steer). The cost to excavate land is, on average, between $70 and $120 per hour for a standard earthmoving job on a flat surface with decent soil.
Earthmoving is all about moving earth, rocks and other materials. This means that you will need heavy specialised equipment to do the job. Depending on the grading land costs and the scale of your construction project, this can range from smaller machines like front-end loaders, skid steers and mini excavators to bigger crawler tractors with full backhoes or cranes attached.
Some residential worksites will be relatively small and straightforward, requiring just a skid steer for most of the work.
A more complex project might require an excavator, especially if you're dealing with rocky terrain or need to do large trenches/hole installations for house foundation. Some everyday tasks for residential and commercial properties include the below.Shoring up a foundation/ excavating basements for building a new addition
Retaining walls, decks and other structures out of the dirt
Adding an extension to the back of the house or building a garage
Digging a pool
Removing trees from your yard
Earthmovers can not only move the dirt that you've excavated, but you might be able to use some for infill or your garden.
Processes like backfilling and grading typically require a few professionals per machine.
One person to drive (excavation contractor, whether it's a skid steer loader or full-size dozer)
One person for grading/shaping/polling the ground after excavation services are completed
One or more people to assist with ensuring ground safety in all excavation projects
Here's a quick rundown of some standard earthmoving equipment.
Skid steers
Mini excavators (track mounted mini dumpers)
Professional excavators (standard and crawler)
Dozers
Backhoes and Front End Loaders (in addition to dozer attachments, these can frequently attach with cranes which can help spread material, transport wood/bark chips, etc.)
Time will vary depending on several factors, including the below.
Type of heavy earthmoving machinery being used
Excavation contractors
Soil conditions. Dry, wet, sandy or rocky soils can all affect the time it takes to complete an excavation job, as well as how much horsepower is necessary.
Site size and dimensions
Diamond drills (diamond blade rock)
Septic systems
Depth of your excavations for swimming pools(the deepest parts tend to take longer)
labour and services tend to be more expensive in urban areas than rural for hiring companies, as well as the type of excavation cost per heavy equipment being used.
Locations with difficult soil, rocky or poorly graded surfaces might require additional grading costs or levelling which adds to the time it takes and the overall cost of the job.
An excavator can take on several different tasks, for example backfilling, trenching/boring, agricultural land clearing, grading or transporting. The more processes required to complete the job per square metre, the more it will cost for a professional excavation service.
Equipment | Average cost per hour |
|---|---|
3 to 4 tonne excavator and bobcat | $120 per hour |
5 to 6 tonne excavator | $130 per hour |
13 to 16 tonne excavator cost | $140 to $150 per hour |
8 tonne excavator bobcat combo | $140 per hour |
Backhoe | $130 per hour |
While excavation equipment is expensive, labour is the most significant factor in earthmoving costs. A basement excavation project can take up a substantial portion of your total budget for a residential job, especially if you need to hire professionals that know how to use specialist equipment.
As with all aspects of earthmoving services, excavation costs vary depending on the types of material you need to remove from the job site.Skip bins for lightweight soils can be as low as $50 per cubic metre delivered.
Heavier soils require larger skips which means more expensive delivery fees, roughly $80 to $100 per cubic metre.
Choosing the correct type of earthmoving equipment can help you save time and money, so it's essential to understand what types are available.
Trenching machine (trencher)
Wheelbarrow and tip trucks
Shovels and rakes
Digging bar
Measuring tape
Excavator and tip truck. This machine digs deep trenches in the ground for various reasons, including tree density, soil type, earthmoving rates range, landscaping and more. You can also rent a track excavator that has four wheels instead of tracks to help provide greater stability.