Bobcat Hire Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost to hire a bobcat (skid steer) in Australia. Choose the machine, how long you need it and whether you need an operator.
Your bobcat hire details
Your estimate sits within the typical range.
Your estimate sits within the typical range.
Where the money goes
Estimated breakdown for your configuration
A float / transport fee almost always applies, the machine is delivered on a trailer.
Ways to save
- Wet hire (with operator) costs more per hour but is faster, for small jobs it can work out cheaper overall.
- Have the site clear and accessible so the operator isn’t paid to wait.
How we estimate this
Bobcat hire in Australia in 2026 typically costs $80–$120 per hour wet (with operator), or about $500–$900 for a full day. Dry hire (machine only) is cheaper if you have a ticketed operator.
Pricing reviewed: October 2026.
Bobcat hire prices by city
Costs vary by city. See the local breakdown for your capital.
Pricing reviewed October 2026. Indicative Australian costs, not a quote.
Understanding bobcat hire costs in Australia
Bobcat hire in Australia in 2026 typically costs $80–$120 per hour wet (with operator), or about $500–$900 for a full day. Dry hire (machine only) is cheaper if you have a ticketed operator.
A float fee for transport and attachments like augers or breakers add to the cost. Combining a bobcat with a tipper truck speeds up jobs that involve moving spoil.
Frequently asked questions
How much does bobcat hire cost in Australia?
Around $80–$120 per hour wet (with operator) in 2026, or about $500–$900 for a full day. Dry hire is cheaper if you supply an operator.
What’s the difference between wet and dry bobcat hire?
Wet hire includes a licensed operator; dry hire is the machine only and requires you to operate it or supply a ticketed operator.
Do I need a float for bobcat hire?
Yes, the machine is transported on a float/trailer, and this transport fee is usually added to the hire cost.
Are you a hire business?
Everyone on this page is working out what bobcat hire costs because they are ready to hire. Put your business right beneath the calculator, in your state, so you are who they find. From $1,000/mo.