Rental rates change year over year. Staying on top of them helps you budget effectively and keep your business in the black.
Planning a construction project in Southern or Central California in 2025? Then take a moment to go over the information below. This post helps you understand the current excavator rental rates.
While we give you some reliable ranges, it’s important to remember that excavator rental costs can vary. Those changes are based on several factors, including the size of the machine, rental duration, and additional attachments.
2025 Excavator Rental Rates
| Excavator Size | Daily Rate | Weekly Rate | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini (1–6 tons) | $250–$400 | $750–$1,200 | $2,000–$3,200 |
| Small (7–10 tons) | $350–$600 | $1,050–$1,800 | $2,800–$4,800 |
| Medium (11–25 tons) | $550–$900 | $1,650–$2,700 | $4,400–$7,200 |
| Large (26–45 tons) | $800–$1,500+ | $2,400–$4,500+ | $6,400–$12,000+ |
Rates are approximate and can vary based on location, equipment availability, and specific project requirements.
Factors Influencing Rental Costs
These are biggest factors that go into arriving at rental costs.
- Location: Rental rates in urban areas like Los Angeles or San Diego are almost always higher. These centers have larger demand and much higher operational costs like rent and labor.
- Rental Duration: Longer rental periods typically mean better rates. Renting by the week or month almost always gives you savings compared to renting by the day.
- Equipment Size and Type: Higher tonnage typically costs more to rent. So a large excavator will cost more than a compact model.
- Attachments and Accessories: Adding specialized attachments like hydraulic hammers, augers, or thumbs can increase rental costs. For example, a hydraulic hammer attachment might add $1,037 per day to the rental rate.
- Additional Services: Services such as equipment delivery, pickup, and operator fees can add to the total rental cost.
- Site Prep Needs: Depending on the nature of the site, some contractors also rent auxiliary equipment like industrial vacuum cleaners for dust suppression or debris removal. While not directly related to excavation, such tools improve site safety and cleanup efficiency.
Regional Insights: Southern and Central California
Southern and Central California present unique dynamics when it comes to excavator rental rates. Unlike other parts of the country, this region combines high urban density, strict environmental regulations, and a year-round construction season. These factors can drive prices up—or down—depending on the project type and location.
In Los Angeles County, for example, high demand from large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the Metro Rail expansions and ongoing freeway improvements, often leads to increased rental rates for mid- to large-size excavators. A typical 20-ton excavator can rent for $1,600 to $2,200 per day (compare to their new mini-excavators prices), depending on the provider and rental length.
Up north in Fresno and Bakersfield, you’ll find slightly lower rates. Contractors in these areas might find 10–15% lower prices compared to Los Angeles, thanks to less congestion and lower overhead costs for local rental companies.
The Central Coast, including cities like San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria, often sees variable rates. Here, seasonal agricultural projects and periodic public works can cause short-term spikes in demand. For example, during vineyard development season, rental prices for compact and mini-excavators can jump by 20–30%.
One critical factor in California is environmental compliance. The state’s CARB (California Air Resources Board) emissions regulations mean many rental providers offer Tier 4 Final-compliant excavators, which can carry a premium. While this ensures cleaner operation, it can add $200–$500 to the daily rental rate for larger machines.
Additionally, proximity to major equipment dealerships can influence rates. Areas closer to these hubs might benefit from more competitive pricing due to supply availability, while more remote job sites may face increased delivery fees.
In summary:
- Los Angeles & Orange County: Higher rates due to urban demand and regulatory compliance.
- Fresno, Bakersfield, Inland Empire: Moderate rates with steady demand from agriculture and logistics sectors.
- Central Coast: Fluctuating rates based on seasonal project types.
- Environmental Compliance: Expect premiums for Tier 4 Final-compliant excavators across the board.
Tips for Renting Excavators
- Plan Ahead: Book your equipment as far in advance as you can. This is how you secure better rates and stay 100% sure of its availability. This is especially true during peak construction seasons.
- Right-Size Your Equipment: Choose an excavator that matches your project’s requirements to avoid unnecessary costs associated with over- or under-sized equipment.
- Bundle Rentals: If your project requires multiple pieces of equipment, bundling rentals from the same provider may lead to discounts.
- Consider Off-Peak Rentals: Renting during off-peak seasons, such as late fall or winter, might offer lower rates due to decreased demand.
Planning for 2025 Excavator Rental Rates
Plan and budget with a little more certainty in 2025 with this refresher on rental rates. The factors to consider aren’t complex, but even the best teams can miss tracking them. That leads to unnecessary costs. But follow the advice above, and you’ll get the best rate possible.
