Machine Hire Rate Calculator (Wet & Dry Hire)
Calculate accurate wet hire and dry hire rates for excavators, skid steers, tippers, posi‑tracks, rollers and more.
This simple, real‑time calculator gives contractors, estimators and equipment owners a fast and reliable way to determine the true hourly cost of operating plant and machinery — based on fuel price and operator hourly rate.
This tool provides cost‑only rates and does not include overheads or profit margin
Wet Hire vs Dry Hire Explained
In the Civil construction industry, “wet hire” and “dry hire” are the two standard ways to price machinery. Here’s the simplest way to understand them:
Wet Hire (Machine + Operator + Fuel)
Wet hire means the machine is supplied with an operator, and usually with fuel included.
The supplier covers:
- The machine
- The operator
- Fuel
- Basic running costs
Your wet hire rate changes depending on:
- Operator hourly rate
- Fuel price per litre
This calculator gives you a real‑time wet hire cost per hour using only those two inputs.
Dry Hire (Machine Only)
Dry hire means the machine is supplied without an operator and without fuel.
The customer provides:
- Their own operator
- Their own fuel
To calculate dry hire using this tool:
- Set Operator = $0
- Set Fuel = $0
The calculator instantly returns the machine‑only cost per hour.
Key Difference
Wet hire includes labour and fuel; dry hire does not.
How This Calculator Works (Only 2 Inputs)
This calculator is designed to be fast, simple and accurate.
You only enter:
- Operator hourly rate
- Fuel price per litre
That’s it.
The tool automatically calculates:
- Fuel cost per hour
- Operator cost per hour
- Machine running cost per hour
Then combines them into a true cost‑only hire rate.
Because fuel and labour vary by region, project type and market conditions, this calculator updates instantly based on real‑time inputs.
What This Calculator Includes (Cost‑Only)
Your hourly cost includes:
Fuel cost- Operator cost
- Machine running cost
This gives you the true cost to run the machine, before adding:
- Overheads
- Business expenses
- Profit margin
What This Calculator Does NOT Include
To keep the tool universal and flexible, it does not include:
- Overheads
- Admin costs
- Yard/workshop costs
- Travel/float fees
- Profit margin
These vary widely between businesses and regions.
Typical Wet Hire Costs (Guide Only)
General cost‑only ranges (before overheads and margin):
| Machine Type | Typical Cost-Only Rate (AUD/hr or equivalent) |
|---|---|
| 1.7T Excavator | $70 – $100 |
| 3.5T Excavator | $85 – $120 |
| 5T Excavator | $100 – $140 |
| 8T Excavator | $120 – $160 |
| 14T Excavator | $140 – $180 |
| Skid Steer / Bobcat | $80 – $120 |
| Posi‑Track | $100 – $150 |
| Single Axle Tipper | $80 – $120 |
| Bogey Tipper | $100 – $150 |
| Padfoot / Smooth Drum Roller | $90 – $140 |
Actual rates vary depending on:
- Region (metro vs regional vs remote)
- Operator skill level
- Fuel price
- Project type (civil, infrastructure, mining)
How to Use the Calculator
- Enter operator hourly rate
- Enter fuel price per litre
- Click Calculate
- View your wet hire or dry hire cost per hour
To calculate dry hire, simply set both inputs to $0.
Why Cost‑Only Rates Matter
Knowing your true cost per hour helps you:
- Avoid underquoting
- Price jobs accurately
- Set competitive but profitable rates
- Understand your break‑even point
- Add overheads and margin with confidence
This calculator gives you a clean, accurate cost baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does this calculator include overheads or profit margi
No — it provides cost‑only rates.
What is included in the cost‑only rate
Fuel cost, operator cost and machine running cost.
Why are overheads not included
Every business has different overheads and profit expectations
How do I calculate my final wet hire rate
Add your overhead percentage and profit margin to the cost‑only rate
Is this calculator accurate
Yes — it uses industry‑standard cost formulas used worldwide.
About This Calculator
This machine hire rate calculator was created to help contractors, estimators and equipment owners calculate accurate cost‑only hourly rates for plant and machinery.
It works for wet hire and dry hire, and is suitable for use in any country.
Legal Disclaimer:
This calculator and all information provided on this website are supplied strictly on an “as‑is”, “as‑available” and “use‑at‑your‑own‑risk” basis. The calculations, outputs, estimates, figures, and any other information generated by this tool are general in nature, not verified, not guaranteed, and may be inaccurate, incomplete, outdated, or unsuitable for your specific circumstances.
This calculator provides cost-only estimates based solely on the values entered by the user. It does not include overheads, business expenses, profit margins, taxes, compliance costs, or any other financial, operational, legal, or commercial considerations. All results are approximate and should not be relied upon for pricing, quoting, tendering, financial decisions, business decisions, or any other purpose.
By using this calculator, you acknowledge and agree that:
- You are solely responsible for verifying the accuracy, suitability, and completeness of all results
- You must apply your own overheads, margins, risk allowances, and business considerations
- You will seek independent financial, legal, technical, or professional advice before making any decisions
- You understand that the creator, owner, and operator of this website makes no warranties of any kind, express or implied
- No responsibility or liability is accepted for any errors, omissions, miscalculations, misinterpretations, or outcomes
- No responsibility or liability is accepted for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, financial, commercial, or business loss, including (but not limited to) loss of profit, loss of revenue, loss of opportunity, or damage of any kind
- You assume full and complete responsibility for all use, misuse, interpretation, and application of the calculator and its results
To the maximum extent permitted by law, the creator, owner, and operator of this website disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, claim, cost, or consequence arising from or connected to the use of this calculator, the information it produces, or any reliance placed upon it.
If you do not agree to these terms, do not use this calculator.