Backhoe loaders are some of the most versatile construction equipment, capable of accomplishing a range of tasks depending on the attachment used.

Though important in many industries, backhoe loaders are fairly expensive to with used low-horsepower machines costing $15,000 to $45,000.

New units are even costlier depending on their weight, power rating as well as make and model of the machine. Although not as large in size, backhoe loaders can often be as costly as bulldozers to rent.

Excavators, for example, have a backhoe attached to the front of the unit at all times. With backhoe rental costs rising, many contractors and project managers are opting for cheaper options.

So, How Much Does a Backhoe Rental Cost?

Well, rental rates for backhoe loaders vary significantly depending on the size, power and the rental period. With daily rental plans, you will end up paying between $150 and $500 for a 60-horsepower backhoe loader. Monthly rentals range between $2,000 and $3,000.

This guide sheds light on the various factors affecting the pricing of backhoe loader rentals.

How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Backhoe Loader?

Just as is the case with their buying prices, backhoe loader rental costs are determined by a combination of factors. Holding other factors constant, you should expect to spend $150 to $500 a day, $750 to $1,500 a week and $1,500 to 3,000 per month to rent one.

As you will come to learn, the rental cost charged by the leading backhoe rental companies varies from one region to another.

For instance, renting a two-wheel-drive backhoe loader with a canopy will cost you about $250 a day within the Midwest part of the country and about $350 per day within the West Coast.

Along the coasts, daily rental plans for a four-wheel-drive backhoe that has a cab are often set between$400 to $450 at around $300. It will cost you about $300 to $350 a day to rent the same machine in the Midwest.

Backhoe Loader Rentals for DIY Project

When renting a backhoe loader for a do it yourself (DIY), you will not require an operator. In such a case, the rental company will charge you $100 to $200 for using the machine for a couple of hours to one day. This is particularly the case for mini-backhoe loader models.

For larger models, you will be required to pay between $200 and $350 a day or $500 to $1,500 per week. Regardless of the model you choose, the rental company may require a deposit on the rental depending on your credit score. In most cases, the deposit is between $500 and $1,500.

Insurance cover on the equipment or a damage waiver will increase the rental cost by 10 to 15 percent.

Backhoe Loader + Operator Rental Cost

Most of the leading backhoe loader rental companies will provide an operator for the rented backhoes. In such a case, operator fees are covered by the rental cost.

Such service providers will charge you between $50 and $100 per hour, and up to $90 an hour depending on your location.

In this case, the size and type of backhoe you are renting will impact on the rental cost. As compared to the DIY backhoe rentals, machines that come with operators are costlier. This is mainly because of the added operator costs.

Additional Backhoe Rental Cost Factors

In addition to the rental cost, which is mainly influenced by the above-mentioned factors, there are other costs you may incur while renting a backhoe loader.

Here are some of the additional costs that may affect the cost of renting a backhoe loader:

Choice of Attachments

For enhanced versatility, backhoe loaders are designed to use different types of attachments depending on the project. If you wish to use additional attachments other than the standard ones offers by your rental company, you may be required to pay more for each additional attachment.

With daily rentals, additional attachments will cost you between $30 and $200 a day. With most of the reputable rental companies, you will get fair discounting when hiring the equipment for a longer period, say monthly. Since the additional attachments will be charged per unit, more attachments will add the rental cost significantly.

Delivery and Pickup Costs

In most cases, the equipment needs to be transported to and from the construction site. Backhoe loader deliveries and pickups are often carried out using large trucks.

Although some rental companies include transportation fees in the rental cost, they tend to restrict you to a maximum delivery distance.

With such providers, deliveries outside the maximum delivery radius will be charged a per-mile rate. Other companies will require you to pay additional transportation fees, in addition to the rental costs. In both cases, the providers will charge you an average of $3 per loaded mile.

Others will also have a minimum amount payable for deliveries. In this case, the rental company will require a minimum of about $45 or $3 per loaded mile, whichever is greater.

Ready to Rent a Backhoe Loader?

Backhoe loafers costly pieces of equipment with prices for a new machine ranging between $40,000 and $150,000 or more. If you cannot afford to pay this amount upfront, leasing and backhoe loader rentals will come in handy.

As you have learned throughout this guide, the rental cost will depend on the weight, and power of the unit, as well as the attachments, required. The cost will also depend on whether the company is providing an operator or you are hiring your own.

Either way, longer rental periods will attract lower backhoe loader rental costs. However, if you are looking to buy an excavator with a backhoe attachment, check out our CAT excavator cost guide or the Hitachi excavator for sale review.