Excavation & Earthworks Perth: Site Cuts & Pads
Excavation and earthworks covers everything from a small backyard level to a full-block site cut for a new build. We bring the right Komatsu excavator for the job, with an operator who has done this work on Perth soils before.
Site cuts, house pads and bulk earthworks - all machine sizes available
Komatsu PC18, PC55 and PC138 matched to your job scope
Komatsu-trained operators who fix their own gear on site
Tipper truck available for spoil cartage away from site
What Excavation and Earthworks Covers
Excavation is the physical removal of earth, rock and material from a site to prepare it for construction. Earthworks is the broader category that includes levelling, filling, compacting and reshaping ground.
Perth's sandy, limestone-layered ground is its own challenge. The PC18 handles tight residential lots where side-gate access is the only entry. The PC55 works through most house pads and service trenches efficiently. The PC138US-11 is the machine for full site cuts, deep excavation and large earthmoving volumes.
All excavation work comes with our Komatsu-trained operators. They service their own machines, so if the ground turns hard or something needs adjustment on the fly, it is sorted on site.
Common Excavation Jobs We Handle in Perth
- Full site cuts for new home builds on sloped or uneven blocks
- House pads and slab preparation for residential construction
- Retaining wall footings and subgrade preparation
- Swimming pool excavation on residential blocks
- Cut and fill for driveway gradients and hard stand areas
- Bulk earthmoving for subdivisions and lot preparation
- Clearing and stripping topsoil ahead of construction
Limestone and Rock Are Common in Perth
Many Perth blocks hit limestone or hard rock below the sandy topsoil. If you are expecting hard ground, tell us at the quoting stage - the rock breaker attachment on the PC55 or PC18 may be needed, and that changes the job duration and rate.
Our Excavation Fleet for Perth Jobs
1.8t
Komatsu PC18
Tight access residential and side-gate jobs
5.5t
Komatsu PC55
House pads, pool excavations, service trenches
13.8t
Komatsu PC138US-11
Full site cuts and bulk earthmoving
8t
Isuzu FVR Tipper
Spoil and material cartage away from site
| Machine | Dig Depth (max) | Best Application | Access Width Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Komatsu PC18 (1.8t) | ~2.5m | Tight backyards, small pads, shallow trenches | From 900mm gate width |
| Komatsu PC55 (5.5t) | ~4.2m | House pads, pool excavations, general earthworks | Standard vehicle access |
| Komatsu PC138 (13.8t) | ~6.5m | Full site cuts, deep basements, large earthmoving | Open site access |
Excavation machine guide - Perth residential and light commercial jobs
Specifications are approximate and depend on configuration. Ask us if you are unsure whether the PC55 can reach the depth or working radius your job requires.
How Excavation Pricing Works in Perth
Most excavation jobs are priced on a day rate or a quoted fixed price for defined scope. Day rates suit jobs where the volume is not yet known. Fixed quotes suit straightforward site cuts where we can measure the block and estimate hours confidently.
Factors That Move the Price Up or Down
- Machine size required - a 13.8t costs more per day than a 1.8t
- Ground conditions - soft sand excavates fast, limestone takes much longer
- Depth required - deeper excavation uses more machine hours
- Access difficulty - tight lots take longer to manoeuvre and position
- Spoil disposal - whether you need our tipper to cart material away
- Transport distance - how far the machine travels to your site
| Machine | Indicative Day Rate (from) |
|---|---|
| Komatsu PC18 1.8t (wet hire) | From $1,500/day |
| Komatsu PC55 5.5t (wet hire) | From $1,700/day |
| Komatsu PC138 13.8t (wet hire) | From $2,000/day |
| 8t tipper - spoil cartage (per load) | Call for rate |
Fixed Quotes Available for Defined Scope
If you have plans or can describe the cut dimensions, we can often quote a fixed price for the excavation rather than an open-ended day rate. Fixed quotes give you cost certainty for budgeting and building contracts.
How We Approach a Perth Excavation Job
Site Assessment and Quote
You call us with the address, job description and access details. For larger jobs we prefer a site visit or photos so we can assess ground conditions and confirm machine size.
Underground Services Marked
Before any machine goes in the ground, underground services must be located. Dial Before You Dig gives us the dial-up records. Confirm the actual position on site with a spade or vacuum excavation first.
Machine Mobilises to Site
We load the right excavator on the plant trailer and transport to site. The operator walks the job with you before starting, confirming set-out marks and level pegs.
Excavation and Spoil Management
The operator works to your set-out, calling out if conditions change - hitting rock, finding unexpected services, or the levels varying from the plan. You stay informed throughout.
Level Check and Handover
On completion we confirm finished levels match the spec. If spoil is going off site, the tipper runs alongside the excavator. You inspect the finished surface and we demobilise.
“From a 1.8t in the side gate to a 13.8t on a big cut - we dig, move and shape Perth ground every day.”
Plant Hire Perth
Call us direct - most enquiries answered within the hour.
The Komatsu Fleet You Can Put To Work
Excavator Hire
Komatsu PC18 (1.8t) · PC55 (5.5t) · PC138 (13.8t)
Komatsu PC18, PC55 and PC138 diggers, 1.8t to 13.8t for any job size.
Excavator Hire
Mini Excavator Hire
Komatsu PC18 (1.8t) · rock breaker · plant trailer included
Komatsu PC18 1.8t for tight backyard and side access, rock breaker available.
Mini Excavator Hire
Bobcat Hire
Bobcat T450 · T590 · 4-in-1 buckets
Bobcat T450 and T590 skid steers with 4-in-1 buckets for levelling and clean-up.
Bobcat Hire
Tipper Truck Hire
8t Isuzu FVR tipper
8t Isuzu FVR tipper for soil, sand and spoil cartage.
Tipper Truck HireRelated Hire & Services
Wet Hire Perth: Machine + Operator
Wet hire in Perth - machine plus trained operator on site. Komatsu excavators, bobcats and tippers available. Call us direct for a fast quote.
Wet Hire Perth
Excavator Hire Perth: 1.8t to 13.8t Diggers
Excavator hire Perth - Komatsu PC18, PC55 and PC138 diggers. Wet hire with operator or dry hire. All sizes on site fast. Call us now.
Excavator Hire Perth
Tipper Truck Hire Perth: 8t Spoil Cartage
Tipper truck hire Perth - 8t Isuzu FVR for soil, sand and spoil cartage. Pair with an excavator for a full dig-and-cart solution. Call us.
Tipper Truck Hire PerthExcavation & Earthworks Perth Questions
Excavation pricing in Perth depends on machine size, ground conditions and spoil disposal. Wet hire starts from around $1,500 per day for a mini excavator. Larger machines and harder ground cost more. Call us for a quote based on your specific job.
Most residential house pads in Perth suit the Komatsu PC55 5.5t. It has the dig depth for standard slab depths and the reach for a typical residential lot. Tight access blocks may need the PC18 1.8t. Large sloped sites may need the PC138 13.8t.
Yes. Limestone is common across Perth's southern and coastal suburbs. The hydraulic rock breaker attachment on our Komatsu machines breaks limestone efficiently. Hard limestone excavation takes longer and is priced accordingly.
Yes. Our 8t Isuzu FVR tipper runs alongside the excavator for spoil cartage. We charge per load based on tipping location. Ask when you book if you need spoil removed.
For most minor residential earthworks in Perth, no formal approval is needed. Significant cut and fill on sloped lots, works near retaining walls or excavations over a certain depth may require approval. Check with your local council or builder.
Need Excavation & Earthworks In Perth?
We prefer calls, get straight through to the team. Reliable machines. Experienced operators. Jobs done right.