Mini Excavator Hire Perth: 1.8t Tight Access
The Komatsu PC18 is an 1.8-tonne mini excavator and our machine for tight Perth residential jobs. It is 990mm wide, fits through a standard side gate, and can work in areas where a larger machine would cause more damage getting in than it would fix once there.
Despite its compact size, the PC18 digs to around 2.5m, breaks limestone with the hydraulic hammer attachment and handles most residential soakwells, service trenches and small excavations without a problem.
We offer the PC18 on wet hire with a Komatsu-trained operator, or dry hire for customers with their own operator. The machine comes on a plant trailer with the bucket and any attachments you have requested.
990mm wide - fits through a standard 900mm side gate with some adjustment
Digs to ~2.5m depth for most residential trenches and soakwells
Rock breaker attachment available for limestone and hard ground
Wet hire or dry hire - operator included or machine only
The Komatsu PC18: Specifications and Capabilities
1.8t
Operating Weight
Compact enough for residential yard work
990mm
Transport Width
Fits through most standard residential side gates
~2.5m
Max Dig Depth
Suitable for most residential trench and soakwell depths
300mm
Standard Bucket
Also available in 450mm for wider trench work
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating weight | ~1.8 tonnes |
| Transport width | ~990mm |
| Maximum dig depth | ~2.5m |
| Maximum reach (ground level) | ~4.0m |
| Bucket options | 300mm, 450mm GP |
| Rock breaker | Available on request |
| Transport method | Plant trailer - delivered and collected |
Komatsu PC18 specification summary
What the Mini Excavator Can Do in Perth
Jobs the PC18 Handles Well
- Soakwell installations in confined residential backyards
- Stormwater and sewer trenches through side passages and gardens
- Conduit trenches for electrical and communication services
- Small pool surrounds, pond digs and landscaping excavation
- Tree stump removal and root trenching
- Tight footing trenches for retaining walls and fence posts
- Soft demolition and concrete slab removal in enclosed areas
When the Mini Excavator Is Not the Right Choice
- Large volume excavation - the PC18 moves material slowly compared to the PC55
- Trenches longer than 50m - the smaller machine takes too long for efficiency
- Dig depths beyond 2.5m - the PC55 reaches deeper
- Very thick limestone cap - the PC18 breaker handles soft to medium limestone only
When to Step Up to the PC55
If your job has more than 30-40m of trenching or needs bulk earthmoving at any point, the 5.5t PC55 will get it done in far fewer days. The higher day rate on the PC55 often costs less overall than two or three days on the PC18. Call us and we will work it out.
Rock Breaker Attachment on the PC18
The Komatsu PC18 can be fitted with a hydraulic rock breaker. It is lighter than the breaker on the PC55, which makes it the right tool for soft to medium limestone - common in Perth's northern suburbs and coastal areas.
When to Request the Rock Breaker
- You know or suspect limestone below the surface from neighbouring jobs
- Previous attempts to dig by hand or with a machine have hit rock at shallow depth
- Your site is in a suburb known for shallow limestone (e.g. Balcatta, Woodlands, Karrinyup)
- Your trench needs to pass through a thin but solid limestone layer to reach sandy subsoil
Rock Breaker Must Be Requested at Booking
The hydraulic hammer comes out on the trailer with the machine. It cannot be collected separately once the machine is on site. Request it at booking and we load it from the start.
Mini Excavator Hire Rates Perth
| Hire Type | Rate (from) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Wet hire (machine + operator) | From $1,500/day | Machine, Komatsu-trained operator, GP bucket, fuel |
| Dry hire (machine only) | From $500/day | Machine, GP bucket, delivery and collection |
| Rock breaker attachment | Additional charge | Hydraulic hammer - request at booking |
| Transport (Perth metro) | Call for rate | Based on distance from our metro yard |
“From a 1.8t in the side gate to a 13.8t on a big cut - the right machine for the job, not the biggest machine we can put on a trailer.”
Plant Hire Perth
Access Requirements for the Mini Excavator
Measure Your Gate Width
The PC18 transport width is approximately 990mm. A standard hinged gate opening of 900mm usually allows the machine through with care. Measure your narrowest point and tell us - we can confirm fit before booking.
Check for Overhead Clearance
The machine travels on the trailer at around 2.4m height. Check for carport rooflines, pergolas and powerlines on the delivery route to the backyard.
Assess Ground Firmness at the Entry
Soft lawn areas can sink under track weight. Timber or rubber pads can protect surfaces - ask if you need to protect paving or lawn on the entry path.
Clear the Work Area
Remove garden furniture, pot plants, stored materials and anything within the machine's working radius. The operator walks the site with you before starting.
Call us direct - most enquiries answered within the hour.
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Rock Breaking PerthMini Excavator Hire Perth Questions
The Komatsu PC18 is approximately 990mm wide in transport configuration. Most standard residential side gates are 900mm wide, which allows the machine through with care. Measure your narrowest access point before booking and confirm with us.
Wet hire (machine plus operator) for the Komatsu PC18 starts from around $1,500 per day. Dry hire (machine only) starts from around $500 per day. Transport is charged separately. Call us for a quote.
Yes. We have a hydraulic rock breaker attachment for the PC18 that handles soft to medium limestone. Request it at booking so it comes out on the trailer with the machine. Very thick or very hard limestone may need the PC55.
The Komatsu PC18 digs to approximately 2.5m in standard configuration. This is sufficient for most residential soakwells, service trenches and small excavations in Perth.
For small plunge pools or spa excavations in tight backyards, yes. For a full-size pool requiring significant volume moved quickly, the 5.5t PC55 is far more efficient. Call us with the pool dimensions and we will advise the right machine.
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