Welcome to Tappy's Equipment Hire
Excavator Hire Mackay
Dry hire in Mackay and surrounds. Turn up, dig, get it done.
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Locally Owned
Well-Maintained Machine
No Licence on Private Property
Pickup or Delivery
About Us
Mini Excavator Dry Hire in Mackay
Tappy’s Equipment Hire provides 1.7-tonne mini excavator dry hire across Mackay and surrounding areas. We hire the machine. You run the job. No operator, no fuss, just a well-maintained CAT 301.7 on a trailer ready to go when you are.
Whether you’re a tradie on a tight schedule or a homeowner tackling a weekend project, our mini excavator helps you get the job done quickly without paying for an operator you don’t need. Call or text to check availability, book your hire, and get straight to work.
Why Choose Us
Why Hire from Tappy's
Quality Machine
The 1.7-tonne CAT is compact enough to get through side gates and into tight backyards, and powerful enough to handle trenching, landscaping, post holes and earthmoving. Regularly serviced and delivered job-ready every time.
Easy to Operate
No ticket required to run this machine on private property. We'll walk you through the controls before you head off, and we're a call away if you have questions on site.
Pickup or Delivery
The machine comes on a trailer towable by a standard vehicle with a 3-tonne towing capacity. Delivery is available across Mackay and surrounds for a small additional fee. Call us to arrange.
Our Rates
Hire Rates
Full day hire
$200
AUD
- What's included: the machine, attachments, and the trailer.
- Not included: fuel. The machine goes out full and comes back full.
Choose Plan
Weekend hire (Fri–Mon)
$350
AUD
- What's included: the machine, attachments, and the trailer.
- Not included: fuel. The machine goes out full and comes back full.
Choose Plan
Weekly / longer projects
Call for a rate
- What's included: the machine, attachments, and the trailer.
- Not included: fuel. The machine goes out full and comes back full.
Contact Us
Tappy's Equipment Hire
Dry Hire Excavation Mackay: What You Can Do With It
The 1.7-tonne CAT is the right size for most residential and light commercial jobs around Mackay. It fits through a standard side gate and handles the kind of work a full-size machine can’t get near. Jobs it’s suited to include:
- Trenching for plumbing, electrical or drainage
- Post holes and fence lines
- Landscaping and garden bed prep
- Pool and spa excavation
- Shed and slab site cuts
- Stump removal and land clearing
- Retaining wall footings
If your job fits a 1.7-tonne machine, this is it.
Our Process
How It Works
1. Call or Enquire
Call or text us to check availability for your dates. Tell us what the job is and we'll confirm the machine suits it. No booking system. Just a real conversation.
2. Pick Up or Get It Delivered
Collect from our Mackay location on a trailer your vehicle can tow, or arrange delivery to your site for a small fee. We'll walk you through the controls and attachments before you start.
3. Dig and Return
Run the job yourself on your schedule. Drop the machine back at the agreed time with fuel topped up. That's it.
The Machine: CAT 301.7 Mini Excavator
Machine:
CAT 301.7, 1.7-tonne mini excavator
Attachments:
Multiple bucket sizes, auger drive, ripper, and tilt hitch. Call us to confirm what’s available for your job.
Transport:
Trailer included. Requires a vehicle with 3-tonne towing capacity and a standard tow ball.
The machine is compact enough for tight residential access: through a side gate, between buildings, around established gardens. It’s well maintained and delivered clean and job-ready.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence to operate a mini excavator?
No licence is required to operate a mini excavator on private property in Queensland. For work on public land or roads, different rules apply. Check with the relevant authority for your specific job. We’ll walk you through operating the machine before you take it.
What towing capacity do I need to pick up the trailer?
Your vehicle needs a minimum 3-tonne towing capacity and a standard tow ball. If you’re unsure whether your vehicle is suitable, call us before you book.
How much does delivery cost?
Delivery across Mackay and surrounding suburbs is available for a small additional fee. Call us on 0419 631 343 to confirm delivery to your area and get a price.
What's included in the hire rate?
The hire rate includes the machine, attachments, and the trailer. Fuel is not included. The machine goes out full and needs to come back full.
Can I hire for a week or longer?
Yes. Call us to talk through your project and we’ll sort out a rate that works for the duration.
What if I've never used an excavator before?
Most of our hirers aren’t experienced operators. We run you through the controls and basic technique before you head off. Stick-steer operation is straightforward to pick up, and we’re available by phone if you run into anything on site.
What areas do you service?
We’re based in Mackay and deliver across Mackay and surrounding suburbs. Call us on 0419 631 343 to confirm if your site is within our delivery area.
Contact Us
Get a Touch
Ready to get the job moving? Call or text to check availability and sort out your hire. We’ll get back to you fast.
Enquire About Your Hire
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