Professional · Cost Guide
How Much Does Equipment Rental Cost in Ontario?
Equipment Rental costs in Ontario range from $300 – $600 per day. Prices vary by scope, city, and site conditions.
$300+
Starting price
1 day – 4 weeks
Timeline
5%
Recommended contingency
Equipment Rental Cost Breakdown
| Scope | Low | High | Unit | Labour | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini excavator (1-3 ton) | $300 | $600 | per day | 30% | 70% |
| Skid steer loader | $250 | $500 | per day | 30% | 70% |
| Concrete pump (line pump) | $600 | $1,200 | per pour | 40% | 60% |
| Scaffolding (per section/week) | $150 | $400 | per week | 35% | 65% |
| Dumpster bin (14-20 yard) | $400 | $800 | per load | 30% | 70% |
Price Ranges at a Glance
Mini excavator (1-3 ton)
Skid steer loader
Concrete pump (line pump)
Scaffolding (per section/week)
Dumpster bin (14-20 yard)
What's Included vs Not Included
Typically Included
- Equipment delivery and pickup
- Operator (for operated rental)
- Fuel (for operated rental)
- Basic safety equipment
- Insurance coverage (rental company)
Not Included (Extra Cost)
- Fuel (for bare rental)
- Operator wages (for bare rental)
- Damage deposits and waivers
- Extended rental fees
- Specialized attachments (hydraulic breaker, auger)
- Traffic control or road closure permits
Equipment Rental Cost by City
Prices adjusted for local labour rates and material costs across 15 GTA cities.
| City | Low | High | vs Toronto | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Toronto City of Toronto | $300 | $600 | 0% | View |
Mississauga Peel Region | $290 | $579 | -5% | View |
Brampton Peel Region | $283 | $565 | -8% | View |
Vaughan York Region | $294 | $589 | -3% | View |
Markham York Region | $293 | $587 | -3% | View |
Richmond Hill York Region | $291 | $583 | -4% | View |
Aurora York Region | $287 | $573 | -6% | View |
Oakville Halton Region | $303 | $605 | +2% | View |
Burlington Halton Region | $289 | $578 | -4% | View |
Milton Halton Region | $283 | $565 | -8% | View |
Ajax Durham Region | $279 | $557 | -9% | View |
Pickering Durham Region | $283 | $565 | -8% | View |
Oshawa Durham Region | $274 | $548 | -12% | View |
Whitby Durham Region | $278 | $556 | -10% | View |
Hamilton City of Hamilton | $276 | $551 | -10% | View |
Money-Saving Tips
Weekly rates are typically 3x daily — rent weekly for projects lasting 4+ days.
Operated rental costs more but eliminates your liability and equipment damage risk.
Coordinate deliveries to minimize mobilization fees — have all equipment arrive on the same day.
Compare rental vs contractor with own equipment — sometimes the contractor rate is cheaper overall.
Book equipment 1-2 weeks ahead during busy season (May-October) — last-minute availability is limited.
Related Cost Guides
Equipment Rental Cost FAQs
What size dumpster bin do I need for a renovation?
10 yards (3 pickup truck loads) for small bathroom or kitchen demo. 20 yards (6 pickup loads) for whole-house cleanouts or flooring removal. 30 yards for roofing tear-offs or large additions. 40 yards for commercial demo. If you're not sure, start with a 20-yard bin — most rental companies will swap it mid-project if you need larger. One cubic yard of drywall weighs 500-700 lbs, hardwood flooring 300-500 lbs/yard, asphalt shingles 700-900 lbs/yard.
Do I need training to operate a mini excavator?
Not legally required for residential work in Ontario, but rental companies provide basic orientation (15-30 minutes) covering controls, safety, and load limits. If you've never operated tracked equipment, expect a steep learning curve — you'll spend the first hour just learning to drive straight. Consider hiring an operator for $50-$75/hour if the job involves precision digging near foundations or utilities. Operators finish in half the time and avoid costly mistakes.
Can I rent scaffolding for DIY work, or do I need a contractor?
You can rent scaffolding for DIY, but Ontario regulations (O.Reg 213/91) require scaffolding over 3 meters to be inspected by a competent person before use. Rental companies often provide setup and inspection services for $200-$500. If you set it up yourself, you're responsible for ensuring it's plumb, level, properly braced, and has guardrails and toe boards. Falls from scaffolding kill 2-3 people per year in Ontario — don't skip the safety features.
What's included in the rental price?
Base rental price covers the equipment and basic attachments (bucket for excavator, standard forks for lift). Delivery and pickup are extra ($100-$300 total depending on distance). Fuel is usually extra — diesel equipment is rented with a full tank, and you return it full or pay $3-$5/litre. Damage waiver insurance is optional (10-15% of rental cost). Operator training or certification is free for simple equipment, extra for complex machines.
Who pays if I damage rented equipment?
You do, unless you bought the damage waiver. Normal wear and tear is expected — worn bucket teeth, scratched paint, dirty tracks. But if you hit a rock and crack the bucket, roll the machine, blow a hydraulic hose, or break a window, you pay for repairs. Rental companies inspect equipment on return and bill you for damage. Damage waiver costs 10-15% of rental price and covers most accidental damage (not negligence like operating without oil).
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