From jackhammers to mini excavators, find the right demolition equipment for your job without the cost of ownership
Tearing out a concrete patio, gutting an interior wall, or clearing a lot for new construction all call for different demolition tools. Renting demolition equipment lets homeowners, contractors, and small businesses get the right machine for a single job, a weekend project, or a multi-week teardown, then hand it back once the work is done. This guide breaks down the equipment options, typical rental rates, and how to match tools to your specific demolition project.
Demolition Equipment Rental Questions
- How much does it cost to rent demolition equipment for a day?
- Daily rates vary by equipment type. Handheld jackhammer attachments and breakers typically run in the range of $75 to $200 per day, while mini excavators and skid steers with demolition attachments run higher, often $250 to $450 per day depending on size and location. Weekly rentals usually offer a discount over renting day by day, so it's worth asking your local provider about multi-day pricing if your teardown will take more than a day or two.
- Do I need a deposit to rent a jackhammer or excavator?
- Most providers require a security deposit for demolition equipment, especially heavier machinery like mini excavators and skid steers. Deposits typically range from $100 for handheld tools to several hundred dollars for excavators and attachments, and are refunded after the equipment is returned undamaged. Some providers will hold a card on file instead of a cash deposit.
- Can demolition equipment be delivered to my job site?
- Yes, many local providers offer delivery for heavier equipment like mini excavators, skid steers, and attachments, since these aren't practical to transport in a standard vehicle. Delivery fees depend on distance and equipment size. Smaller tools like handheld breakers and concrete saws are usually fine for pickup in your own truck or SUV.
- What size excavator or skid steer do I need for a small demolition job?
- For residential demolition like removing a shed, small concrete pad, or garden structure, a mini excavator or compact skid steer is usually sufficient and easier to maneuver in tight yards than full-size equipment. Larger structural demolition or commercial site clearing typically calls for bigger machines. Local providers can help you match machine size to your specific tear-out.
- How long can I rent demolition equipment for?
- Rental durations range from a few hours up to several weeks. Handheld tools like jackhammers are often available on hourly or daily terms, while heavier equipment such as mini excavators and skid steers is commonly rented daily or weekly. If your project runs long, ask about weekly or monthly rates before committing to a series of daily rentals.
- Do I need a trailer to transport a mini excavator or skid steer?
- Most mini excavators and skid steers require a trailer for transport unless the provider offers delivery. If you're moving equipment yourself, you'll want a trailer rated for the machine's weight, and it helps to check that your tow vehicle can handle the combined load.
- What demolition attachments are available for skid steers and mini excavators?
- Common attachments include hydraulic breakers and jackhammers for concrete and rock, grapple buckets for debris handling, forks for material moving, and augers for post holes or footing removal. Renting the right attachment often makes more sense than renting a specialty machine outright, since it pairs with equipment you may already have booked.
Types of Demolition Equipment You Can Rent
Jackhammers and breaker attachments. For concrete removal, small structural demolition, or breaking up driveways and slabs, a handheld jackhammer is often the most practical demolition tool. If you're already renting a skid steer or mini excavator, a skid steer breaker jackhammer attachment or a hydraulic hammer for excavators and skid steers can tackle heavier concrete removal faster than a handheld unit, without renting a second machine.
Mini excavators. Mini excavators handle foundation removal, footing extraction, and site work where digging and breaking go hand in hand. A concrete breaker attachment for mini excavators is a common pairing for slab and foundation demolition, and larger excavators like the E35 mini excavator with auger attachment can switch between digging and breaking tasks on the same job.
Skid steers and compact utility loaders. Skid steers are useful for moving debris, clearing rubble, and handling attachments for both demolition and cleanup. Options range from full-size units like the Kubota SCL1000 skid steer to compact walk-behind models like the walk-behind mini skid steer, which fits through gates and tight backyard access points where larger equipment can't go.
Attachments and Support Equipment for Demolition and Cleanup
Debris and material handling attachments. A grapple bucket for mini skid steers makes quick work of loading broken concrete, lumber, and mixed rubble into a dumpster or trailer. For sorting and moving palletized materials or larger debris, forks for mini skid steers or a combination bucket-or-forks attachment covers both grading and lifting tasks without swapping machines.
Site clearing after demolition. Once the structure is down, a brush rake grapple attachment helps clear brush, roots, and remaining vegetation before regrading, and a Harley rake attachment smooths and levels the site for whatever comes next, whether that's new construction or landscaping.
Transporting your equipment. If your provider doesn't offer delivery, you'll need a properly rated trailer to move heavier equipment. A 20 foot by 6 foot mini excavator trailer is sized for mini excavators and compact skid steers, and renting a trailer alongside your equipment avoids the need to own one you'll only use a few times a year.
Demolition Equipment Rental Comparison
Here's a general comparison of common demolition equipment, what it's best suited for, and typical rental pricing. Actual rates vary by provider, location, and machine size.
| Equipment | Best For | Typical Daily Rate | Typical Weekly Rate | Delivery Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handheld jackhammer | Concrete slabs, driveways, small structural demo | $75 - $200 | $300 - $650 | Usually not, fits most vehicles |
| Skid steer breaker attachment | Heavier concrete and masonry demo | $150 - $300 | $600 - $1,100 | Often, depending on skid steer size |
| Mini excavator | Foundation removal, footing extraction, digging | $250 - $450 | $900 - $1,800 | Often, trailer or delivery required |
| Skid steer / compact loader | Debris moving, site clearing, attachment work | $200 - $400 | $800 - $1,600 | Sometimes, depends on access and size |
| Demolition attachments (grapple, forks, breaker) | Debris handling, material sorting, cleanup | $50 - $150 | $200 - $600 | Rarely, usually paired with rented machine |
| Equipment trailer | Transporting excavators or skid steers | $60 - $120 | $250 - $450 | N/A, used for self-transport |