Excavator & Bobcat Hire on the Central Coast

What excavator and bobcat hire with an operator on the Central Coast actually involves

NSW has no high risk work licence class for operating an excavator, backhoe or bobcat as earthmoving machinery. SafeWork's excavation code says that in most cases such machinery doesn't need a licensed operator when it is used for what it was designed for, but the operator should be able to show competence on that type of machine and its attachments. Lifting a load with slings or chains from an excavator is different: slinging a load is dogging work, and dogging is a licensed class.

The machine on your block

Under the code, whoever manages the plant should make sure it is run by a competent person, its guards and operator protective devices are fitted, the ground is prepared where it will work, and it is inspected and maintained to the maker's recommendations, whether it is owned, leased or hired. Traffic management is required when powered mobile plant is used for excavation work, and the code warns that operators often can't see people close to the machine.

Standing heavy machinery on Council's road reserve needs a permit, and Council's 2026-27 fee is $350 a day per lane. Work started on the road reserve without Council's approval attracts an extra $605.90 on top of the standard fees. Before You Dig says a completed enquiry is not approval to dig, and that a property owner's insurance may not cover damage to underground assets if no enquiry was lodged.

Excavator & Bobcat Hire on the Central Coast — common questions

Do I need a licence to hire a bobcat?

Not for hire with an operator, because the operator comes with it. For running the machine itself, NSW has no high risk work licence class for earthmoving machinery, though SafeWork expects the operator to be competent on it; whether a road licence is needed to drive or tow one on a public road is a question for Transport for NSW.

Is digging with a hired machine still licensed building work?

It can be. Excavating for a house, pool, driveway or retaining wall is residential building work, so where the job is worth more than $5,000 whoever does it needs a contractor licence that covers it.

What should be ready before the machine arrives?

Services information for the dig area, the positions of private lines you know about, a clear way in, and an agreed place for the soil to go.