Top 10 Excavators in Brisbane, Queensland
There are currently 10 highly-rated excavation businesses in Brisbane, Queensland listed on TradeRefer, with an average Google rating of 5.0★ across 128 verified reviews. The 10 listed below are ranked from highest to lowest rating, all ABN-verified and community-recommended.
Ranked #2026
By Google Rating
5.0★ Avg Rating
128 Google reviews
100% Verified
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10 Businesses
In Brisbane
Top 10 Excavation in Brisbane — Ranked by Customer Rating
Compare the highest-rated excavation in Brisbane, Queensland. All businesses listed are ABN-verified and surfaced without paid placement.
Irwin Earthmoving
Irwin Earthmoving operates out of Brisbane’s Northside with 15+ years of experience covering all areas of earthmoving with excavators and bobcats.
JCN Earthmoving
JCN Earthmoving Wet Hire Earthmoving Services for SEQ JCN Earthmoving Wet Hire Earthmoving Services for SEQ JCN Earthmoving Wet Hire Earthmoving Services for SEQ JCN Earthmoving Wet Hire Earthmoving Services for SEQ JCN Earthmoving About Us We are a family owner-ope
Simex Contracting
Servicing Brisbane - Sunshine Coast - Gold Coast - Ipswich
Dig Em Up Earthworks
Dig Em Up Earthworks is a top-rated excavation business serving Eight Mile Plains, QLD. With a 5-star rating from 14 reviews, they are one of the most trusted excavation providers in the area. Specialising in professional excavation services, Dig Em Up Earthworks delivers quality workmanship and reliable service. Contact them today for a free quote.
Above All Mini Excavations
Above All Mini Excavations provides expert professional excavation services in Ashgrove, QLD. Rated 5 stars by 5 customers, they are known for quality work and professional service. Get in touch with Above All Mini Excavations for a free, no-obligation quote.
Working Bucket Brisbane
Working Bucket is a domestic and commercial earthmoving and excavation contractor, providing equipment and combo hire for builders, plumbers, concreters, landscapers, pool builders and home owners. Working Bucket is based in inner city Brisbane and services South East Queensland, from the Sunshine Coast to Gold Coast and west to Ipswich.
Jakes Excavator
Jakes Excavator offers professional excavation services in Bulimba, QLD. With 3 customer reviews and a focus on quality workmanship, they serve homes and businesses across the Bulimba area. Contact Jakes Excavator for a free quote.
Copp & Co Civil Plant Hire
Copp & Co Civil Plant Hire has been servicing the Whitsundays for 30+ years. To work with our civil contractors, please get in touch on (07) 4945 3169.
Pat McDonnell Earthmoving
Pat McDonnell Earthmoving in Bowen is rated 4 Stars by locals! Make an enquiry, see photos and find payment methods, trading hours and more on Localsearch! ✅
Huck Hire Earthworks
Earthworks | Huck Hire | Excavation Brisbane
How Much Do Excavation Cost in Brisbane?
Pricing data based on Australian industry averages for Queensland. Always get 2–3 written quotes.
Typical Range
$90–$180
/hr
After-Hours Rate
$270
Emergency callout
Avg Hourly Rate
$135
Brisbane market average
Prices are estimates only. Always request a written quote before authorising any work.
Excavation Licensing Requirements in Queensland
In Queensland, excavation work over $3,300 as part of a building project requires a QBCC licence. All excavation must comply with Work Health and Safety Act 2011. Dial Before You Dig notification is mandatory under Queensland law.
How to Choose the Best Excavation in Brisbane
Use this checklist before hiring any excavation in Brisbane, Queensland.
- 1
Verify their electrical licence is current at your state's electrical safety authority (e.g. Energy Safe Victoria, NSW Fair Trading).
- 2
Confirm they carry public liability insurance of at least $5 million — ask to see the certificate.
- 3
Get 2–3 written quotes for any job over $500. A written quote protects both parties and clarifies the full scope.
- 4
Check their Google and TradeRefer ratings — look for consistent reviews mentioning punctuality, clean workmanship, and clear communication.
- 5
Ask whether they'll provide a Certificate of Compliance (electrical safety certificate) on completion, as required by law in most states.
Frequently Asked Questions — Excavation in Brisbane
How much does excavation cost in Australia?
Machine excavation (bobcat or excavator hire with operator) costs $90–$180/hr. Site cut and fill for a house slab typically costs $5,000–$20,000 depending on volume and soil type. Rock excavation costs significantly more ($200–$400/hr) due to equipment requirements. Always get quotes based on the specific scope.
Do I need to check for underground services before excavating?
Yes — this is legally required. Call Dial Before You Dig (1100 or dial1before.com.au) at least 2 business days before any excavation. They'll provide plans of underground water, gas, electricity, and telecommunications lines. Hitting an underground service can be dangerous and you may be liable for repair costs.
What is cut and fill excavation?
Cut and fill is the process of cutting into a sloped site to create a level building pad, using the excavated material to fill lower areas. It's the most common method for sloped residential blocks. Engineers design the fill compaction requirements and drainage to prevent subsidence.
What equipment is used for residential excavation?
Bobcats (skid-steer loaders) are used for tight access and smaller volumes. Mini-excavators suit confined residential sites. Full-size excavators are used for large volumes, deep trenching, or rock breaking. Tipper trucks remove spoil from site. The right equipment depends on access, volume, and soil type.
How do I dispose of excavated soil in Australia?
Clean fill soil can often be taken to local council-approved fill sites, used on other properties, or advertised free on platforms like Gumtree. Contaminated soil must go to a licensed waste facility. Your excavation contractor usually arranges removal — confirm this is included in the quote.
Top Excavation in Nearby Cities
Find the highest-rated excavation in other cities across Queensland.
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