Top 10 Excavators in Adelaide, South Australia
There are currently 10 highly-rated excavation businesses in Adelaide, South Australia listed on TradeRefer, with an average Google rating of 5.0★ across 226 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
226 Google reviews
100% Verified
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10 Businesses
In Adelaide
Top 10 Excavation in Adelaide — Ranked by Customer Rating
Compare the highest-rated excavation in Adelaide, South Australia. All businesses listed are ABN-verified and surfaced without paid placement.
Diggermate Mini Excavator Hire Aldinga Beach
Diggermate Mini Excavator Hire Aldinga Beach is a top-rated excavation business serving Aldinga Beach, SA. With a 5-star rating from 99 reviews, they are one of the most trusted excavation providers in the area. Specialising in professional excavation services, Diggermate Mini Excavator Hire Aldinga Beach delivers quality workmanship and reliable service. Contact them today for a free quote.
Diggermate Mini Excavator Hire Flagstaff Hill
Diggermate Mini Excavator Hire Flagstaff Hill is a top-rated excavation business serving St Marys, SA. With a 5-star rating from 48 reviews, they are one of the most trusted excavation providers in the area. Specialising in professional excavation services, Diggermate Mini Excavator Hire Flagstaff Hill delivers quality workmanship and reliable service. Contact them today for a free quote.
Zeds Earthmoving
Zeds Earthmoving is a top-rated excavation business serving Adelaide CBD, SA. With a 5-star rating from 26 reviews, they are one of the most trusted excavation providers in the area. Specialising in professional excavation services, Zeds Earthmoving delivers quality workmanship and reliable service. Contact them today for a free quote.
SPRYCO GROUP Pty Ltd
SPRYCO GROUP Pty Ltd is a top-rated excavation business serving Campbelltown, SA. 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, SPRYCO GROUP Pty Ltd delivers quality workmanship and reliable service. Contact them today for a free quote.
Willunga Earthmoving
Willunga Earthmoving services everything earthmoving & earthworks, across Adelaide & surrounds. Quality earthmoving services & advice.
Fox Holes & Excavations
Fox Holes & Excavations is a top-rated excavation business serving Christie Downs, SA. With a 5-star rating from 12 reviews, they are one of the most trusted excavation providers in the area. Specialising in professional excavation services, Fox Holes & Excavations delivers quality workmanship and reliable service. Contact them today for a free quote.
Deadset Digging
Deadset Digging provides expert professional excavation services in Lonsdale, SA. Rated 5 stars by 8 customers, they are known for quality work and professional service. Get in touch with Deadset Digging for a free, no-obligation quote.
Dig Safe SA
We offer vacuum truck wet hire to clients across Adelaide, with our expert operators able to cater to a range of project requirements. Book a truck here today.
Fast Track Contracting
Fast Track Contracting offers professional excavation services in Belair, SA. With 2 customer reviews and a focus on quality workmanship, they serve homes and businesses across the Belair area. Contact Fast Track Contracting for a free quote.
Southern Contracting Group
Southern Contracting Group provides a comprehensive range of Bulk & civil earthworks, ready mix concrete, mobile crushing & screening, and more
How Much Do Excavation Cost in Adelaide?
Pricing data based on Australian industry averages for South Australia. Always get 2–3 written quotes.
Typical Range
$90–$180
/hr
After-Hours Rate
$270
Emergency callout
Avg Hourly Rate
$135
Adelaide market average
Prices are estimates only. Always request a written quote before authorising any work.
Excavation Licensing Requirements in South Australia
In SA, structural excavation requires a licensed builder. Dial Before You Dig (1100) is legally required before any excavation under SafeWork SA regulations.
How to Choose the Best Excavation in Adelaide
Use this checklist before hiring any excavation in Adelaide, South Australia.
- 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 Adelaide
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.
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