Mini Excavator Dry Hire — FAQs

Adults only, valid ID required, and you must meet tow/experience requirements. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Yes. This is dry hire; you are responsible for safe operation. If you're not confident, don't hire. (Source: Terms Feb 2026; SK17 Risk Assessment)

Machine hire only (no operator). You operate it and take responsibility for use. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

To verify identity and protect customers/business from fraud. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Used for verification and record-keeping; handled securely. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Try better lighting, no glare, full document in frame; contact Phil if stuck.

We may use automated identity verification to confirm your ID matches your details. This is standard practice and explained in our Terms & Conditions. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Yes — correct tow rating, towbar, trailer plug, and legal towing setup required. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Hire may be refused and cancellation terms may apply. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Yes (if your product states trailer included). Confirm on booking page.

BP Port Kennedy (unless booking states otherwise).

Mon–Fri 6:00am–6:00pm; Sat–Sun 7:00am–6:00pm (as displayed on site).

You'll get a pickup code; show it to BP staff. Keys are handed over in a 30‑minute window before your start time (time‑locked).

Keys become available shortly before your booked start time; BP staff hand them over when you show your code. If you arrive early, you may need to wait until the window opens.

BP staff are onsite helpers; they can't fix technical or time‑lock issues. Call Phil immediately. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Pickup and return only during our hours (Mon–Fri 6am–6pm; Sat–Sun 7am–6pm). No after-hours handover. Plan your timing accordingly.

Return machine/trailer as instructed, secure it, and complete any return steps provided.

Additional charges may apply for late returns. Contact Phil ASAP. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

If available, yes—contact Phil or book additional time if the system allows.

Yes. Bond/security may be held/charged per booking terms. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Per booking terms—typically at booking or pickup. It may be held (pre-auth) or charged; see terms for your product. MiniHire may charge the stored payment method after return and inspection for applicable charges under the Terms. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Damage, theft, cleaning, fuel, late return, or other breaches per terms. MiniHire may charge the stored payment method after return and inspection for applicable charges under the Terms. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Typical reasons: damage, excessive cleaning, fuel not topped up, late return. See terms for full list. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Contact Phil with your booking details. Receipts/invoices are provided; terms set out the dispute process. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Possible charges include cleaning, refuelling, damage, late returns, or misuse. MiniHire may charge the stored payment method after return and inspection for applicable charges under the Terms. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Yes—cancellation terms apply. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Change-of-mind cancellations follow the terms; refund may depend on how close to the hire date you cancel. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Weather doesn't automatically cancel; see cancellation terms or contact Phil to discuss. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Cancellation terms apply. Contact Phil to discuss. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

No-show terms apply—typically no refund. See terms for details. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Late cancellations (close to hire date) may receive reduced or no refund per terms. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Refunds follow the terms and may be partial depending on timing/fees. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Liable means you are legally responsible—you pay for damage you cause to the machine, trailer, or third-party property. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Examples: bent bucket teeth, track damage, hydraulic leaks, damage to property you're excavating, trailer damage. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Stop using it, report to Phil immediately, take photos. Don't try to hide or repair it. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Report to police, take photos, contact Phil immediately. Follow security instructions in your booking pack. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

No—damage waiver is not insurance and has limits/exclusions. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Hirer responsibilities apply; follow security instructions. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Return as instructed; fees may apply if returned low. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Normal dirt from use is fine. Reasonably clean means no excessive mud, concrete, clay, or material that needs scraping or extra labour to remove. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Excessive mud, dried concrete or clay, returning with a bucket full of material, or anything needing extra labour to clean. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

No. Empty the bucket before return. Returning with a full bucket may incur a cleaning fee. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Return reasonably clean; excessive mud/concrete/clay may incur cleaning fees. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

If delivery is offered, it will be shown during booking; otherwise pickup required.

An area around the machine and digging where only the operator should be. Keep bystanders, kids, and pets out. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

Trenches can collapse. Use sloping, benching, or shoring as needed. Don't work in unsupported trenches. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

Yes—always locate underground services before digging. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

Keep clear of overhead lines and structures; maintain safe distances. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

Sturdy boots, eye protection, gloves; hearing protection if needed. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

No—stop safely before taking calls/texts. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

No—keep kids and pets away; establish an exclusion zone. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

If working alone, have someone know where you are and when to expect you back. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

Stop safely, check kill switch/safety levers/fuel; if still stuck, call Phil. Don't keep forcing it. (Source: Kobelco Operator Manual)

Stop safely, check basics; if unsure, call Phil. Don't ignore warnings. (Source: Kobelco Operator Manual)

Stop immediately—don't operate with a hydraulic leak. Call Phil. (Source: Kobelco Operator Manual)

Stop, let it cool, check coolant level if safe; call Phil before restarting. (Source: Kobelco Operator Manual)

Don't spin the tracks—you'll sink further. Try to dig out, use boards if available; call Phil if stuck. (Source: Kobelco Operator Manual)

Stop safely, call Phil. Don't tow if unsafe (flat tyre, loose coupling, lights out). (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

Stop safely, don't panic. Call Phil. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

Stop, assist anyone hurt, call emergency services if needed, then call Phil. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

Check the operator manual; know where the emergency stop is and use it if you need to stop immediately. (Source: Kobelco Operator Manual)

Stop immediately if: hydraulic leak, overheating, alarm you don't understand, injury, or any unsafe condition. Call Phil. (Source: Kobelco Operator Manual; SK17 Risk Assessment)

Use level ground; keep ramp angle gentle. Steep ramps are unsafe. (Source: Kobelco Operator Manual; SK17 Risk Assessment)

Yes—secure the machine properly with tie-downs before towing. Check them before and during transport. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

Use a spotter when loading/unloading if unsure. Keep them clear of the machine path. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment; Kobelco Operator Manual)

Yes—always load and unload on level ground. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

Yes—keep bystanders away when loading and unloading. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

Check coupling, safety chain, and lights before towing. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

Yes—trailer lights and safety chain must be legal and working. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Go slow; use a spotter if needed. Know your blind spots. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

Don't exceed machine limits, don't lift people, don't use as a crane, don't operate on unsafe slopes. (Source: Kobelco Operator Manual; SK17 Risk Assessment)

Use gentle turns, avoid spinning on the spot, use boards/mats on soft ground. (Source: Kobelco Operator Manual)

Use ramps correctly, keep straight, go slow, have a spotter if unsure. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment; Kobelco Operator Manual)

Check kill switch / safety levers / fuel; call Phil if still stuck. (Source: Kobelco Operator Manual)

No. Never lift people. (Source: Kobelco Operator Manual; SK17 Risk Assessment)

No. Never work or stand under a raised load. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

Only if the attachment is supplied and approved. Don't use demolition or hammer attachments unless supplied. (Source: Terms Feb 2026; Kobelco Operator Manual)

No. Always locate services first (Dial Before You Dig). (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

Keep clear; maintain safe distance. Don't operate under or near powerlines. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

No. Don't operate on unsafe or unstable slopes. (Source: Kobelco Operator Manual; SK17 Risk Assessment)

Only with confirmed service locations and safe methods; if unsure, don't dig and call Phil. (Source: SK17 Risk Assessment)

No. Must be legal and safe. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)

Call Phil: 0433 445 360 (tap-to-call).

WA terms apply. Read our Terms & Conditions for full details. (Source: Terms Feb 2026)