Dry Hire vs Wet Hire: Which One Works Better for You?

If you’ve been around construction or earthmoving long enough, you’ve probably heard people talk about dry hire and wet hire. Both are useful, but which one actually fits your project?

At Australian Hammer Supplies Hire (Hammer Hire), we’ve worked with contractors, builders, and operators across Sydney for years. And honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it really depends on your setup. But if you already have skilled people in your crew, dry hire often ends up being the smarter move.

What’s the Difference?

To put it simply:

• Dry hire means you rent the equipment only. You handle the operating.

• Wet hire means you rent both the machine and an operator.

Dry hire is a good choice if you already have your own operators or you like having full control over the job.

Why Dry Hire Makes Sense for Many Contractors

1. It’s Easier on the Budget

Buying heavy equipment or paying for wet hire adds up fast. With dry hire, you only pay for the machine. If your team already knows how to operate it, that’s money saved right away.

For small and growing businesses, that kind of cost control can make a big difference.

2. You Can Work on Your Own Schedule

When you hire the machine only, you decide when it gets used, for how long, and by whom. You’re not waiting for someone else’s timetable.

That flexibility helps when projects change or when you’re working across multiple sites.

3. You Stay in Control

With dry hire, you’re calling the shots. You choose who operates the gear, how it’s used, and how it fits into your workflow. If you already have safety systems or specific processes in place, it keeps everything consistent.

4. Your Team Knows the Machines

If your operators are already familiar with the equipment, dry hire is simply easier. They can jump straight into work without extra training or adjustment time. That means less downtime and smoother progress on site.

When Dry Hire Works Best

Dry hire is ideal for teams that already have skilled people and want to manage the job their own way. If you don’t have trained operators or prefer to have someone else handle the full process, then wet hire could make more sense.

Both have their place, but for many Sydney contractors, dry hire offers the right balance of cost, control, and flexibility.

Need Equipment for Your Next Job?

At Hammer Hire, we provide a wide range of excavators, breakers, and attachments available for dry hire. All our machines are well-maintained, site-ready, and backed by a team that genuinely cares about helping you get the job done.

If you’re planning your next project, give our Hire Team a call and we’ll help you find the right setup.