Book it
- Kubota U27-4R1 Mini ExcavatorTight-tail-swing mini excavatorFrom $335/dayBook the Kubota U27-4R1 Mini Excavator
- 7x14 Dump TrailerHaul dirt, gravel and debrisFrom $155/dayBook the 7x14 Dump Trailer
Free pickup in Pierce County; exact location sent after booking. Delivery is $200 each way; your job-site address is checked at checkout.
When is the drawdown?
Cascade Water Alliance runs the Lake Tapps Reservoir. Its September 29, 2026 notice says Cascade “will begin the active fall drawdown on November 1 and will bring the reservoir level down to approximately 538-539 feet elevation for the fall and winter,” and that “the 2027 spring refill is anticipated to begin in mid-February.”
The same notice says it “is a good time to obtain the appropriate, required permits and a Cascade license prior to beginning any work.”
Source: Cascade Water Alliance: 2026 Lake Tapps Reservoir Drawdown and Winter Levels. Plans can change; check the official notice before you book.
Drawdown jobs and the gear that fits
- Bulkhead repair or replacement: Dig behind and in front of the bulkhead, then move rock and backfill. Mini excavator rental
- Footings and trenches: Footing and trench work on the shore side of the lot. Mini excavator rental
- Upland access and grading: Grade a path to the work area and load the dump trailer as you go. Mini excavator rental
- Dock and deck tear-out: Haul old decking, demo debris and spoil out. Dump trailer rental
- Rock, gravel and topsoil in: Bring in gravel, quarry spalls or topsoil. Dump trailer rental
The Kubota U27-4 is a tight-tail-swing mini excavator on rubber tracks. Kubota lists its overall width as 4 ft 11 in and max digging depth as 9 ft 5 in (Kubota U27-4 brochure, PDF). More in the mini excavator rental guide and the dump trailer rental guide.
Boathouse or garage ceilings on a firm, level floor? See the scissor lift rental guide.
Rates
| Item | Day | Week | 4 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini excavator | $335 | $1,050 | $2,500 |
| 7x14 dump trailer | $155 | $575 | $1,500 |
Weekly and 4-week rates let you match the rental to your permit window. Prices are before WA sales tax and the 1.25% heavy equipment rental tax where it applies. Your exact total shows at checkout.
Permits first
Cascade lists three steps before any construction on Lake Tapps: get a license from Cascade, get all necessary state and local permits, and meet its insurance requirements.
- Cascade Water Alliance: Lake Tapps licenses and permits: Cascade owns the reservoir lake bed and shoreline up to the 545 ft elevation line, and a Cascade license is required to modify or build bulkheads, docks, boat lifts, boat ramps and boat houses there.
- City of Bonney Lake: Planning permits: the city says a shoreline exemption or shoreline substantial development permit is required for almost all work within its shoreline jurisdiction, generally within 200 ft of Lake Tapps. The page links the city GIS portal, which shows whether a parcel is inside city limits.
- Pierce County: Shoreline customer guide (PDF): for unincorporated Pierce County, all shoreline development needs shoreline review, and even an exempt project needs a shoreline exemption application.
- WDFW: Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA): required for hydraulic projects in or near state waters. Ask WDFW whether your project needs one.
- JARPA form: the Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application.
- WA 811: free utility locate requests before you dig.
Step by step: read our Lake Tapps permit roadmap and the drawdown rentals page. Inside Bonney Lake? See equipment rental serving Bonney Lake.
Summaries for planning only; follow the linked official text and confirm with each agency.
Questions
When does the 2026-27 Lake Tapps drawdown start?
Cascade Water Alliance's September 29, 2026 notice says it "will begin the active fall drawdown on November 1 and will bring the reservoir level down to approximately 538-539 feet elevation for the fall and winter," and that "the 2027 spring refill is anticipated to begin in mid-February." Check the official notice on cascadewater.org for updates.
Do I need a permit for dock or bulkhead work on Lake Tapps?
Usually more than one. Cascade Water Alliance says a license from Cascade is required to modify or build improvements on its property, including bulkheads, docks, boat lifts, boat ramps and boat houses. Local shoreline review (City of Bonney Lake or Pierce County) and a WDFW Hydraulic Project Approval may also apply. Confirm with each agency before you start.
Which rental fits bulkhead and dock work?
The Kubota U27-4 mini excavator digs behind and in front of bulkheads and moves rock and backfill. The 7x14 dump trailer hauls old decking and debris out and brings gravel or topsoil in.
How much does it cost?
The mini excavator is $335 a day, $1,050 a week or $2,500 for 4 weeks. The 7x14 dump trailer is $155 a day, $575 a week or $1,500 for 4 weeks. Prices are before WA sales tax and the 1.25% heavy equipment rental tax where it applies. Your exact total shows at checkout.
Will the excavator fit down a narrow side yard?
Kubota lists the U27-4's overall width as 4 ft 11 in. Measure your narrowest gate or side yard on the way to the shore, including posts and hinges, before you book.
Can you deliver it?
Yes. Delivery is $200 each way; your job-site address is checked at checkout. Or choose pickup: Free pickup in Pierce County; exact location sent after booking.
How do I book?
Pick open dates on the excavator or trailer page and book online at least 1 day ahead. Full rental terms are shown at checkout.
Drawdown dates: Cascade's official notice. More guides: all rental guides.