Can A Mini Digger Fit Through A Garden Gate?- Narrow Access Solutions

Has your Gloucestershire home got really tight access? Wondering how on earth you might be able to get the job done without squeezing a digger through a garden gate or doorway? Well, today you’re in luck.

With the vast majority of homes in Cheltenham, Stroud, and Tewkesbury often featuring narrow side passageways or small back gates, many homeowners don’t even consider hiring a mini digger. But the great news is, with a bit of guidance on machine selection and some know-how, even the most restrictive rear gardens can benefit from the power of a digger.

In this WHC Hire article, we’ll explore gate widths, small digger options to suit, and practical solutions to help you overcome the most common challenges. The possibility of using a mini digger for your home renovation has just skyrocketed — simply by you taking the time to digest this.

Typical Garden Gates Sizes In Gloucestershire Homes

Garden gates can be a huge obstacle when trying to navigate a mini digger through them, especially in older terraced houses in Gloucester and Cheltenham.

Most modern garden gates range between 750mm–900mm wide, though sizes can vary depending on the age and design of the property. Most mini diggers need around 1 metre of clearance, which means they won’t always squeeze through.

Nevertheless, there’s one machine that truly champions the smallest and tightest of access openings — the micro digger. These little powerhouses usually weigh in at around 1 tonne and are designed to access openings as narrow as 750mm. That makes them the perfect companion for the vast majority of homes across Gloucestershire.

Compact Mini Digger For Narrow Access

If access to the rear of your property is a little on the small side, there’s no need to abandon the idea of using a mini digger. Micro diggers are the smallest type of mini excavator you can hire, and the best part? They’re perfect for narrow access projects. Here’s why:

Machine Width: Micro diggers start at around 710mm wide, making them ideal for squeezing down most alleyways and garden gates.
Retractable Tracks: Their tracks are retractable, meaning you don’t have to compromise on stability once you’ve reached your working area.
Perfect for DIY Tasks: These machines are ideal for garden landscaping, digging drainage channels, installing a shed base, or even digging footings for a home extension.

Their flexibility and ease of use make them perfect for less experienced or first-time users who don’t want to tear down fences or widen access points. Watch how simple it is to put a micro digger through a doorway:

Access Solutions If A Digger Won’t Fit

If you discover that your garden gate is narrower than 700mm, don’t panic — it’s not time to rule out using a mini digger just yet. There are still a few solutions available:

Removing the Gate or Fence: Taking your gate off its hinges can give you an extra 10–20mm of space, which might be all you need. In other cases, it may be easier to remove a fence panel to gain access to your work area.
A Different Route: If your usual access isn’t suitable, consider alternative options. This could mean using another entry point or even asking a neighbour if you can move your micro digger through their garden.
Get Professional Advice: Unsure if your access will work? A quick call to your local mini digger supplier can confirm whether your space is suitable for the machine you need.

By considering these options and working closely with a reputable supplier, you can ensure that when your machine arrives, you minimise potential delays and keep your project running smoothly.

Projects Perfect for Narrow Access Diggers

Even the smallest machines pack a huge punch when it comes to speeding up your home DIY project. A micro digger is ideal for jobs such as:

Digging foundations for your home extension
Setting out a new shed base
Creating drainage channels, soakaways, or installing ducting
Landscaping or reshaping your garden
Building patios, garden walls, or features such as small ponds

If you’ve ever wondered what kinds of jobs you might tackle with a micro digger once it’s in your garden, check out our guide on Top DIY Projects To Do With A Mini Digger. You’re bound to find plenty of inspiration — along with key considerations to keep in mind before hiring.

Mini Diggers & Garden Landscaping

One of the most popular uses of a narrow-access digger, such as a micro digger, is for landscaping. Whether you’re reshaping flower beds, levelling uneven lawns, or undergoing an entire garden redesign, using a digger can make light work of all the heavy lifting and speed up your project. And remember — unlike us, these excavators never get tired!

For a closer look, check out our article How To Use a Mini Digger for Garden Landscaping, where we’ll help you select the right machine, show you how to dig a trench, and share some money-saving hire tips.

Pre-Delivery Checks

Before your micro digger arrives at your home, there are some essential checks we highly recommend. Doing these will speed up getting the machinery into your working area and help you avoid any hiccups along the way.

Establish the route: Make sure you have a clear plan for the route you’ll take to get the machinery to your working area.
Measure your gate width: Always check your gate measurements to ensure the machinery will fit safely. You may need to remove the gate from its hinges to do so.
Clear the entire pathway: It’s not just the gate that can be an obstacle — bins, bikes, cars, or garden furniture can all get in the way. Make sure the path is clear before the machinery arrives.
Check ground conditions: If your ground is soft, uneven, or muddy, consider rescheduling delivery to avoid creating a costly mess — especially if you’re tracking the machine through a neighbour’s garden.

These small steps will ensure a smooth delivery and let you get straight to work as soon as the machinery arrives. All in all, making every second count!

Hire a Mini Digger in Gloucestershire

At WHC Hire Services, we specialise in helping DIYers across Gloucestershire get the right machinery for their projects. Whether you’re based in the foothills of the Cotswolds or the centre of Cheltenham, our expert team can advise you on which digger will fit your garden gate and arrange delivery directly to your door. With over 25 years of experience, we’ve seen almost every scenario imaginable.

Discover more about mini digger hire in Gloucestershire from our local depot in Tewkesbury.