5 Key Benefits of Small Digger Hire for Landscaping and Construction
Small digger hire plays an integral part in many landscaping and construction tasks. Whether that’s to help homeowners tackling a garden upgrade or a contractor working on site, small diggers offer a versatile and cost-effective solution to get the job done. In this article we will share 5 key benefits of small digger hire, the tasks that these machines are suitable for, as well as provide some essential insights into what’s available. Overall, this will guide and assist you in making a more informed choice when opting to rent plant machinery for your next project.
Common Tasks Suitable for Small Digger Hire in Landscaping and Construction
Small diggers are designed to thrive in a range of applications, especially where space maybe limited. It is crucial that you understand the limitations of this type of equipment to avoid any problems when choosing to rent. Here are some of the most common applications that you can expect to use a small digger for:
Landscaping Tasks:
- Excavating planting beds: These machines are ideal for digging tree holes, planting areas or creating a garden feature.
- Ponds & water features: Mini diggers simplify the process of excavating holes and shaping ponds while minimising ground disruption.
- Re-leveling ground: Small excavators are ideal for preparing areas for new patios, decking or re-leveling existing lawn spaces.
- Stump removal: This machinery can be used to efficiently remove shrubs and small stumps without excessive manual labour.
Construction Tasks:
- Utility installation: Mini diggers are ideal for excavating narrow trenches for cables, ducting and drainage systems.
- Footings: Small earthmoving machines are frequently used to break ground on small building foundations.
- Small demolition: Matched with the correct attachments, small diggers can easily aid the breaking of stubborn concrete and brickwork.
- Driveway preparation: Dig sub base, level and grade all ground preparation with these versatile machines.
5 Key Benefits Of Small Digger Hire For DIYers
If you are considering undertaking a home renovation project yourself, small digger hire can offer several benefits to help you get the job done. DIYER’s can expect to
- Speed up tasks: Using a small digger can speed up the time it takes to do tasks such as digging, loading, unloading and clearing your working area.
- Easy to use: Mini and micro diggers are often very simple to use meaning DIYers can conduct their tasks faster once familiarising themselves with the equipment.
- Easy to transport: These machines are small enough to be transported yourself, provided your vehicle is suitable to do so. Any vehicle capable of transporting up to 3.5T and is fitted with a towing hitch can do so.
- Support using machinery: Hiring a small digging machine, means you have a team on hand to support you throughout your project. Reputable hire companies will offer various operating resources to help.
- No purchase required: No purchase is required with small digger hire. Therefore, DIYERs do not need to invest huge amounts of money to acquire the equipment.
5 Key Benefits to Small Digger Hire For Contractors
To contractors, small digger hire offers many benefits that support business growth and stability, especially in large-scale operations. Contractors can expect:
- Fast equipment acquisition: Mini diggers are one of the most widely available pieces of plant machinery on the market to hire. This means that contractors do not need to wait to get their hands on the equipment.
- Range of sizes to suit: There is a wide range of small excavators available to suit project criteria. This means that contractors can have more flexibility in their equipment selection.
- Flexible hire periods: Unlike purchasing equipment, small digger hire suits many contractors because of the flexible duration periods offered. This means that businesses do not have to pay any more than they need to.
- No downtime costs: Unlike when owning machinery, small digger hire removes the issue of downtime costs accumulated during quieter periods throughout the working year.
- Maintenance included: No need for mechanics or engineers, all maintenance is covered when contractors choose to hire their plant machinery.
Comparing Small Diggers To Hire
When considering small digger hire for your task, you must understand the different types of machines available. Here are the most popular sizes to help you compare:
Micro/0.8T Micro Digger
Weight: 0.8-1 Tonnes
Size: Very compact, designed to fit through a standard internal doorway. (Size varies on manufacturer)
Dig Depth: 1600-1800mm
Lift Capabilities: 150-450kg (position dependant)
Best for: Indoor projects, tight spaces and rear garden work.
1.5T Excavator
Weight: 1.5-1.7 Tonnes
Size: Larger than micro diggers. (Not suitable for all indoor work)
Dig Depth: 2500-2600mm
Lift Capabilities: 230-550kg (position dependant)
Best for: General all-rounder, ideal for landscaping tasks or digging trenches/footings.
3T Excavator
Size: Largest of the small digger category
Dig Depth: 2600-2800mm
Lift Capabilities: 500-1400kg (position dependant)
Best for: Medium excavation tasks, driveway construction, large ponds and deeper trenches.
It is essential that when choosing the correct small digger for your project you take time to assess any restrictions that may affect your equipment selection. For a closer look at how to choose the right excavator to hire, check out this resource from our vault.
FAQ’s About Small Digger Hire For Landscaping & Construction
How much does mini digger hire cost?
The cost of hiring a mini digger depends on several factors. This includes the size of machinery, duration of hire, your supplier, delivery and fuel charges. The best way to obtain a quote for small digger hire is to contact your supplier directly.
How long can you hire a mini digger for?
You can hire a mini digger for as long as you need. Whether that is for a single day or months at a time, suppliers will work closely with you to ensure you have the machinery to get the job done. Many hire companies will offer flexible rates and terms to accommodate different project timelines.
Do you need a licence to hire a mini digger?
In the UK, you do not need an operator’s licence to rent a mini digger. However, most commercial sites now will require operator cards, therefore make sure you have these in place before hiring any machinery.
What attachments are available for mini diggers?
There are several different attachments available for mini diggers including a range of buckets, breakers, augers, rakes and more. Speak directly to your supplier if there is a specific attachment you require to speed up your project.
Conclusion
Small digger hire is a practical and affordable solution for most landscaping and construction tasks. Whether you are a DIYer getting stuck into some home renovation, or a professional contractor trying to juggle the stresses of deadlines and cash flow, acquiring your machinery in this manner can have several benefits.
If you’d like to explore the use of small digger hire on your next project, get in touch with us at WHC Hire Services to help get the job done. With a wide range of high-performance small excavators available from our three nationwide depots, we’re ready to help you unleash your potential. Browse our online catalogue of mini excavators or contact your local WHC Hire depot for a bespoke quote on your equipment requirements.