Ultimate Guide To Hiring A Digger For A Day
Hiring a digger for a day is a fast and effective way to conduct a wide range of DIY tasks you could be facing this year. The availability of diggers has never been greater; however, before getting started you’ll need to know the basics.
In this ultimate guide to hiring a digger for a day, we’ll take you through everything you need to know when hiring an excavator for the very first time. This will include, what you can expect to complete in a day, costs, safety measures you should take and much more. By sharing our 25-plus years of experience, you’ll have a strong grasp of what to expect when hiring a digger for a day.
How Much Can A Digger Dig In A Day?
An excavator can dig anywhere between 250m3 to 750m3 per day, depending on several essential factors. These include machine size, bucket capacity, operator skill, efficiency and more.
It is key to understand how much material you intend to remove before hiring a machine. If your project is time sensitive, you may have to opt for a larger machine to increase your productivity. If you are ever unsure you should always speak directly to your supplier.
What Size Digger Is Appropriate For DIY Tasks?
Small excavators are usually the preferred choice for DIY tasks. This category of machines ranges between 0.9T & 3 Tonnes and are suitable for landscaping and building tasks. To ensure you choose the right machine, always have a clear indication of the depth and reach capabilities you require from your rental. This will play a huge part in your equipment selection.
If you need any further help identifying which type of excavator you need for your DIY project, check out “A guide to hiring the right size digger.”
How Much Does A Digger For The Day Cost?
On average, you can expect to pay around £160 + VAT (2024) for a mini digger (0.9-3T) for a single-day hire. However, it is worth noting that costs are variable depending on the supplier you choose. Additional fees for fuel, delivery and insurance may apply. To obtain an accurate quote, you should speak directly to your chosen provider.
Do You Need A Licence For A Digger For The Day?
In short, you do not need a licence to hire a digger for the day. The minimum requirements are that you are over the age of 18, can supply two forms of identification and place a security deposit. You must remember that hirers are completely liable for the equipment while in their possession.
For anymore information on this topic, you should check out our article, “Can anyone hire a digger?”
What Safety Measures Should You Put In Place?
When using any type of construction equipment, you should always take the necessary precautions to upskill and protect yourself. This includes wearing the recommended PPE outlined in the machine’s operator manual. This includes:
Hard Hat- Protects from falling debris or impacts.
Hi Viz Clothing- To be seen at all times while operating the machinery.
Safety boots- Protect the feet from heavy objects and reduce slips and trips when entering the equipment.
Eye Protection- Where applicable, protects from dust and debris.
Along with wearing the correct PPE, we highly recommend you familiarise yourself with the machines’ controls before conducting any work. Your rental supplier should offer you a walkthrough of the equipment as demonstrated in the video below.
Are There Any Additional Costs Beyond Hire Rate?
When hiring a digger for the day, it is essential to be aware of any additional costs before you start. This can avoid a huge amount of surprise and headaches when it comes to returning or off hiring the machinery. To help, we have broken the cost down into two sections:
Fixed Costs
There are two main fixed costs when hiring a digger for the day:
Hire rate- The cost per day for the machinery.
Security deposits- A refundable deposit paid upfront before receiving the machinery. This is calculated directly by your supplier. Hire rates are normally subtracted from your deposit when the diggers are returned.
Variable Costs
Additionally, there are also some variable costs involved with hiring a digger for the day. These include:
Damage- Damage costs are applied should the digger be returned impaired.
Fuel- Fuel charges apply on equipment returned empty or unreplenished.
Cleaning- Excessively dirty equipment is charged a cleaning cost.
Delivery- Delivery costs vary between locations. For more information on how delivery is determined, see “How We Deliver Equipment At WHC Hire”
These variable costs can be easily monitored or removed by returning the equipment in good working order, clean, and full of fuel. Delivery costs can also be limited if you can transport the digger yourself.
Do You Need Insurance To Hire A Digger For A Day?
While it is not legally required, it is highly recommended that you organise temporary hire insurance when hiring a digger for a day. Excavators cost thousands of pounds, which you will be totally liable for, while in your possession. A small fee can save a huge amount of hassle and money should an accident occur.
Information you will require from your supplier to secure insurance is:
- Equipment make and model
- Machinery value
- Start and end date of cover
All information can be obtained directly from your digger rental provider and should be in place before receiving the equipment. For a deep dive into temporary cover for your rental machine, check out “Plant Hire Insurance Explained”.
Can You Hire A Digger Without An Operator?
Yes, you can hire a digger without an operator. This is also known as “dry” or “non-operated hire”. You can expect this service from most digger hire companies as DIYers are not required to hold an operator’s licence.
On the other hand, if you feel unsure of operating the equipment yourself, do not be alarmed. Numerous rental companies also offer “operated excavator hire”. This service includes the equipment and operator for the day. If you are ever unsure, always ask your supplier what type of services they offer.
What’s The Minimum Period To Hire A Digger?
In the UK, the minimum period to hire a digger is 24 hours. This can vary depending on the supplier’s service and the size of the equipment. Despite this, longer-term hires work out far more cost-effective overall. Larger excavators often attract a minimum of one week hire, which you can expect to be outlined by your plant hire supplier.
How To Prepare For Digger Rental Delivery?
Being properly prepared to receive your digger rental is essential. Poor planning can lead to delays, eating into your time with your machinery. With this in mind, you should assess the following:
Delivery zone
Have a designated delivery zone to allow easy unloading of the digger. For most DIY projects, driveway or curb-side delivery is preferable. However, always leave enough access for delivery vehicles.
Location
Having the correct location is vital to any delivery. We highly recommend using apps such as “what3words” to help delivery teams navigate to your exact location.
Be Available To Receive Equipment
It’s best to be present when the equipment is delivered. This allows DIYers to receive a walkthrough from the delivery team, helping them quickly become familiar with the machinery.
What To Do Once You’ve Finished With Your Digger For A Day’s Hire?
Once you have finished using your digger, you’ll need to inform your rental provider. The correct method to “off hire” your equipment will be outlined in the terms and conditions of your hire contract. Usually, this is by either returning the equipment yourself or notifying the supplier by phone or email.
Once you have agreed on collection, then you should store the equipment in a safe place accompanied by all its attachments. Once your supplier arrives, you are then able to hand over the machines’ keys and sign off any paperwork to conclude your rental.
Conclusion
Hiring a digger for the day is an excellent way to boost the productivity of your DIY project. Not only will it assist you with excavation tasks, but it will also reduce a large amount of manual handling. By understanding the costs, best fits, legal requirements, safety measures and your options, your able to make the best decision when deciding to rent earthmoving machinery.
If you are ready to hire or looking for some further advice, reach out to us at WHC Hire Services for more information, or browse through the excavator range we have available across our three UK depots.