Find excavator hire near me

Looking for excavator hire for your next project?

Whether you're tackling garden landscaping, digging out footings, or managing a small construction job, hiring an excavator can make the work quicker, easier, and safer. And finding an excavator hire service that operates in your area is simpler than you might think.

Just add your postcode to the search tool below to browse excavator hire firms near you.

How to find excavator hire near you

1. Search your postcode

Enter your postcode to browse trades and plant hire services that operate in your area.

2. Choose a provider

Select the excavator hire company that suits your needs and get in touch to confirm availability.

3. Hire your excavator

Get your project underway with the right equipment for the job!

Find excavator hire near you with Checkatrade

It's not every day you hire large machinery, so for reassurance you're making the right choice, search for excavator hire near you with Checkatrade.

All our tradespeople are checked by us and reviewed by real customers, so you can be sure you're dealing with tradespeople committed to quality and to upholding the Checkatrade Standard.

To get started, simply enter your postcode in the search tool, press the button, and browse the checked tradespeople providing excavator hire services near you.

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What does excavator hire include?

When hiring an excavator, these are some of the typical options you'll need to navigate:

• Self-drive or operated hire (i.e., with or without a qualified driver)

• Short-term or long-term hire

• Delivery and collection

• Fuel included or excluded

• Attachments such as breakers, buckets, or augers (for breaking up hard surfaces, digging and moving materials, and drilling holes, respectively)

• Micro, mini, or full-sized excavator

Some excavator hire companies offer dump trucks and other plant machinery as part of the package. Discuss your project with your chosen hire company to ensure you get the right equipment for the job.

What jobs are excavators used for?

Wondering whether your project needs an excavator? They can make light work of a range of tasks, including:

• Digging foundations

• Landscaping and grading (to create a sloped or level plane)

• Trenching for utilities

• Clearing ground or vegetation

• Installing drainage systems

• Demolition work

Remember, hiring the right size and type of excavator for your job can save you time and reduce labour costs.

How much does it cost to hire an excavator?

The cost of hiring an excavator will hinge on several factors, namely:

• The size and type of machine you need

• Whether you need to hire an operator (or do it yourself)

• The length of time that you need the equipment

• Your location (regional variances in price may apply)

As a general guide, here are some ballpark costs for excavator hire to help you plan your budget:

• £125 per day for a micro digger (0.8T)

• £160 per day for a mini digger (1.5T)

• £290 per day for a small digger (2.8T)

• An operator may cost £270 per day

For more detail, read our post on mini digger hire costs.

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

Considerations before hiring an excavator

Anyone over 18 with a valid ID can hire a mini digger for personal or domestic use; however, for safety purposes, you must have a proper understanding of how the machine works. You will also need proof of address, a deposit, and insurance. In addition, consider these factors before you hire:

• Insurance: You'll need insurance to cover theft or damage, whether to the digger or third-party damage. However, if hiring an operator, they should have their own insurance

• Cheaper rates: Weekend hire rates can be more expensive than mid-week

• Access: Micro diggers are smaller (0.8–1.5T), and are designed to fit through side gates or alleyways into back gardens. Mini diggers are larger (1.5T) and are more suited to bigger jobs

Why use Checkatrade to find excavator hire near you?

• Checked - Every Checkatrade tradesperson must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding The Checkatrade Standard, so you can feel confident when hiring

• Reviewed - Over 6.2 million reviews have been published on Checkatrade

• Simple - Request a quote, search in the Checkatrade app, or enter your postcode below — it couldn't be easier to find checked excavator hire services near you

FAQs about excavator hire

Do I need a licence to hire an excavator?

To hire an excavator for personal or domestic use, you'll need to be over 18 and have a valid ID. You must also have a proper understanding of how the machine works. You will also need proof of address, a deposit, and insurance. For commercial projects, you will need to have the necessary certifications, e.g. CSCS or NPORS.

How long can I hire an excavator for?

Hire periods are flexible depending on your project needs. Be aware that savings can be made for full-week rental vs the odd day, so try to plan ahead where possible.

Is delivery included in excavator hire?

Most companies will deliver and collect the excavator for you. However, this can add anywhere between £10–£30 to hire costs, depending on the distance.

Can I hire other machinery at the same time?

Yes, many hire companies offer dumper trucks, compactors, and other plant machinery alongside excavators.

What if something goes wrong during hire?

During the hire period, you are responsible for the mini digger's condition and operation. This includes any damage or injury to third parties. Some hire costs will include insurance, but always make sure you read the policy before you agree to its terms.