Micro and mini digger hire near me

How to find micro and mini digger hire companies near me

Hiring a mini or micro digger is a great way to cut out backbreaking digging and speed up your renovation or garden project.

Etner your postcode to find reputable and safety-complaint hire companies near you.

How much does micro and mini digger hire cost?

To get an idea on costs, first you’ll need to decide whether you need a micro or a mini digger. Here's an overview of both:

Micro digger cost

A micro digger is the smallest type of digger you can hire, weighing between 0.8 and 1.5 tonnes. Because it's compact, it’s great for accessing tight spaces and digging shallower depths.

Cost-wise, it's approximately £125 per day to hire a micro digger. This doesn’t include VAT or drop-off and pick-up.

Mini digger cost

Meanwhile, a mini digger (also known as an mini excavator) is slightly larger, weighing between 1.5 and 3 tonnes, and has more horsepower and digging capacity.

Cost-wise, you're looking at around £160 per day to hire a mini digger. Again, this doesn’t include VAT or drop-off and pick-up.

Mini digger and driver hire cost

If you’re not planning to operate the machinery yourself, remember to factor in the cost of a driver as well. Expect to pay £270per day on average for a driver. This is on top of the digger hire itself.

Mini digger and dumper hire cost

When used together, mini-diggers and dumpers can speed up a project. For information about the costs of dumpers and other small plant hire, take a look at our mini digger cost guide.

How do I find micro and mini digger hire companies near me?

Follow these three simple steps to choose the right hire company for you:

1. Use a trade directory

Checkatrade trusted members have passed up to 12 checks to become a member, so you can confident in your hire.

2. Read online reviews

There’s no better way to check the quality and professionalism of a hire company than with a previous customer review.

At Checkatrade, we check that reviews are from real people and that members meet our high standards.

3. Compare quotes

Getting at least three quotes from hire companies is always smart. That way, you get the best equipment and price for the job.

Ready to find highly-rated micro and mini digger hire companies near you? Enter your postcode to get started.

FAQs

Can anyone use a small digger?

Anyone can use a small digger as long as it is operated on private land, not public roads. You'll need a licence from your local authorities if you need to drive the machinery on a public road due to access issues.

Do I need a licence to hire a mini digger?

No, you don’t need a licence to operate a mini digger as long as it’s on private property. The same rules apply to other small plant hires, like dumpers.

Do I need insurance to drive a mini digger?

Yes, you’ll need insurance to cover any damages or injuries to third parties and many hire companies will require proof of your insurance. Some hire costs will include insurance, but always read the policy before agreeing to its terms. Check out our digger insurance guide for more information.

How much can a mini digger dig in a day?

That all depends on the type of soil and the size of the area you’re planning to dig. The digger operator’s experience is also a contributing factor, as an experienced labourer can dig much more material in a day compared to a less skilled novice. However, as a general guide, a mini digger can typically shift 100-300 metres of a one-metre-deep trench in a day.

Is driving a mini digger easy?

While mini diggers are relatively easy to manoeuvre, don’t be fooled by the ‘mini’ label. You're working with heavy machinery that can still cause serious damage if not carefully handled.

If you're unsure, hiring a driver to operate the machinery might be a better option.