Mini diggers are an invaluable tool for the builder or even DIYer with a large amount of excavating to do. Todays mini diggers can shift huge amounts of soil and rubble in a fraction of the time it would take to do manually.

In times past the biggest hurdle when using an excavating machine was space but now there is a large range of “mini” diggers that can squeeze into the most confined areas and so allow the user to get into small gardens etc even if they have to drive through narrow gateways.

Before buying or hiring a mini digger it is important to consider what exactly you are going to be using it for, a householder who wants to build a one off extension will probably require a lot less of the machine than a builder who will be employing a lot more.

A mini digger can vary in size from two to around six tonnes, the larger machines being stronger and capable of lifting a greater weight, the smaller machines will have the advantage of greater access to back gardens, patios and so forth.  These small diggers are great for digging out ponds, foundations for small extensions and laying pipework.

At the heavier end of the mini excavator scale, some of the newer, larger mini diggers fitted with hydraulic lifting arms are capable of amazingly arduous work. Frequently these mini diggers can do jobs that you could have thought you would have needed a much a larger digger for. Before you go and spend serious money on a big excavator make sure you look at the mini diggers and see what they are capable of, you may well be surprised. They may well be able to do the job you need with the added advantage of retaining flexibility and mobility due to a more compact size. Most mini diggers have a 360-degree rotation feature, which can really make light work of some projects.

Just like any other purchase of used equipment you do have to do some research into just what it is that is on offer, just because it is the right price does not mean that it is the correct one for you. Try to find out as much as possible about the mini digger you are interested in, how has it been used and what for, check the control and safety mechanisms, make sure that all the parts are working as they should and that all the nuts and bolts are present. Fluid leaks around any of the seals need proper investigation, these machines can put enormous loads on the hydraulics and weaknesses will become apparent. Repairs can be costly! Do not worry about asking questions, it is your money that you are spending and so you have the right to the answers.

If you are thinking of mini digger hire ensure that you are aware of the fulldetails on the hire agreement not just the price! A seemingly good deal can turn out to be hideously expensive if you do something to the machine that is in violation of the agreement. When the mini diggger arrives on site make sure you inspect just as if you had bought it, make notes on the delivery ticket of anything that may later be blamed on you.