A mini digger is a type of portable excavator that typically weighs between 2 to 3.3 tons. The horsepower and other specifications may vary from project to project, but the main attribute of a mini digger is that it is small and lightweight. Working with portable machinery like this can be beneficial, especially for small-scale construction projects.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the small-scale projects that you can complete using a mini digger. We’ll also explore the benefits of mini digger hire London and what you stand to gain from hiring a portable excavator as a small-scale construction company, independent contractor, or DIY enthusiast.
Small-Scale Projects Can Do With a Mini Excavator
As a construction expert or DIY enthusiast, some projects simply don’t require you to roll the big guns out. While using a full-sized excavator for such small projects might seem like a good idea, it’s simply not worth the extra cost and trouble. The following are examples of projects you can complete with a mini excavator.
Drainage and Plumbing Projects
When you need to dig or excavate swales that direct water away from structures in low-lying areas, you can get a mini digger for the job. This portable piece of equipment can also be used to dig trenches or small drainage ditches to manage water runoff on properties.
Small-Scale Earthmoving
Aside from digging holes and ditches, an excavator can also double as an earth-moving machine. With a mini-excavator, you can transport small amounts of soil, gravel, and construction materials around your job site seamlessly.
Land Clearing
The backfill blade of a mini digger and other attachments can be used to remove vegetation, rocks, and debris in order to create a clear work area on your site.
Demolition
A mini digger can be used for basic dozer work such as concrete breaking and wall demolition. They are equipped with hydraulic hammers that can help you remove small walls and other structures with precision and control.
Landscaping
Most landscaping projects are backyard projects that do not require a heavy-duty machine, which means you can use a mini excavator for them. This machine can be used to level uneven terrain or get rid of debris before installing your landscaping features. It is also useful for digging trenches for irrigation pipes to water your lawn and garden plants.
Utility Installation
When you need to dig narrow trenches for utility installations like electrical cables, water pipes, and plumbing lines, you can use a mini excavator for the job.
Road Repairs
Mini excavators can be used to remove debris from potholes in preparation for the repair of the road surface with suitable materials. It can also be useful when fixing damaged curbs, sidewalks, and other minor repairs that do not require full-scale excavation.
Benefits Of Using Mini Diggers For Your Small-Scale Projects
Whether you’re working on a standalone small-scale project or you need a digger to handle a small aspect of a large project, there are plenty of benefits to using a mini digger instead of a full-sized machine. Here are a few of them:
Manoeuvrability
For most small-scale projects, you typically don’t have the luxury of scale. It’ll be difficult to navigate a full-sized excavator when you’re working on a landscaping project in your backyard or a confined job site with a lot of other structures and machinery already. The small size of a mini digger will make it easier to navigate around obstacles, making your work considerably easier and faster.
Precision and Accuracy
Full-sized excavators are not entirely difficult to operate. However, most operators will find it easier to operate a mini digger compared to a piece of lumbering equipment that weighs several tons. When you need precise and controlled movement, especially when working on delicate or intricate tasks, a mini digger will do a much better job.
Cost-Effective Rental Options
Buying or renting a full-sized excavator even for a small-scale project, will cost you a lot more than you need to spend. With a mini digger, you’ll get the same amount of work done at a lower upfront cost. Mini excavators also tend to be more fuel-efficient than regular units, and you’ll spend less money on transportation to and from the job site. And if the machine ever gets damaged, the cost of repairing a mini digger is likely to be less than the cost of repairing the same damage for a regular-sized digger.
Reduced Site Damage
The lightweight nature of mini diggers exerts less pressure on the ground. This is particularly beneficial when working on soft or sensitive terrain, such as areas with underground utility installations. Using a mini digger will minimise damage to the construction site and surrounding landscape.
Mini diggers are also quite eco-friendly. They’re less noisy and also tend to give off lower emissions compared to larger models. This helps reduce the environmental impact of your project over time.
Conclusion
When it comes to small-scale construction projects in London and surrounding areas, being strategic is very important. You’ll save cost and deliver efficiently on your project when you get the right size of equipment for the job. If your small-scale project requires you to do some light digging or any of the tasks highlighted above, you should consider getting a mini excavator from easyToolhire. Check out our collection of mini diggers and other construction equipment for your small-scale project.
