8 Uses for Mini Diggers

Mini diggers are versatile pieces of machinery that can effortlessly move soil from one place to another. They’re designed for both commercial and domestic use and can be acquired by (almost) anyone to get the job done. But what is a mini digger, why should you consider hiring one from T&M Grab Hire Ltd and what can you use them for? Let’s take a closer look at mini diggers in today’s article: 

What is a mini digger?

Also known as a mini excavator, a mini digger can be hired out or bought for the purposes of earth removal and relocation, although digger hire is often more cost-effective. They can be used to move earth from one site to another to relieve manual labour and stress on the worker. They can be used in both commercial and domestic settings. Mini diggers often feature a rotating cab, boom, arm and bucket, and they can handle weights consisting of between 1-10 tonnes, depending on the make, model and capabilities.

Why use a mini digger?

There are many reasons why you should choose mini digger hire from T&M Grab Hire Ltd over manual shovelling and digging. From being able to reach tight spaces to reducing physical strain, here’s why you should hire a mini digger to get your project (and the earth) moving:

• They can access tight and limited spaces, where other machinery would struggle
• It means less disruption to the surrounding areas
• Transport and opening costs are lower
• There’s minimal surface disruption, which is important in urban areas
• Set up is quick and efficient
• They’re easy to navigate and manoeuvre, even in the smallest of spaces

What can mini diggers be used for? 8 mini digger applications

Mini diggers, despite the name, can actually be used for a wide range of different tasks and applications. They’re utilised by a number of different industries in a commercial setting and by homeowners to get landscaping work done, among other things. But what are those uses? Let’s take a look at everything the humble mini digger is capable of:

1. Residential & commercial applications

Mini diggers can be used in both residential and commercial settings, mainly because of their versatility and cost-effectiveness when compared to buying a brand-new mini digger outright. With this in mind, mini diggers can be used for a wealth of applications, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Mini diggers can excavate for foundations, trenches and footings
• They’re ideal for levelling off surfaces, removing topsoil and clearing debris before patios, pathways and driveways (among other things) can be laid
• With the right attachment, mini diggers can be used to effortlessly demolish areas that require removal

2. Landscaping & gardening

This is perhaps one of the most common mini digger uses out there. They can be used for landscaping thanks to their precision and ability to work in small and confined areas. This makes them ideal for use in commercial and domestic outdoor settings. It also includes environments where even the most demanding of land removal needs to be done. Mini diggers are so versatile in landscaping that they can be used for the following things, among others:

• Tree and stump removal can easily dig out roots with minimal soil disturbance
• Digging out for ponds, waterfalls and other landscaping features that may or may not involve water
• Levelling off uneven ground to create terraces on sloped properties or for constructing driveways, patios and pathways on
• Drilling precise holes for fence posts, pergolas or decking to sit in, as a supporting framework for the finished product

3. Agriculture & farming 

Mini digger hire is especially beneficial for those living or working on a farm or in generally agricultural settings. This is because mini diggers can be used to carry out a range of light-duty tasks, including ditch clearing, drainage improvements, improving livestock infrastructure and clearing land.

4. Utilities & groundworks

Utility companies and contractors often rely on mini digger hire for installation and repairing underground services, including groundworks and laying cables and pipework. Some of the key applications that mini diggers are used for in this context are as follows:

• Laying pipes and cables as they can dig narrow trenches
• Exposing sewer systems, making broken pipes easy to access for repairs
• Telecommunications work, such as installing fibre-optic lines in urban areas and suburban settings

5. Road & pavement repairs

Mini diggers are often seen when road maintenance is being carried out in a commercial capacity. They can be used on highways or pavements, making surfaces safer for people to walk and drive on. This is especially important in urban areas where foot and car traffic is ample. In the context of road and pavement repairs, mini diggers can be used to carry out:

• Curb and gutter debris removal
• Removal or curbs and gutters 
• Pothole and general road surface repairs and filling
• Drainage installation to prevent water damage and increase flow

6. Snow-clearing in the winter

For colder climates, or for instances where winter and autumn hit the UK, mini diggers can come in handy, particularly for the removal of snow from pavements and pathways. In this case, mini digger hire would be best suited to commercial clients to make the entrances and exits clear and safe for people to work on in and around the workplace. Although residential clients would benefit from mini digger hire when the snow falls, if there’s a considerable amount of it, or if they live in a rural area. Either way, this makes mini digger hire incredibly versatile for all, even when the weather turns.

7. Demolition & recycling 

Mini diggers can be used for small-scale construction and demolition projects, even in some of the most built-up areas, which is just one of their selling points. Some of the most common applications for mini digger hire when it comes to drainage and flood control are as follows:

• Hydraulic breakers can be attached to mini diggers in order to break up hard materials, including tarmac and concrete
• Removal and demolition of internal walls and floors during renovation work can be done with a mini digger
• Grab or clamshell buckets can be used to pick and sort through materials for recycling or general disposal

8. Drainage & flood control

In areas that are prone to flooding, including domestic and commercial properties, mini diggers can be instrumental in improving drainage systems. This is better for both the integrity of the building and for the surrounding roads and pavements. Some of the mini digger applications, when it comes to drainage and floor control, are as follows:

• The installation of French drains is made easier, as trenches can be dug for gravel and pipe systems that redirect water
• Rainwater harvesting systems can be utilised, enabling the digging out of underground tanks or water collection systems, which is eco-friendly
• Assisting in constructing erosion-control features, such as retaining walls and berms

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At T&M Grab Hire Services Ltd, we proudly provide mini digger hire for residential and commercial clients throughout Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Mansfield, Leicestershire, Chesterfield and surrounding areas. If you’re looking for dependable mini digger hire in Derbyshire and beyond, feel free to get in touch with our friendly and experienced team – we’re always here to assist you.