Mini Digger Hire FAQs
Everything you need to know about hiring a mini digger in the UK — what it costs, which size you need, access and delivery, licences, and how to book. No deposit, clear pricing and fast nationwide delivery. Can't find your answer? Send us your job and we'll help.
Quick answer
Mini digger hire costs from around £85 a day for a 1.5-tonne mini, with weekly rates cheaper per day. You need no licence to operate one on private land, and a micro digger fits through a roughly 70cm gate. There is no deposit, and we deliver nationwide.
Guide information · Updated June 2026
Hiring a mini digger raises the same handful of questions for most people, so we have grouped the answers below by topic. On cost, a popular 1.5 tonne machine works out at around £85 a day, and weekly hire is cheaper per day. There is no deposit to pay; therefore the figure we quote is the figure you budget for.
Size and access tend to decide the rest of the decision. A micro digger is roughly 70cm wide, for example, so it slips through a standard side gate, whereas a 3 to 8 tonne machine suits heavier groundworks. You do not need a formal licence on private land; however, commercial sites usually expect a CPCS or NPORS card before you operate.
Delivery is arranged nationwide and charged separately from around £35 each way. We bring the machine straight to your home or site and collect it when you are finished. The detailed answers below cover pricing, sizes, ground conditions, licences and booking; if yours is not here, send us the job and we will reply quickly.
Cost & pricing
How much does it cost to hire a mini digger?
Most jobs come in around £85 a day for a popular 1.5 tonne mini digger, with bigger machines costing more and weekly rates working out cheaper per day. There's no deposit and pricing is upfront — delivery is charged separately. See our full mini digger hire prices for a breakdown by size.
How much is mini digger hire per day and per week?
A 1.5 tonne mini digger is roughly £85 per day, and weekly hire is noticeably cheaper per day than booking seven single days. Larger 3t, 5t and 8t machines cost more. The exact figure depends on size, location and how long you need it — get a tailored figure on our prices page.
Is there a deposit?
No — we hire with no deposit. You pay for the hire and delivery only, with clear pricing and no hidden charges. This keeps things simple whether you're a homeowner doing a weekend project or a contractor on site.
What's included in the hire price?
Your hire price covers the digger itself plus its standard set of buckets (typically a digging bucket and a grading/ditching bucket). Delivery and collection are charged separately from around £35 each way, and fuel is supplied full and expected back full. Specialist attachments like augers or breakers can be added on request.
Sizes & access
What size mini digger do I need for my job?
As a rough guide: a micro (0.8t) suits tight back gardens, a 1.5 tonne handles most domestic footings, drainage and landscaping, and 3–8 tonne machines tackle larger groundworks. Access width and dig depth usually decide it. Read our what size mini digger guide to match a machine to your project.
How wide is a micro digger — will it fit through my gate?
A micro digger is around 70cm wide, so it fits through a standard single gate or side passage with room to spare. Many models also have retractable tracks that narrow further. If access is really tight, measure your narrowest point and check our micro digger hire options.
What's the difference between a micro, mini and midi digger?
It's mostly about weight and reach. A micro (around 0.8–1t) is for tight access, a mini (1.5–3t) covers most domestic and small commercial work, and a midi (around 4–8t) handles bigger groundworks and deeper digs. Compare them all on our mini digger sizes page.
How deep can a mini digger dig?
Dig depth scales with size. A micro reaches roughly 1.5–2m, a 1.5 tonne mini around 2.3–2.5m, and 3–8 tonne machines can dig 3–4m+ — easily enough for most footings, drainage and ponds. If you need a specific depth, tell us and we'll recommend the right size.
What can a 1.5 tonne digger do?
A 1.5 tonne mini digger is the all-rounder: digging footings for extensions, trenching for drainage and services, pond and patio excavation, footings, and clearing or levelling small areas. It typically digs around 2.3–2.5m deep yet still fits through most gateways. See where it sits among our digger sizes.
What's the smallest digger you hire?
Our smallest is the micro digger at around 0.8 tonne and 70cm wide — ideal for back gardens, side returns and indoor or restricted-access work. Despite the size it still digs comfortably for footings and drainage. Explore options on our micro digger hire page.
Delivery & ground
Is delivery and collection included?
Delivery and collection are charged separately, typically from around £35 each way depending on your postcode. We deliver nationwide and bring the machine straight to your site or home. Tell us your area and we'll confirm the exact delivery cost in your quote.
How do I transport a mini digger / what trailer do I need?
The easiest option is to let us deliver and collect — no trailer or licence needed. If you'd rather move it yourself, a 1.5 tonne machine needs a braked plant trailer rated for its weight plus a vehicle with the right towing capacity and licence. For most customers, delivery is simpler and safer. Check delivery in your area.
Will a 3 tonne digger damage my lawn or driveway?
Tracked diggers spread their weight, so on firm ground a 3 tonne machine causes far less damage than you'd expect, but it can still mark soft turf or block paving. Track boards, ply or a careful approach in dry conditions help. For very delicate surfaces a lighter micro digger may be kinder.
Can a mini digger work on a slope or soft ground?
Yes, within limits. Mini diggers handle gentle slopes and soft ground when worked carefully, ideally facing up or down the gradient rather than across it. On very steep or waterlogged ground, an experienced operator is strongly recommended — consider hire with a driver for tricky conditions.
Operating & licence
Do I need a licence to operate a mini digger?
On private land you don't need a formal licence to operate a mini digger — anyone competent can use one. On commercial or public sites you'll usually need a recognised card such as CPCS or NPORS. Our full mini digger licence guide explains exactly what applies to you.
Can a beginner operate a mini digger safely?
Yes — mini diggers are designed to be approachable and many first-timers pick up the basics quickly. Take it slow, read the controls, keep clear of the swing area and never work near services without checking. If you'd rather not, you can always hire with an experienced operator to do the work for you.
Do I need insurance to hire a mini digger?
Self-drive hire usually requires cover against damage to or theft of the machine while it's in your care — many customers arrange short-term plant hire insurance. If you choose hire with a driver, the operator and machine are covered for you. We'll set out exactly what's needed when you book.
What attachments are available (augers, breakers)?
Beyond the standard buckets, common add-ons include augers for post holes and fence posts, hydraulic breakers for concrete and hard ground, and grading or grab attachments. Availability varies by machine size, so tell us the job and we'll confirm what fits. Browse machines on our digger sizes page.
Is fuel included / what fuel does it use?
Mini diggers run on diesel. The machine is supplied with a full tank and we ask that it's returned full, or refuelling is charged at cost. Electric mini diggers are available on request for indoor, low-noise or low-emission work — just mention it when you enquire.
Do you offer electric mini diggers?
Yes — electric mini diggers are available on request. They're ideal for indoor demolition, enclosed spaces, low-emission zones or noise-sensitive sites. Availability depends on location and size, so let us know your requirements and we'll check what we can supply for your area.
Booking & options
Can I hire a mini digger with a driver/operator?
Absolutely. Operated hire means an experienced driver comes with the machine and does the work — great if you're short on time, the job is tricky, or you'd rather not operate it yourself. See how it works and what it covers on our mini digger hire with a driver page.
How much does mini digger hire with a driver cost?
Operated hire is priced as a day rate that includes the machine and the operator, so it costs more than self-drive but you get the job done by an expert. The exact figure depends on size, duration and location. Get a tailored price on our hire with a driver page.
What's the minimum hire period?
Our minimum hire is one day, so you can take a machine for a single day's work. Weekly rates work out cheaper per day if your project runs longer. Whatever you need, just tell us the dates and we'll confirm availability and the best rate.
Can I hire for a single day or the weekend?
Yes — with a one-day minimum you can hire for a single day or over the weekend, which is perfect for homeowners tackling a project on their days off. Weekend slots are popular, so book early. Send us your dates and postcode and we'll check availability in your area.
Can I hire a mini digger and dumper together?
Yes — pairing a digger with a tracked dumper makes moving spoil and materials much faster, especially over rough or restricted ground. We can quote both together for a single delivery. Tell us the job when you enquire and we'll bundle the right machines and confirm pricing.
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