For most garden jobs a 1–1.5 tonne mini digger is ideal, digging to about 2.3 m while staying easy to manoeuvre. For tight access through a standard gate, choose a micro digger (0.8t, around 70 cm wide). Step up to a 3 tonne for extensions and deeper footings.
Start with two questions
Before anything else, answer these: how tight is your access? and how deep do you need to dig? Width usually rules out the biggest machines, because they simply will not fit. Dig depth, meanwhile, rules out the smallest. Everything else — bucket size, reach, ground speed — follows from there.
- Access width: measure the narrowest point on the route to the dig — gates, side passages, alleyways, even doorways for indoor work.
- Dig depth: footings, drainage runs, ponds and foundations all have a target depth. Pick a machine that comfortably exceeds it.
- Spoil and reach: bigger buckets and longer reach mean fewer passes and faster jobs on open sites.
Key takeaways
- Micro digger width is about 70 cm — it fits through standard gates.
- The 1.5 tonne mini is the all-rounder most domestic jobs need.
- Choose a 3 tonne for extensions and deeper footings.
- Go 5–8 tonne only for commercial groundwork and deep digs.
- Still unsure? Tell us the job and we'll advise.
Mini digger sizes at a glance
Here's how our range compares — widths and depths are typical figures, useful for planning:
| Size | Transport width | Dig depth | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro (0.8t) | ~70 cm (fits standard gates) | up to ~1.7 m | Tight access gardens |
| 1.5t Mini | ~98 cm (expandable tracks) | up to ~2.3 m | Garden landscaping |
| 3t Midi | ~1.55 m | up to ~2.9 m | Extensions & foundations |
| 5t | ~1.96 m | up to ~3.8 m | Commercial groundwork |
| 8t | ~2.3 m | up to ~4.5 m | Larger commercial sites |
Which size for which job?
Micro digger (0.8 tonne) — tight access
At around 70 cm wide the micro is the only realistic choice when access is through a standard gateway, a narrow side passage or even indoors. It digs to about 1.7 m, which is plenty for small trenches, footings and garden landscaping. Therefore, if your route is the limiting factor, start here. Micro digger hire.
1.5 tonne mini — the all-rounder
Our most popular machine. Expandable tracks retract to roughly 98 cm to get through tight spots, then widen for stability. It digs to about 2.3 m and handles the majority of domestic and light-trade work — drainage, footings, ponds and driveways. 1.5 tonne hire.
3 tonne midi — extensions and deeper digs
When you need more digging power and depth (around 2.9 m) for extensions, foundations and larger landscaping, the 3 tonne steps up while staying manageable on most sites with reasonable access. It does, however, need more room than the 1.5 tonne, so check your gateway first. 3 ton digger hire.
5 & 8 tonne — commercial groundwork
For deep drainage, site clearance, bulk excavation and serious foundations, the 5 tonne and 8 tonne machines reach 3.8–4.5 m. These need wider access and proper transport — see our transport guide.
A quick rule of thumb
If access is the problem, size down to the micro or 1.5 tonne. If depth or volume is the problem, size up to the 3 tonne or above. For most homeowners, therefore, the 1.5 tonne is the safe default. Compare every machine side by side on our digger sizes page, or check hire prices before you book.