Mini diggers are a very helpful piece of equipment, and if you’ve got a DIY project underway that requires significant excavation work, hiring a digger rather than laboring with a spade can be the ideal method to finish the task swiftly. Although there are some fair digger and operator hire rates, renting a mini digger isn’t as inexpensive as you might expect, and upfront deposit expenses can come as a rude shock. Continue reading to learn the most economical ways to use a small digger to start your home improvement project.
THINGS THAT CAN AFFECT DIGGER AND OPERATOR HIRE RATES
The total cost of hiring diggers or excavator hire with operator will depend on a number of variables. Let’s examine these elements in more detail so you will understand what to consider when creating a budget for your project.
DIGGER AND OPERATOR HIRE RATES: Your Required Digger Size
The size of the digger you require often depends on how far you need to dig. Micro diggers have a maximum depth of about 1.6 meters. Depending on their specifications, mini diggers can dig up to 2.3 meters below the surface. A digger may not be sufficient if you need to dig deeper than that; an excavator may be required. To avoid the possibility of two hire fees, you must purchase the correct size from the start!
DIGGER AND OPERATOR HIRE RATES: When You Should Employ a Digger
The pricing comparison chart above shows that weekday rates are typically less expensive than weekend rates, so if you can be flexible with your workday conditions, doing the work during the week will benefit you.
DIGGER AND OPERATOR HIRE RATES: Looking for a Digger Operator
Whether you also need an operator will increase the cost of your digger rental. Depending on the size of the machinery and whether you require one or two operators, the cost of an operator ranges from $250 to $500 a day.
DIGGER AND OPERATOR HIRE RATES: Hire a Plant Insurance
Individual homeowners may need to buy a separate coverage for the hiring, which might cost upwards of $550. Tradespeople can verify whether this is currently covered by their public liability insurance.
DIGGER AND OPERATOR HIRE RATES: Fuel Prices
Similar to renting a car, you will be given the equipment with at least half a tank of fuel, and you will be required to return it with the same amount of fuel, which will incur an additional price.
DIGGER AND OPERATOR HIRE RATES: Accessories and Attachments
Most small diggers have buckets that are 12, 24, or 36 inches in size, but depending on your project, you might also require breakers, augers, tree stump planers, or post knockers, all of which will cost extra. Additionally, you might need extras like ground protection mats, which help save the digger from getting mired in muck. Depending on the size, these typically cost $30 to $65 a week for each.
HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON DIGGER AND OPERATOR HIRE RATES
We are currently well aware of how pricey digger and operator hire rates are. So, let’s strike a balance and consider how you might hire them for less money as well. The cost of delivery of the digger will increase in direct proportion to your distance from the supplier. This makes it crucial that you conduct research and select a hire business as close to your residence as you can. The round-trip mileage or a predefined banding scheme will be used to determine delivery prices. If the latter is used, your favorite supplier will typically have a map on their website that indicates the bands for the projected delivery charges.
For distances up to 40 miles, the majority of businesses will calculate costs every 10 miles. If you live within 10 miles, it will typically cost you $30; further away houses will cost you $60. Although it may be tempting, hiring the largest digger you’ll require is a waste of money. It is much better to rent a somewhat smaller machine because the rental costs are probably lower. Smaller diggers are perfect for do-it-yourself household tasks including gardening, pond excavation, and dirt removal for foundations. Even though the majority of businesses promote a set day fee, there are typically discounts available. Choose to pay for an additional day if you are unsure of how long a project will take. This is much preferable than having to rent the digger again, thereby double the delivery costs, and then have to return it back.
Although it may sound like a lot of fun to drive a digger around your garden, these machines are far more difficult to handle than they appear to be. To use them well, it can require a lot of practice, and you might discover that attempting to use the machine correctly takes up half of your day.
FIND THE RIGHT DIGGER DRIVER AND EXCAVATOR OPERATOR
Asking family, friends, and neighbors for recommendations is one of the finest lines of action. This strategy can assist you avoid looking for a trader on your own and possibly engaging in an exchange with a dishonest trader you’d prefer avoid right away. Asking a neighbor who is now renting a mini-digger or who is about to rent one to visit your property if they would want to prolong their rental time will help you save money because there is only one site where the digger needs to be delivered.
In order to determine whether a potential digger operator is qualified for the position and has sufficient expertise operating the kind of digger you are looking to hire, it can be a wise use of your time to inquire about their experience.
Before you begin anything, it’s usually a good idea to confirm that the hire company has sufficient insurance in place to ensure that you are covered in the event of any issues.