How to choose the right mini excavator for your project

When you need to hire a mini excavator there are a few things to take into consideration. Choosing the right machine for the job means that you’ll be able to dig, scrape, crush or shift much more efficiently, saving you man-hours on site and avoiding budget blow out for your client.

Here are our top 3 things to consider when choosing the right mini excavator to hire.

Size matters

Knowing the size of the project is key – mini excavators come in many different shapes and sizes, and they are suitable for different types of jobs. Whether you’re working on a new residential build, digging a driveway or creating a drainage channel, it’s important to fit the size of the excavator to the job.

A machine designed for shallow digging might be ok for footpath construction, but if you’re installing a swimming pool you’re going to need more reach. Make sure you have an idea of the maximum depth you’ll be digging before you call your local excavator hire company, so they can make a recommendation on the right size machine for you.

Access all areas

Mini excavators are small but powerful and many have a wide range of motion making them ideal for tight spaces. Typically a standard excavator would struggle in tight spaces such as residential demo jobs and narrow inner-city laneways. Choosing a mini excavator gives you the best options for manoeuvring in and around buildings, power lines, trees, fences and other obstructions.

Completing a site assessment before starting the job will give you a feel for the kind of obstacles you’ll have to deal with once the project kicks off. Any particularly tight squeezes should be measured and noted down so that you can check the size and specs of your chosen machine against any tight access ways on site.

What attachments will you need?

Before you decide on a machine, it’s wise to check that the range of attachments you need is also available. When hiring an excavator, check the hiring company can supply the buckets, grabs, spreaders or rock breakers that you’ll need.

And, why not check if your hire company can supply the other gear for the project? Getting all the plant you need from one place makes hire, delivery, off-hire and admin simple and hassle-free.

Popular in our fleet: the Kubota U55-4 Mini Excavator

A mini digger like the Kubota 5T Excavator is capable of digging to depths over 3.63 metres, making it ideal for smaller excavations, residential driveways, small demolition jobs and more. This 5.4T model is a versatile unit offering the right balance of superior power and creature comforts.

Designed for strength and efficiency, this mini excavator has a low-emissions diesel engine, 47 horsepower of grunt and a hydraulic system that delivers excellent, reliable performance even in the toughest working conditions.

Thoughtful and practical additions like the audible fuel tank alarm, accessible engine checkpoints and a tool storage area make this mini excavator one of the most user-friendly in its class. Additionally, the hydraulic hoses have been routed in a specific way keeping them out of the work zone and minimising the risk of damage.

Operator comfort is really at the centre of this machine with ergonomic controls and seating, and all machine controls are fully pilot-operated making for a perfectly smooth and controlled user experience. Plus, the luxury upgrade includes an air-conditioned cab and two service ports.

Mini excavator hire

If you need to hire a mini excavator for your project, get in touch with Orange Hire for a fast quote. Our fleet of machines are meticulously maintained, and with an average age of just two years, they’re guaranteed not to cause you headaches on site.

For more information about our complete range of shoring services and equipment, visit your nearest branch, email [email protected], or call our friendly team of experts at 1800 UR HIRE.