Mini excavators or mini diggers provide the true power in the hands of operators to enable you to do a lot of work in less time. Using a digger machine means that you can move the tones of the earth faster and more cost-effectively than using conventional means. Whether you need to excavate trenches, dig out gardens, clear roads, or pave a driveway, a mini digger comes in handy.
However, buying one can be quite expensive, especially if you’re not prepared. Hiring a mini digger is the best option, particularly if you’ll not be using it often. But, there are factors you should consider before taking the plunge and hiring a digger.
Factors to Consider Before Hiring Digger Machine
Consider the following factors before you hire this machinery. Doing so will ensure that you make an informed decision and save money.
Consider Access
Mini diggers are suitable for accessing tight spaces where larger diggers would not go. However, don’t assume that just because the machine is “mini” it will automatically fit. These diggers come in various sizes and shapes. Ensure that access won’t be impeded.
Ensure you know how big the digger is. The word mini is often applied to a variety of machines, generally ranging in size from the smallest to about diggers that weigh up to 10 tons. So, check the dimensions carefully to ensure it fits in the area well.
Consider the Roughness of the Terrain
Safety is essential and in any construction work, you must consider what kind of terrain the mini digger will traverse. Bigger and heavier models are more stable while the mini diggers can struggle with stability. These “micro” diggers can become dangerously unstable on inclined or rough terrain.
Do your research well because as we have mentioned, these diggers come in different sizes. Having a too heavy digger can be dangerous if the ground is not strong enough to hold a lot of weight. That means the digger may not go through bridges or access some roads. Plan and make the right decision.
Ease of Operation
Diggers are different. Some require more skills than others. So, if you’re not very skilled, speak with your hire company to advise you on models that are easy to operate. Alternatively, you can also hire the digger with its operator, which may be an added cost.
Compatibility with other available equipment
Are you planning to use the mini digger on an array of attachments to complete different tasks? Well, you need to ensure that it can fit those attachments. Otherwise, you’ll need to hire them together with the digger from the same dealer.
Ensure the vehicle is well maintained
You want to ensure that you’re paying for a machine that will get the job done without a problem. So, you must make sure that the machine is well-maintained and fully operational. It’s hard to do that just by looking at it. The eye can be deceiving.
Instead, hire an experienced digger operator to help you check for any potential maintenance issues. Also, you can hire the machine from reputable dealers who keep their equipment well serviced and ready for any job.
How deep do you need to dig?
It’s another essential consideration to make. You need to keep in mind how deep the holes or trenches will be and ensure you hire a digger that can stretch long enough for that. Some mini diggers have short arms and may not do well if you wish for deeper trenches.
The width of the trenches also counts. Check the bucket size to ensure it is suitable for the width you need. Too narrow buckets will lead to a messy attempt to carve out leftovers. On the other hand, too big buckets will leave you needing to fill in the walls of the trenches.
Conclusion
Hiring a mini digger machine is not hard after all. You only need to consider the above factors and you’ll get the best digger machine for the task ahead.
