Mini Digger Hire UK: Sizes, Costs & Driver Options

What is a mini digger and how do you hire one?

A mini digger is a small tracked excavator used for digging, trenching and landscaping in spaces too tight for a full-sized machine.¹ You can hire a mini digger as a self-drive machine or book it with a driver, depending on the firm and the job. One supplier describes its compact machine as easy to operate and transport, with enough digging force for demanding jobs despite its small size.²

Mini digger sizes and what they suit

Hire firms typically offer micro, mini and midi excavators, with micro machines suited to tight spaces and midi machines used for bigger jobs.¹ This model's adjustable tracks let it pass through confined openings while still giving stability on site, and it has an integral dozer blade for backfilling and landscaping.² Another firm's micro digger weighs 1035kg, reaches a maximum digging depth of 1720mm, and has a track width of 680 to 840mm, with buckets provided from 300mm to 750mm.³ Its hydraulically adjustable tracks retract from 860mm down to 680mm in seconds so the digger can still be driven through confined spaces.³ With the tracks fully extended, the machine gains 15% more stability, which suits firmer ground or tougher digging.³ Another supplier offers a 0.8-tonne Kubota micro/mini digger as part of its fleet.⁴ For bigger site-clearance jobs, one firm suggests a 5-tonne mini digger fitted with a riddle bucket alongside a 9-tonne dumper.⁵ Choose the smallest machine that will still do the job, since narrower, lighter diggers are easier to move through gates and gardens.

What affects the cost of mini digger hire

Typically £40.71–£120 a day, based on 3 published rates checked in October 2026.

Hire rates are usually quoted by the day, with some firms basing their day rate on a week's hire.¹ Expect the cost to vary with the size of digger, the length of hire, whether you take a driver, and any attachments such as a breaker or auger. Delivery is often offered as an extra service, so check whether it is included or charged separately, and whether there's parking for the delivery vehicle.¹ Some firms add a mandatory damage waiver charge on top of the hire rate, which covers accidental damage during the hire.² Ask what the damage waiver covers and whether a separate deposit is also held until the machine is returned undamaged. Fuel, transport to and from site, and any attachments you need are worth asking about before you book, as these can be charged separately from the base hire rate.

Self-drive or with a driver: licences and training

Some firms offer a digger and driver hire service, where an operator comes with the machine.⁶ If you plan to self-drive, check whether the hire firm expects proof of training or experience before letting you take the machine unsupervised. When hiring, you'll usually need to prove your identity, with one firm asking for three forms of ID such as a driving licence or passport before delivery or collection.² If you're not confident operating excavation machinery, hiring with a driver reduces the risk of damage to the machine or the site.

Typical jobs for mini digger hire

Micro and mini diggers are commonly used for ditching, grading and trenching where space is limited or access is restricted.³ They suit domestic landscaping and construction work, as well as small to medium commercial applications.³ One plant hire firm undertakes all types of digging work including footings, foundations, muck removal and levelling, with breakers available on all machines.⁶ Larger site-clearance jobs may call for a bigger mini digger paired with a dumper to move spoil off site.⁵ Think about ground conditions and access width on site before choosing a machine, as this affects which size will actually fit and perform the job.

Common questions about mini digger hire

What's the difference between mini excavator hire and mini digger hire?

Mini excavator and mini digger are generally the same type of small tracked machine, just described with different names by different hire firms. Suppliers use the terms micro, mini and midi excavator to describe machines of increasing size and capability.¹

What can you hire a micro digger for?

A micro digger is built to work in the smallest of areas, such as narrow gardens or confined plots.² Its hydraulically adjustable track gauge is controlled with a single lever, letting the machine squeeze through gates and doorways.³ Three lifting points also mean a crane can lift the digger safely if it needs craning onto a restricted site.³

What size small digger should I hire?

If gates or side passages are narrow, check the digger's retracted track width before booking.

Can you hire a mini digger self-drive?

Yes, mini diggers are commonly hired as self-drive machines, though some firms will ask for identification before handing over the keys.² If you've not used a digger before, ask the depot for a basic handover and safety briefing before you start work.

Can you hire a mini digger with an operator?

Yes, some plant hire firms offer a digger and driver service so an experienced operator comes with the machine.⁶ Hiring with an operator can be worthwhile for footings, foundations or muck removal where accuracy matters.⁶