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What to Consider When Hiring an Excavator for Small-Scale Projects

By July 11, 2025No Comments

Hiring an excavator to support your construction projects will provide you with a range of benefits. Choosing the right piece of machinery can save you money, time, and ensure that the job is done to the highest standards. But how do you know if this is the right piece of equipment for your requirements? In this guide, we will discuss small excavator hire, what to consider to make sure everything runs smoothly from the ground up.

What is a Small Excavator?

An excavator can be categorised by its weight, and is classed as small if it sits somewhere between one and seven tonnes. Although small by name, a small excavator is definitely not small by nature, and can complete any necessary jobs that a larger one can, such as digging, demolishing and moving. You may require a small excavator if your site has restricted access or has tight spaces where a larger machine could not reach.

Projects Suitable for Small Excavators

Small excavators are perhaps more versatile than you might think. Take a look below at just some of their handy uses:

  • Landscaping jobs
  • Fence and post hole digging
  • Drainage projects
  • Trenching for utilities
  • Small-scale demolition such as pathways, driveways, retaining walls and building foundations
  • New swimming pool holes

Small Excavator Hire – What to Keep in Mind

When thinking about small excavator hire, here’s what to consider:

  • Project size

Think about the size of your project and the work that needs to be done. Can it be achieved with a smaller machine?

  • Location

Is there limited access to the site, or is it hard to reach? Perhaps the area is on the small side, and larger equipment won’t fit. In these cases, a small excavator would be the perfect answer.

  • Type of terrain

If you’re shifting gravel, soft soil or light forestry areas, then a small excavator will do the job nicely. Although they can tackle a range of terrains, you may need to think about another option if you are moving something heavier or on a steep incline.

  • Height and depth

Small excavators can dig up to around 2.5 meters. If you need to dig deeper than this, then you may need to think about a larger alternative. Additionally, you want to ensure that the machine can reach high enough into the bin where you are depositing the materials.

  • Rental terms

Consider the terms of your hire, including costs per hour or day, fuel expenses and transportation fees. There may also be extra maintenance or damage charges. Making sure you are aware of the overall costs will prevent any nasty surprises along the way.

  • Insurance

Does your hire come with the necessary legal paperwork, such as being compliant with existing building regulations? You may not be able to use the equipment if this is not in place.

  • Reputation of supplier

It’s important to choose a trustworthy supplier with good reviews and customer service history. Can these be found on their website?

Professional Small Excavator Hire

Thankfully, we know a superb company that can give you all that and more! Here at Fraser Earthworks, we provide excavators to suit every excavation project out there. We offer specialised machinery at highly competitive prices.

Our expertise in the area will ensure that your job is completed to the highest of standards, even for those extra challenging sites! Want to see some of our work in action? Then, continue browsing our website for real-life images of our excavation projects. We really have seen it all and cannot wait to start working with you.

Simply give us a call or fill out our online quotation form. Alternatively, we can have a no-obligation chat with you to discuss your needs if you’re not sure whether a small excavator is right for your project. So, what’s the hold-up? Save time, money and energy by putting your faith in a company that will no doubt exceed your expectations!

Select an Excavator to Meet Your Job Requirements

When it comes to small-scale projects, a small excavator will be your most valued piece of machinery. As well as being a versatile piece of equipment that can handle many terrains and job types, they also come into their own in tight spaces or built-up areas. Before hiring an excavator on the Sunshine Coast, it’s essential to consider the unique requirements of the job, as well as ensuring that you choose a company that won’t let you down. Thankfully, at Fraser Earthworks, we take pride in our professionalism and top-tier machinery, so when it comes to choosing where to hire from, consider that box already ticked.

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