Toiling away with a spade for hours on end is no fun and will probably leave you with backache. If the DIY job you’re doing requires major excavation, then hiring a digger is a convenient and time-saving solution. While a micro excavator will get the job done quicker, you should also consider the cost of hiring the machinery, as daily rates and deposits will add up. With that in mind, here are some top tips when hiring a micro excavator for your home construction project.
How Much Will It Cost?
It’s important to know how much hiring a digger will cost and whether your budget allows for it. A five-ton mini digger will typically cost between £60 and £100 a day. For a week you can expect to pay between £350 to £400. Added to this you will have to factor in costs such as deposit and delivery. There are ways of being savvy to keep these costs low.
Local Is Best
Hiring from a local company is going to save you money. The further the company is away from you, the more they will charge to deliver the digger to your home. It’s essential you do some homework before you approach companies to hire a micro excavator and find the company that’s closest to you – a simple Google search is a good place to start.
Most companies will either charge per mile for delivery or from a predetermined banding system. On average you can expect to pay between £30 and £60 for delivery if you are less than ten miles from the hire company.
Bigger Isn’t Always Better
There may be a temptation to hire the largest digger you can get your hands on, although this is not a good idea. For small residential DIY projects such as soil removal, pond excavation or landscaping, a 1.5-ton JCB would be the ideal digger for the job. Should you end up hiring a bigger digger, you’ll end up paying more for a machine you don’t actually need.
Don’t Underestimate the Length of Your Project
Most micro excavator hire companies will charge a fixed daily rate, but there should be a discount available for renting a digger for longer periods. If you’re not sure how long the project will take, it’s best to hire the digger for a day or two longer. Yes, you’ll pay more for the hire, but it will be cheaper than having to re-hire the digger and pay another round of deposits and delivery charges.
Consider the Deposit
Deposits for digger hire can be quite hefty. Some companies can charge between £750 and £1000 as a refundable deposit on safe return of the micro excavator. This cost may come as a bit of a shock, so be aware of a company’s deposit charges before your hire a digger from them.
Conclusion
Micro excavator hire has many benefits that will ensure your DIY project goes as smoothly as possible. There are things to consider before you take the plunge, but if you do your homework hiring a digger can be a rewarding experience. Hiring a contractor to operate your digger can also get the job done quicker and save you money in the long run.