All you need to know about Digger Hire

12 August 2021

All you need to know about Digger Hire

If you are looking for a digger hire for your next construction project, DP Skip Hire is your only destination.

We offer a number of plant hire services such as diggers for hire in Stoke on Trent and the surrounding areas and even nationwide too!

For our latest post, we will answer those burning questions about our range of diggers.

Do I need a licence to use mini digger hire?

If you are planning to drive an excavator of any size on public roads you will need a valid driving licence. However, on private worksites and access roads, no licence is needed. According to the 2011 Work Health & Safety Act, a certification is no longer required for excavator operators but they must be competent and trained in the use of excavators and understand all manuals and information provided. Legally, the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) is ultimately responsible for operator competence. They need to be aware of authorised users and their knowledge of correct use, control measures, safety and maintenance.

How deep can you dig with a mini excavator?

This will depend on the size of the model being used and the specific job dictates the reach required, although it’s worth considering a digging depth slightly deeper than needed. This will anticipate any work complications needing additional depth without the need for more equipment.

Ground-type also needs to be considered when selecting an excavator. For example, if building on soft ground, deeper footings will be necessary. Hard soil with a large clay content will need a higher bucket digging force in addition to reach. If digging in existing buildings, underground pipes and utility services (such as broadband cables or electrical supply) demand precise work to avoid any damage. In these cases, the relatively shallow digging depth and narrower bucket width of mini diggers are ideal.

How much weight can a mini excavator lift?

Excavators are often used for lifting as much as removing obstructions. Even when digging, the refuse needs to be removed or transported by lifting. With regards to rubble, hardcore or concrete the volume of waste in the bucket will be significantly heavier than soil or similar materials. As with digging depth, the lifting capacity increases the size of the digger and needs to be assessed before hiring.

Two factors dictate lifting capacity for diggers – the hydraulic capacity and tipping capacity.
Hydraulic capacity is the maximum weight the equipment can lift before the hydraulics stall whereas tipping capacity is the point where the load weight causes the digger to lift and potentially tip over.

Lift charts based on manufacture testing will be included in the Operation and Maintenance manual and clearly displayed on the machine. This is typically in the cab or canopy within easy sight of the operator.
Its worth noting that lift capacities are calculated for work on level, even surfaces and working on slopes or uneven ground alters them.
Safety is critical when lifting and the outcome of an accident could be disastrous for the operator and other workers nearby.

Got any questions? Contact us now

If you have any questions about digger hire from DP Skip Hire, please do not hesitate to get in touch today. Our team of specialists will be more than happy to help.

Cheryl Fonad

12:26 04 Jun 20

Great, efficient service! Would definitely recommend

A Google User

14:34 27 May 20

Excellent service, quick and reliable, friendly staff. I would definitly recommend and use the service again in the future

stew bett

15:34 14 May 20

Booked a skip arrived on time and collected within a few hours when I called them to collect. Definitely will be using again great service all round.

David Bailey

11:46 22 Apr 20

Complete and utter waste of time. Called on the supposed day of delivery at 10am as skip had not yet arrived, nor had I had any communication since booking online. Each person I spoke to simply didn't have a clue as to what was going on, didn't have my name, address or number, couldn't find my booking (despite taking payment) and that I'd have to wait for the Transport Manager after making 3 calls. I'd booked the skip days in advance and booked a day off work to complete a project. Finally after 3 calls, they'd located said skip but couldn't give me a time of delivery, stating "some time in the afternoon". I duly cancelled, called around other businesses and had a skip delivered within the hour. Won't be using again.

Daren Weightman

15:20 17 Apr 20

Excellent Service, delivered on time and collected within an hour or so after calling office which was a day earlier than expected. Both drivers very pleasant. Would not hesitate to recommend and use again

Steve Hughes

16:11 16 Apr 20

Ordered a skip from guys at dp skip hire using the online form.. Very easy to use... Helpful with my email queries...arrived on time... Couldn't ask for a better service.. Highly recommended

Adele Kelly

12:13 14 Apr 20

I booked a skip on a Sunday for next-day delivery which was a bank holiday. I received an email from Jon immediately after booking letting me know that it might be a couple of days later owing to the impact of Covid-19 which was totally understandable. The skip still arrived on the bank holiday which was hugely appreciated and we're awaiting collection now. Would highly recommend and would definitely book again, excellent service.

Callum J Slater

19:39 22 Mar 20

Great service. Uses these guys a couple of weeks back when I was having my drive done. Quality products, great service, reasonable priced and easy to deal with. Will help you out when needed too. No job too big or small for these guys. Highly recommend and will be using again. 👍🏻

Scott Corser

11:22 19 Mar 20

Excellent service, very helpful office staff assisting with permit. Definitely use them again!!!

Ben Suleman

11:51 18 Mar 20

Absolutely disgusting customer service especially the one who pick up the phone

jinkazama monkey

06:39 04 Oct 19

Been using these guys a lot for our farm, they always answer the phone promptly, they call in advance if requested, the drivers are polite and helpful and their pricing is better than other companies in the area. This is how you run a business.

Robert SALT

13:39 30 Jul 19

Prompt delivery and collection same day. The driver Ryan was brilliant, nothing was too much trouble.

Rocket Roy

06:18 20 Jul 19

07.01 and the skip truck comes up the street on a weekend, no consideration from the driver whilst loading revving the old diesel truck unnecessarily high waking literally everybody up in the street... Might of taken the driver and extra minute or two without the revs being so high, but no if he's up were all up!

Paul Towey

21:01 18 Jul 19

Excellent fast efficient reliable everytime (thankskev)

Jac

16:38 13 Dec 18

Used them a few times now:Skips: Dropped off an hour after booking late on a Friday. Picked up first thing Monday morning. Their top soil is a BARGAIN! And extremely good quality. Aggregates:- slightly pricier than others, but with the free delivery, even on a single bag, this makes up for it and is probably why. (Others want 15quid to deliver)All in all, I personally can't really fault them!