Digger and Driver Hire

 

Many garden construction projects require the use of a digger. This can include building a patio, digging foundations, or even removing a tree stump.

While some people hire a mini digger without a driver/operator to save money, this is usually a false economy. It takes a long time to get to grips with the controls and you will rarely achieve as much as an experienced digger driver.

Costs

There are a variety of factors that affect digger hire prices. These include fuel costs, delivery charges and insurance. It’s important to understand these costs before making a decision to hire. Choosing the right model for your job can also impact hire rates. For example, micro and mini diggers are ideal for small-scale projects in tight spaces. However, they can be more expensive than larger diggers.

It is often cheaper to hire a digger with driver for longer than one day. This is because transport costs can add up quickly. It’s also best to hire locally, as this will save you money on delivery costs.

Hiring a digger with a driver can cost up to PS270 per day on average. It’s best to compare prices before hiring and find a professional tradesperson with experience in excavation and groundworks. You can post your project on MyBuilder to connect with local, vetted groundworkers who provide transparent quotes tailored to your budget.

Types

Diggers are essential pieces of machinery for Digger and driver hire construction and earthmoving projects. They're used in a variety of applications, from digging holes to installing piping. They also play a significant role in landscape and mining projects. They can also be used for demolition and forestry jobs.

The type of digger you need for a particular project will depend on the size and scope of the job. Larger projects require more powerful machinery, which leads to higher hire rates. Diggers with specialised attachments, such as trenchers, are often used for laying piping or other utilities.

It's also worth looking for local companies that can transport the digger to your site. This can save you money on transportation and fuel costs. You may also be able to get better prices by hiring the digger for more than one day. Having an operator will also make the process more efficient and reduce the chance of damage to your property.

Safety

Diggers are very powerful and dangerous pieces of machinery, so it is important to prioritise safety measures when operating them. This includes receiving adequate training, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), checking blind spots regularly, and ensuring that the load limit is not exceeded.

It is also important to check that the digger is not running while it is unattended, as this can lead to mechanical failure and increase the risk of theft or unauthorized use. It is also recommended to remove the key from the ignition and lock the controls when not in use. Furthermore, it is essential to always perform a thorough pre-operation inspection of the machine, including the hydraulic hoses, tracks or wheels, and fuel levels. In addition, it is important to ensure that the operator has a valid Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card and that they have been trained to operate a digger. This can help prevent workplace accidents and other hazards.

Training

For people interested in becoming excavator operators, there are several training programs available. These programs are designed to teach the proper operation of excavators and their related equipment, as well as how to safely operate them. They also cover the principles and aims of health and safety at work, as well as employees’ duties and responsibilities.

Several training programs are offered by leading utility equipment providers. These courses provide classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and a skills testing session. These classes are not make or model specific, but focus on the basic information and operating procedures for most types of excavators. Students successfully completing this program will receive an operator’s certificate and wallet card.

Those seeking digger training should consider enrolling in an 8-hour class that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice. The classroom presentation focuses on key information and operator skills, while the hands-on portion allows students to practice their new skill under the direct observation and guidance of a professional instructor.

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