Frequently Asked Questions regarding hiring a digger and driver in Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire

Unfortunately we do not. All our machines are for hire with experienced operator only. However, that doesn't mean you'll be paying over the odds! We are always happy to work with customers to get the job done. So let the driver do what he does best, and save yourself time and money by driving the dumper (or wheelbarrow…) and getting any awkward bits chipped out with the spade.

And if the job's all going to plan, you're on schedule and you really, really want a go… just ask!

Good question! Our smallest machine, the 1.2t Bobcat E10 needs just 720mm width. The larger Hyundai R17-9A needs 990mm. On both machines the rollover protective structure can be removed, so height is not an issue. The largest machine, the Bobcat E27 needs at least 1550mm to squeeze through, and unless the job is particularly large, is often too big to be practical on garden work.

Generally speaking, if the soil can be retained upon site and used in other ways, then this is the cheapest option. Be aware that the soil will need to be of a good quality, friable nature to be levelled out on site. Sandy soils are fine for this, clay subsoils are not so good.

If the soil is to be removed, then we generally don't recommend that you use a skip. The reasons for this are twofold. For one thing, they are harder to load, requiring ramps or a high tip dumper. Primarily, however, they are poor value compared to a grab lorry, as the skip company has to factor in expensive landfill tax into the cost. A grab lorry removes only inert waste- soil, stones and concrete. This attracts a much lower rate of tax, and most of it can be recycled. So when you call us to provide a digger and driver and you want to get the waste removed, we suggest you give a grab company a call at the same time. We are happy to recommend Paul Mills at Grab and Go, telephone 07784 339385

It is relatively simple to calculate the volume of soil to be dug out. Simply multiply the width by the height by the depth of the excavation to get the 'in ground' volume.

Example- a trench for extension footings 0.6m wide, 0.6m deep and 20m in length.

0.6x0.6x20 = 7.2m3.

This figure is then multiplied by what's known as a bulking factor to account for the swelling of the material once broken out from its compacted state in the ground. A typical bulking factor for a garden digout would be 30%, or 1.3

7.2x1.3 = 9.36m3

So we can see that the example excavation will yield approximately 9.36 cubic metres of earth. A grab lorry will typically hold 12 cubic metres.

On paper, the cheapest way to move a small volume of earth is a wheelbarrow. However, it's hard work and can also leave the digger driver waiting- which then means it's not so cheap! For larger jobs, we can provide a tracked or wheeled dumper at extra cost. However, for your average one day dig, the most cost effective thing to use is our 4WD petrol powered barrow. Carrying a massive 365kg at a time (approx 3-4 normal barrows), it's available for a small extra charge of £25 and will take all the labour out of moving the soil. You can even use it to bring aggregate back in to the job, and it can come with a flatbed attachment for carrying slabs, bricks and concrete too.