Digger and Driver Hire Saves You Money

Digger and driver hire adds the expertise of an experienced operator alongside the machinery, bringing efficiency to the construction process and saving you money. Ultimately, this is the most cost-effective way to work with large pieces of machinery.

Consider factors that will affect your digger hire rates, such as if fuel is included or not and whether transportation fees apply. Ideally, hiring locally will save you on transport costs.

Flexibility and adaptability

In the construction industry, proper equipment is vital for project success. However, purchasing new equipment comes with hefty upfront costs. Digger hire offers a cost-effective solution that aligns with the specific needs of each project.

For example, if you need to clear a site of bulk earth, a mini digger and driver hire service can save you time and money by digging the material away more quickly and efficiently than manual labour. Additionally, diggers are safer to use than backbreaking hand digging.

Some people choose to hire a mini digger without an operator to save money, but this is often a false economy. If you don’t have experience driving plant machinery, you could easily spend half a day just getting to grips with the controls, meaning that you’ll achieve less work than an experienced digger operator would. Additionally, hiring a digger with an operator saves you on insurance costs, which can add up to PS270 per day.

Safety

Hiring a digger can streamline patio construction projects and improve the overall quality of the finished product. However, operating this powerful machinery is not without its risks. Prioritising safety measures can minimise the risk of accidents and injuries. This includes receiving training, wearing PPE, checking your surroundings and adhering to load limits.

When operating a digger, it’s important to maintain three points of contact at all times. This will increase stability and reduce the risk of slipping or falling. It’s also advisable to wear steel-toed boots, a high-visibility vest and ear protection if working in a noisy environment.

It’s also essential to check the machine manual for loading limitations. Exceeding these limits can cause damage to the machine or result in dangerous accidents. It’s also crucial to avoid operating machinery under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This can impair judgment and reaction times, increasing the risk of injury.

Time

When it comes to constructing your new Digger and driver hire patio or digging a hole for an outdoor water feature, time is everything. Hiring an operated digger saves you money by reducing the time it takes to complete the task, and helps you stay on track with your project schedule.

The size and scope of your project are a primary factor in selecting the right machinery. Smaller, more compact models are ideal for tight spaces and generally have lower hire rates than larger excavators.

Larger excavators are necessary for extensive excavation and earthmoving projects, and are often hired at higher hourly or daily rates. Some operators also require a deposit, so it’s important to know ahead of time what these charges might be. Also, look for local companies to avoid additional transport costs and fuel expenses. Finally, be sure to double-check whether the hire company includes fuel in the rate or if you need to supply it. This can add up quickly.

Money

The cost of digger hire can vary considerably depending on a few key factors. First and foremost, whether you also hire an operator will influence the price as a digger can be difficult to operate safely in tight spaces without experience. Inexperienced operation can result in costly rework and can also be time-consuming. An experienced operator will know the machinery back to front, how to achieve precise excavation depths and work around obstacles.

Hiring a mini digger will usually cost you a day rate, plus a delivery charge of around PS30 per ten miles which increases the further away your project is. It is also a good idea to ask about fuel charges as most hire equipment will be delivered or dispatched with a full tank of diesel which can add a further cost. Also, don’t forget about insurance – most hire shops will require you to have business liability insurance in place which can add another 10 to 15% onto the hiring rate.