What is a Mini digger?
Written by: Samina Ahmed
Date: 4 June 2025
Categories: Construction, DIY, Tips & Advice - Tools, Tools, Building & Hardware,

Many of us may of heard of a mini digger but do you actually know what one is? What is used for? So many questions! Luckily, we have the answers!
In this blog, we will delve a bit deeper into what a mini digger is, where we would use one and what jobs would require one.
What is a mini digger?
A mini digger, also known as an excavator, is a small compact piece of machinery that can be used for various construction & landscaping jobs.
They have a hydraulic system that controls the mini digger's boom, arm & bucket for digging & lifting tasks.
Mini diggers are really versatile and easy to manoeuvre, making them a popular choice to use on-site.
This machinery can weigh between 1 - 10 tonnes but although lightweight, they're also mighty & powerful.
What can I use a mini digger for?
As mini diggers are a great all-rounder, they can be used for many outdoor & gardening jobs such as -
- Creating foundations - for houses & garages
- Removing tree stumps - in several outdoor areas
- Grading & levelling terrain - to create level ground or a required slope
- Digging foundations & trenches - for laying pipes & cables, stabilising structures or to install water features
- Moving & handling materials - including soil, asphalt, rocks, gravel, tree trunks, plus others
- Farming & agriculture - jobs like clearing debris, preparing the land for planting, dredging ponds & more
Advantages of using a mini digger
There are plenty advantages to hiring & using a mini digger on-site.
- Efficiency - mini diggers are faster than manual tools so jobs can be completed quicker
- Cost effective - compared to larger excavators, you save money when you hire a mini digger
- Versatile - as mentioned previously, mini diggers are great all rounder and can be used for different construction jobs
- Less impact on environment - because the machines are smaller, they use less fuel & produce less noise
- Compact design - mini diggers can access tight, hard to reach areas & spaces compared to larger excavators
What else do I need to know about a mini digger?
We've already gone over quite a bit of information about mini diggers but there's still more to learn.
Watch our video to get clued up about the Kubota mini digger that we have available to hire.
The mighty mini digger for the win!
Although small, mini diggers are a great piece of machinery for a number of construction & landscaping projects.
Whether you're digging holes for laying pipes and cables or you're prepping your farmland for sowing seeds, mini diggers are versatile & will get the job done easily.
There are many benefits and advantages to hiring a mini digger from HSS. From being cost effective to having less impact on the environment, the list goes on.
Want to hire a mini digger from us? Read on to find out how.
FAQs
How much will it cost to hire a mini digger/ excavator from HSS?
Prices vary depending on the length of time you need the equipment. Look online to see how much it will cost you to hire a mini digger from HSS today.
Who can operate mini excavators?
Anyone can operate a mini excavator but they need to have professional training before they use them.
Do I need a license to drive a mini digger?
No you don't need a license to drive a mini digger on private land, on-site or access roads. If you're planning to use a mini digger on the roadside or public spaces, you'll need a valid Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card.