Digger and operator,
one quote.
1 to 3-tonne machines, qualified operator on every job. Foundations, drainage, garden levelling and tight-access excavation across Cork city and county.
A mini-digger in unskilled hands does damage faster than two strong backs do work. A mini-digger with the right operator does in a morning what a crew with shovels does in three days. We hire out 1 to 3-tonne machines with a qualified operator on every job — you don't get the keys and a manual; you get the keys, the manual, and the person who knows where to start digging.
Three stages,
spoil included.
01
Site assessment and machine selection
We come on-site (or assess from photos plus a phone call if it is straightforward), look at access width, the type of work, the spoil destination and any underground services. We pick the right machine — 1.5-tonne for most residential jobs that fit through a 0.9m gate, 3-tonne for harder digging or larger volumes.
02
Operator on-site with machine
The machine arrives by trailer at the start of the agreed slot. The operator runs the day — we do not disappear and leave the keys with you. Most residential excavation, foundation, drainage and clearance jobs are completed inside one or two days.
03
Spoil removal arranged
Excavation generates more spoil than people expect — a 5m × 5m × 0.5m dig is 12.5 cubic metres, around 20 tonnes of material. We arrange truck-and-tip removal as part of the job, or stockpile to a separate location on-site if you have arranged otherwise.
Day rate,
operator included.
From €350/day (1–1.5 tonne) · From €450/day (3-tonne)
Day rates include the operator. Half-day rates are available where the work does not fill a full day. Spoil removal is normally a separate line — accurate quoting depends on volume and tip distance, and we give you the volumes and prices upfront so there are no surprises mid-job.
The reasons it
lasts.
Qualified, experienced operators
Every operator has a current ticket and years of seat-time. We do not put a fitter on a digger or send a labourer who's had a go before.
Compact machines that fit gardens
Our 1.5-tonne machines fit through a standard 0.9m garden gate. 3-tonne machines need 1.4m clearance — we'll measure first if there's any doubt.
Public liability and plant insurance
Insured for both the operator and the machine. Documentation available before the job starts, on request.
Spoil removal arranged in one quote
Most one-stop jobs in this trade end with the customer left holding a 20-tonne pile of clay. Not with us — disposal is part of the conversation, not an after-thought.
We work with the digger across Ballincollig, Bishopstown and Carrigaline regularly, and across the rest of the city and county for foundation, drainage and clearance work. See all areas we cover.
Things people ask
before booking.
Ready to start your mini digger hire?
Free on-site visit, written quote within 48 hours, no deposit and no pressure.