Micro diggers have become essential additions to construction projects, particularly smaller sites. Though they may be small in stature, these powerful and adaptable machines are perfect for a wide range of tasks, including excavation and demolition. In our latest article, discover the many benefits of the humble micro digger and how you can hire one for your small-scale construction site.
5 Examples of Small-Scale Construction Projects Suitable for Micro Diggers
Though micro-diggers are also hired for larger sites, they really shine on small-scale construction projects. This is due to their size and manoeuvrability, which allows them to pass through tight spaces and even operate indoors.
1. Landscaping – With their deep buckets, micro diggers are designed to dig flower beds, plant trees and install irrigation systems.
2. Foundation Work – An essential aspect of any construction site is foundation work, and micro diggers take footings and trenches in their stride.
3. Drain Installation – Micro diggers are also regularly used to install, repair and remove drainage systems.
4. Demolition – What they lack in size they make up for in power; micro diggers are commonly used to remove small structures, like fences and sheds.
5. Excavation – When space is tight, micro diggers are called in to excavate soil and rocks for projects like underground septic tanks.
There are many uses for micro diggers in small-scale projects, from the initial excavation and foundation work to landscaping. Let’s move on to the many benefits of these pintsize powerhouses.
Small Size, Big Power
Compared to their counterparts, micro diggers are much smaller in size. This may sound like a downside at first, but when you consider the often tight entryways to smaller construction sites, micro diggers come in handy. The Wacker Neuson is one of our most popular micro diggers – at approximately 720 mm wide and 931 kg, it can even be transported to your site on a standard trailer. Don’t let its small size fool you, the Wacker Neuson has powerful hydraulic functionality that makes short work of excavation, demolition and installation.
Manoeuvrability
Micro diggers are commonly used in tighter locations, like indoor renovation projects. With their superior manoeuvrability, these diggers can easily slip through doorways and down corridors without so much as chipping the paint. Even better, micro diggers have rubber tracks, so they do not damage interior floors, like tiles. Winding construction sites may seem precarious, but micro diggers are also incredibly safe, thanks to their rollover protection systems and enclosed cabs.
Versatility & Adaptability
If you have a small construction site, the last thing you want is lots of different machines for different tasks. Micro diggers offer the advantage of adaptability, as they come with various attachments. From grapple to climbing attachments, different bucket sizes and shovels, there is an attachment for every job. This will allow you to winch waste materials in the morning and drive piles into the ground in the afternoon.
Ease of Operation
Thanks to their simple controls and safety features, micro diggers are easy to operate. They are typically joystick-operated and have a tight turning circle, making them perfect for small spaces. Even if you’re new to micro diggers, their simple design makes them easy to control, so there isn’t a complex or time-consuming learning curve to overcome. With one hand, you can operate the boom, arm and bucket, so you can quickly and easily manoeuvre the machine into position.
Cost-Effectiveness
Micro diggers are easy to transport, cheap to fuel and come with lots of different attachments, making them incredibly cost-effective. Construction sites, especially smaller-scale projects, come with tight budgets, so these mini-machines are hired as affordable alternatives to larger diggers. At Coates Group UK, you can hire a Wacker Neuson for as little as £65 per day or £220 per week. With so many attachments available, a micro digger may be the only machine you need for your small-scale construction site.
