Micro Excavator Hire (0.8–1.0t Class)
At FESS Hire, we provide micro excavator hire for projects where space is tight but you still need a productive digging solution. This 0.8–1.0t class is ideal for back gardens, narrow access, internal courtyards and tight urban sites where larger machines simply won’t fit.
With over 80 years of combined experience and a UK-wide network, our engineer-led team will match a suitable micro excavator to your job and coordinate delivery with your dumpers, rollers and other plant. Because we source from multiple trusted UK hire fleets, exact makes and models may vary – but every machine will fall within the specification ranges below.
See the description below for more information on our micro excavator hire services.
General Specifications
- Operating Weight:
Typically around 0.8–1.1t (approx. 800–1,100kg), depending on model. - Max Digging Depth:
Usually up to 1.7–1.9m, suitable for small footings and service trenches. - Max Reach at Ground Level:
Typically around 3.0–3.1m, depending on configuration. - Machine Width:
Approx. 700–760mm with tracks retracted, often extendable out to 900–1,000mm for added stability. This allows access through standard gates and some doorways. - Machine Height:
Generally 2.1–2.3m to the top of the ROPS; some models have folding frames to reduce height further. - Power Type:
Primarily diesel micro excavators, with selected electric micro machines available on request for low-emission or indoor work. - Track Type:
Rubber tracks as standard, designed to reduce surface damage on prepared ground and hardstanding. - Attachments:
Range of digging buckets supplied as standard; breakers and augers available on request.
(Exact specifications and available models are confirmed at enquiry stage.)
How To Order:
You can easily start an order online through the enquiry form.
Alternatively, if you prefer, you can call our customer service team. Whichever way you choose, we will ensure a quick and efficient service to meet your project requirements.
Please note: We exclusively serve businesses, ensuring our solutions are tailored to the needs of professional users.
Key Features of Our Micro Excavator Hire
Our micro excavator range is designed to work where other machines can’t:
- Ultra-compact footprint
With retraced track widths typically around 700mm, these machines can pass through many standard garden gates and narrow access points, and work in confined spaces such as side passages and courtyards. - Tight working areas
Ideal for residential gardens, rear-of-property works and tight urban sites, as well as internal courtyards on commercial projects. - Useful digging performance
Despite their size, micros typically offer up to 1.7–1.9m digging depth and around 3m reach, which is enough for many small foundations, service trenches and landscaping tasks. - Quick to transport and set up
Usually delivered on a compact plant trailer or transporter, making it easier to access sites with tighter roads or limited space. - Flexible sourcing
Because we work with multiple hire partners, we can source suitable micro excavators close to your site while maintaining FESS standards on maintenance and support.
Safety Features
Safety is a core focus in our operations. Micro excavators supplied through FESS Hire typically include:
- ROPS / folding ROPS frames to support operator protection and access under low structures.
- Clearly-marked controls and interlocks to help prevent unintended movement.
- Emergency stop and isolator functions (model dependent).
- Rubber tracks for stable tracking and reduced surface damage.
- Daily check points clearly indicated for pre-use inspections.
We can also signpost to operator training and familiarisation where needed.
Operating Specifications
While exact figures vary by supplier and model, our micro excavator hire class is chosen around the following typical performance:
- Operating Weight: ~800–1,100kg
- Max Digging Depth: ~1.7–1.9m
- Max Reach at Ground Level: ~3.0–3.1m
- Max Dump Height: ~1.8–2.0m
- Machine Width (retracted): ~700–760mm
- Machine Width (extended): ~860–1,000mm
- Overall Height: ~2.1–2.3m
- Travel Speed: approx. 2–4km/h
- Engine Output (diesel): typically 7–10kW, depending on model.
If you have specific requirements (for example, a maximum width, minimum dig depth or need for zero local emissions), we’ll check these against the available machines when we quote.
Attachments & Options
To get the most from your micro excavator hire, we can usually support:
- Digging buckets – narrow trenching buckets for services, plus wider general-purpose buckets.
- Grading / ditching bucket – for levelling and finishing small areas.
- Hydraulic breakers – sized for micro carriers, for breaking small concrete slabs and paths.
- Auger drives – with suitable flights for posts, small bases and sign foundations.
Attachment availability will depend on location and partner fleet, so please mention any requirements at enquiry stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a micro excavator best used for?
Micro excavators are ideal for tight-access groundwork – rear gardens, side passages, internal courtyards and small urban sites. Typical tasks include small foundations, service trenches, patio and driveway preparation, and landscaping.
How much access do I need for a micro excavator?
You’ll usually need around 700–760mm clear width and approximately 2.1–2.3m height, plus space to turn. If your access is wider, we may suggest stepping up to a 1.5t mini excavator instead.
What’s the difference between a micro and a 1.5t mini excavator?
Micros are lighter and narrower, making them better for very restricted access, but they have less digging depth and breakout force than a 1.5t mini. If you have space and heavier work, a 1.5t or 3t machine is often more productive.
Can I use a micro excavator indoors or under cover?
Diesel micro excavators must only be used where ventilation and site safety rules allow, due to exhaust emissions. In some cases we may be able to source electric micro excavators for indoor or low-emission environments – please ask at enquiry stage.
Do you hire to domestic customers?
FESS Hire is set up primarily for trade and commercial customers, including contractors, developers, FM providers and industrial clients. If you’re unsure whether your organisation is eligible, our team can advise.
Contact Us Today
Experience the FESS Hire difference. Contact us today to discuss your micro excavator hire needs and discover how we can support your next project. Call us or email us – we’re ready to help you.