Midi Excavator Hire (5–10t Class)
At FESS Hire, we provide midi excavator hire in the 5–10 tonne class for projects that need more digging depth, reach and lifting capacity than mini diggers, while still keeping the machine compact enough for tighter sites.
This class is ideal for deep drainage, foundations, utilities, roadworks, industrial civils and heavier landscaping. With over 80 years of combined experience and a UK-wide network, our engineer-led team will match a suitable 5–10t excavator to your job and coordinate delivery with your dumpers, rollers and other plant.
Because we work with multiple trusted UK hire partners, 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 midi excavator hire services.
General Specifications
- Operating Weight:
Typically around 4.9–10t, depending on model and configuration. - Max Digging Depth:
Usually in the 3.3–5.1m range, suitable for deeper foundations, manholes and drainage runs. - Max Reach at Ground Level:
Typically around 5.8–7.8m, depending on dipper length and boom type. - Machine Width:
Approx. 1.9–2.5m over the tracks, depending on size and configuration. - Machine Height:
Generally 2.5–2.8m to cab roof. - Power Type:
Stage V diesel engines, typically in the 30–55kW range for this class. - Tail-swing Options:
A mix of conventional, reduced and zero-tail-swing midi excavators available, depending on access and working room. - Attachments:
Range of digging and grading buckets supplied as standard; breakers, augers and other hydraulic tools 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 Midi Excavator Hire
Our 5–10t midi excavator range is chosen to give you more digging capacity and stability, while remaining compact enough to move around typical UK sites.
- Stronger digging and lifting performance
Compared with smaller minis, midi excavators deliver greater dig depth, reach and lifting capacity, making them well suited to deeper utilities, foundations and heavier civils work. - Still compact and manoeuvrable
With widths typically between 1.9m and 2.5m, these machines can still work comfortably on building plots, industrial yards and roadworks where a 13t machine may be impractical. - Cab comfort & visibility
Midi excavators normally feature full cabs with good all-round visibility, heating and modern controls – important for longer shifts and mixed weather. - Choice of tail-swing layouts
Depending on model and availability, we can source conventional, reduced-radius or zero-tail-swing midi excavators for working close to structures or in narrower working lanes. - Flexible sourcing close to site
We work with multiple hire partners to source suitable midi excavators near your project, while keeping FESS standards for reliability, documentation and support.
Safety Features
Safety is central to how we operate. Midi excavators supplied through FESS Hire typically include:
- ROPS / TOPS-certified cabs for operator protection.
- Good visibility from elevated cabs and carefully designed glazing.
- Modern control systems and interlocks to help reduce unintended movement.
- Rubber or steel tracks (depending on size and model) for stability and traction.
- Clearly-marked daily check points and documented inspection regimes.
We can also signpost to operator training and familiarisation where needed.
Operating Specifications
While exact numbers vary by supplier and model, our 5–10t midi excavator hire class is chosen around the following typical performance:
- Operating Weight: ~4.9–10t
- Max Digging Depth: ~3.3–5.1m
- Max Reach at Ground Level: ~5.8–7.8m
- Max Dump Height: typically 4.5–5.7m
- Machine Width: ~1.9–2.5m
- Overall Height: ~2.5–2.8m
- Travel Speed: approx. 3–5km/h, depending on model
- Engine Output: approx. 30–55kW (40–75hp equivalent), depending on size
If you have specific requirements – such as a minimum dig depth, maximum width, long-reach boom or lift chart for lifting duties – we’ll check these against the available machines when we quote.
Attachments & Options
To get more from your midi excavator hire, we can usually support:
- Digging buckets – range of widths for services, foundation trenches and bulk digging.
- Grading / ditching buckets – for levelling, shaping and finishing larger areas.
- Hydraulic breakers – for heavier concrete removal, slab breakout and hard ground.
- Auger drives – with suitable flights for posts, lighting columns, sign bases and smaller foundations.
- Other specialist attachments may be available depending on location and partner fleet.
Attachment availability will depend on your region and partner fleet, so please mention any requirements at enquiry stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I choose a midi excavator instead of a mini?
Choose a midi excavator when you need more depth, reach, lifting capacity or stability than a 3t mini can offer, but still need a machine small enough to work on building plots, industrial yards or road schemes without stepping up to a 13t+ machine.
What access do I need for a 5–10t midi excavator?
You’ll typically need between 1.9m and 2.5m clear width and around 2.5–2.8m height, plus space for slewing and safe working clearances. We’ll confirm exact requirements when we know more about your site and the machine size you require.
Can midi excavators work on lifting operations?
Many midi excavators can be used for basic lifting duties within their rated loads, but this must be checked against the relevant lift charts and site rules. Please tell us if the machine will be used for lifting so we can advise accordingly.
Do you supply buckets as standard?
Yes. Our midi excavator hires normally include a set of digging buckets and a grading bucket as standard. We’ll confirm the exact set when we quote.
Can I hire a breaker or auger with the machine?
Yes – we can usually supply hydraulic breakers and augers sized for the 5–10t class. Tell us what you’re breaking or drilling so we can check compatibility and availability.
Do you hire to domestic customers?
FESS Hire is set up primarily for trade and commercial customers, including contractors, developers, FM providers, utilities 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 midi excavator hire (5–10t) requirements and discover how we can support your next project. Call us or email us – we’re ready to help you.