Mini Digger Hire (1.5–3t Class)
At FESS Hire, we provide mini digger hire in the 1.5–3 tonne class for small to medium groundwork where you need more power and reach than a micro machine, but still have access and space constraints.
This class is ideal for extensions, driveways, drainage, services, small civils and landscaping. With over 80 years of combined experience and a UK-wide network, our engineer-led team will match a suitable 1.5–3t mini excavator to your job and coordinate delivery with 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 mini digger hire services.
Excavator Hire – Mini to Large Excavators | FESS Hire
- Operating Weight:
Typically around 1.5–2.9t (approx. 1,500–2,900kg), depending on model and configuration. - Max Digging Depth:
Usually in the 2.2–2.8m range – enough for most small to medium footings and service trenches. - Max Reach at Ground Level:
Typically around 3.7–4.6m, depending on arm configuration. - Machine Width:
Approx. 980–1,550mm. Many models have retractable or compact undercarriages, making them suitable for narrower access routes but more stable when working at full width. - Machine Height:
Generally 2.2–2.5m to the top of the cab or canopy. - Power Type:
Stage V diesel engines as standard in modern machines, sized around 11–18kW, depending on class. - Track Type:
Rubber tracks as standard; zero / reduced-tail-swing options available in this class. - Attachments:
Range of digging and grading 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 Mini Digger (1.5–3t) Hire
Our 1.5–3t mini digger range is chosen to give you a balance of compact dimensions, strong digging performance and all-round versatility.
- More power than a micro
With higher operating weights and stronger hydraulics, mini diggers in this class deliver better digging depth, reach and breakout force than micro excavators – ideal when the work is heavier or there’s more to move. - Still compact for smaller sites
Typical widths from just under 1.0m up to around 1.5m make these machines suitable for many residential plots, small compounds and tighter urban sites. - Cab or canopy options
Many mini diggers are available with enclosed cabs for weather protection, or canopies where height and weight savings are important. - Flexible sourcing
We work with multiple hire partners to source suitable 1.5–3t machines close to your site, while keeping FESS standards for reliability, documentation and support. - Works well in a plant package
Often hired together with 1–3t dumpers, rollers and compaction equipment, so you can dig, move and compact in a single coordinated package.
Safety Features
Safety is central to how we operate. Mini diggers in this class typically include:
- ROPS / TOPS-certified cabs or canopies for operator protection.
- Good all-round visibility, aided by compact tails and well-designed cabs.
- Clearly marked controls and interlocks to help reduce the risk of unintended movement.
- Rubber tracks for stable tracking and reduced surface damage on prepared ground and hardstanding.
- Daily-check points highlighted for pre-use inspections.
We can also signpost to operator training and familiarisation where needed.
Operating Specifications
While exact numbers vary by supplier and model, our 1.5–3t mini digger hire class is chosen around the following typical performance:
- Operating Weight: ~1,500–2,900kg
- Max Digging Depth: ~2.2–2.8m
- Max Reach at Ground Level: ~3.7–4.6m
- Max Dump Height: typically 2.6–3.1m
- Machine Width: ~980–1,550mm
- Overall Height: ~2.2–2.5m
- Travel Speed: ~2–4.5km/h, often with two-speed travel
- Engine Output: approx. 11–18kW, depending on size and configuration
If you have specific requirements (for example, minimum dig depth, maximum width, cab vs canopy, or zero tail swing), we’ll check these against the available machines when we quote.
Attachments & Options
To get more from your mini digger hire, we can usually support:
- Digging buckets – narrow trenching, general-purpose and wider buckets.
- Grading / ditching buckets – for levelling, shaping and finishing.
- Hydraulic breakers – for breaking up slabs, hardstanding and small foundations.
- Auger drives – with suitable flight diameters for posts, lighting columns and small bases.
Attachment availability will depend on location and partner fleet, so please mention any requirements at enquiry stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size jobs are 1.5–3t mini diggers best for?
They’re ideal for small to medium excavation projects where a micro is too small or underpowered, but there isn’t room for larger midi or 13t machines. Typical tasks include house extensions, driveways, drainage, service trenches and small civils.
How much access do I need for a mini digger in this class?
Access requirements vary by model, but you’ll generally need between 0.98m and 1.55m clear width and around 2.2–2.5m height, plus space to turn. We’ll confirm this when we know more about your site.
What’s the main difference between 1.5t and 3t machines?
3t mini diggers generally offer greater digging depth, reach, lifting capacity and stability than 1.5t units, but need wider access and slightly more working room. We’ll recommend the right size based on your depth, reach and space.
Do you supply buckets as standard?
Yes. Our mini digger 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 1.5–3t 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 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 mini digger hire (1.5–3t) requirements and discover how we can support your next project. Call us or email us – we’re ready to help you.