What size excavator do I need for my project?

It depends on dig depth, reach, access and what you’re handling. As a rough guide: micros and minis are best for tight residential work, midis for general groundwork and utilities, and larger tracked excavators for bulk dig and deeper civils. Share your drawings or scope and we’ll recommend a suitable class.

Can you supply attachments with the excavator?

Yes. We can typically supply a set of digging buckets and a grading bucket as standard, with breakers and augers available on request. Tell us what you’re digging or breaking so we can check compatibility and availability.

Do you offer short-term and long-term excavator hire?

Yes. We support short-term hire for specific tasks and longer-term arrangements for ongoing projects, subject to availability and credit terms.

Do you hire excavators to domestic customers?

FESS Hire is set up primarily for trade and commercial customers, including contractors, developers, industrial and FM clients. If you’re unsure whether your organisation is eligible, our team can advise.

Key Features of Our Excavator Hire Solutions

Our excavator hire range is designed to give you the right machine for each phase of the job – from first dig to final trim.

Full size range – from micro to 30t+:
- We can supply micro and mini excavators for tight access, midi machines for general groundwork, and large tracked excavators for bulk excavation, deep drainage and infrastructure work – all through a single point of contact.
Matched to your site and programme:
- We look at access, dig depth, reach, lifting needs and ground conditions, then recommend a class and configuration that fits your method statement and schedule.
Attachments to suit the task:
- From narrow trenching buckets and grading buckets through to hydraulic breakers and augers, we can supply excavators with the tools you need to dig, break and shape without overloading the machine.
Engineer-led support:
- With an experienced lift & shift / project support team behind the scenes, we’re set up to work with contractors, FM providers and industrial clients who need more than just “a digger off the shelf”.
UK-wide network:
- Our access to a broad hire network means we can source suitable excavators close to your site, helping to reduce mobilisation time and keep projects moving.

Safety Features

Safety is central to how we operate. Excavators supplied through FESS Hire typically include:

ROPS / TOPS cabs or canopies to support operator protection.
Modern control systems and interlocks to help reduce the risk of unintended movement.
Good all-round visibility, with large glazed areas and mirrors – and camera options on selected models.
Clearly marked daily-check points for pre-use inspections.
Documentation and inspection records to support your on-site compliance and RAMS.

Where needed, we can also signpost to operator training and familiarisation to help your team use the machines safely and effectively.

Operating Specifications

Exact figures will vary by size class and model, but our excavator hire range is generally selected around:

Operating Weight:
- ~0.8–30t+
Typical Digging Depths:
- ~1.7–7.0m+ across the full size range
Typical Reach at Ground Level:
- ~3.0–10.5m
Typical Max Dump Heights:
- Suitable for tipping into site dumpers, muck bins and wagons, depending on machine size
Travel Speed:
- Approx. 2–5.5km/h, depending on class
Engine Output:
- Scaled to size – from single-digit kW on micro machines through to 200kW+ on larger tracked excavators

We’ll confirm specific capabilities (including lift charts where lifting duties are involved) when we quote, based on your application and site constraints.

Typical Applications

Excavators from FESS Hire are used across:

Groundworks and foundations
- Housebuilding, industrial units, slabs and bases.
Utilities and drainage
- Trenching, manholes and infrastructure installation.
Civils and infrastructure
- Roadworks, highways, rail-adjacent and public realm schemes (within local rules).
Industrial and plant maintenance
- Lifting and handling (within rated capacity), bund and pit works.
Landscaping and environmental projects
- Shaping ground, ponds, embankments and reinstatement.

Find out more about Specifications and options for Excavators

Frequently Asked Questions

What size excavator do I need for my project?
- It depends on dig depth, reach, access and what you’re handling. As a rough guide: micros and minis are best for tight residential work, midis for general groundwork and utilities, and larger tracked excavators for bulk dig and deeper civils. Share your drawings or scope and we’ll recommend a suitable class.
Can you supply attachments with the excavator?
- Yes. We can typically supply a set of digging buckets and a grading bucket as standard, with breakers and augers available on request. Tell us what you’re digging or breaking so we can check compatibility and availability.
Do you offer short-term and long-term excavator hire?
- Yes. We support short-term hire for specific tasks and longer-term arrangements for ongoing projects, subject to availability and credit terms.
Do you hire excavators to domestic customers?
- FESS Hire is set up primarily for trade and commercial customers, including contractors, developers, industrial and FM 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 excavator hire requirements and discover how we can support your next project. Call us or email us, we’re ready to help you get the right machines on site, on time and ready to work.