Mini Excavation and Earthworks With an Operator

Earthworks are ground preparation and shaping work carried out before building, landscaping or site improvements. At Diggermate, this generally means smaller-scale excavation, trenching, levelling, site preparation and material movement using locally available machines weighing 3.5 tonnes or less.

Excavator hire with operator is wet hire. You hire the machine and one of our operators to run it and complete the job. It’s a practical option when you want the work done efficiently without operating equipment yourself.

Depending on the local operator, equipment and site conditions, Diggermate can help with:

• Retaining wall excavation and preparation
• Slab, foundation, driveway and hardstand preparation
• Swimming pool excavation
• Landscaping earthworks
• Site and storm clean-ups
• Trenching and drainage excavation
• Custom excavation jobs suited to compact equipment

Your local Diggermate will confirm whether the available machinery suits the scope.

A batter is a sloped face on a cut or fill. You use a batter to stabilise soil where a vertical edge would be unsafe or likely to collapse.

Yes. Diggermate supports residential, commercial, trade and construction projects when the work suits the local fleet, generally machines weighing 3.5 tonnes or less. Capability and availability vary by location, so the local operator will confirm the right equipment for the job.

Yes. If you want to DIY, we also offer machine hire in many locations. If you want the job handled for you, our wet hire option covers landscaping and related tasks.

Yes. Landscaping and site clean-up are both services we offer under wet hire.

Wet hire can include mini and micro excavators, mini loaders, skid steers, tipper trucks or tipper trailers. Excavators and loaders are generally 3.5 tonnes or less. The exact equipment, attachments and transport options vary by location.

Our operators are experienced and follow the safety requirements that apply to the job and site. Required licences, tickets, inductions or other qualifications can vary by project, equipment and jurisdiction, so your local Diggermate will confirm any specific requirements before work begins.

Earthworks are quoted by the local Diggermate based on the machine required, job scope, site access, ground conditions, travel, disposal needs and expected time on site. There is no single national rate for every location or project.

Rates typically depend on:

• Your location and local pricing

• Machine type required (mini or micro excavator, mini loader, skid steer, tipper or trailer)

• Scope of work and site conditions (access, terrain, obstacles)

• Total time needed on site and any local minimum charge

Wet hire includes the machine and one of our operators to carry out the work. Inclusions like travel, spoil removal, attachments, and disposal can vary by location and job scope, so we confirm this in your quote.

You can request a quote by booking or enquiring online via our excavator hire with operator page, then selecting your local Diggermate.

Yes. We can support short jobs and longer projects. Availability and scheduling depends on your local Diggermate, so it’s best to check dates early.

Timeframes vary based on the task (trenching vs slab prep vs pool excavation), access, soil type, and how much material needs moving or removing. When you share the job details, we can estimate time and plan the right approach.

Many locations operate seven days a week, including weekends. After-hours availability varies by location, so contact your local Diggermate to confirm.

Simple process:

• Tell us what you need

• Book online

• We organise the operator and equipment for your job

If scope changes or delays happen, we’ll adjust the plan with you. That can affect the hours required, the equipment needed, and the final cost. The best move is to let your local Diggermate know as soon as anything changes.

Sometimes. Permit needs depend on your council and the type of work, like major cut and fill, drainage changes, or retaining walls over certain heights. Check your local council rules, and tell us about any site constraints when you request a quote.

We operate across Australia and New Zealand through locally owned Diggermate locations.

We provide excavator and operator hire via our local locations. Use our website to find your nearest Diggermate and confirm service coverage for your suburb and project type.