Reviewed by Alisa Canama, Marketing Manager
Published 27 August 2026 · Last reviewed 1 September 2026
Fleet Growth Starts With Customer Demand
Mick didn’t start Diggermate Toodyay with five machines sitting in the yard.
His early fleet included a Kubota U10 micro excavator, Kubota U17 mini excavator, compact tractor and Wacker Neuson ST11, supported by attachments such as buckets, forks and augers.
From there, the fleet grew as Mick got a better understanding of the Toodyay market and the types of jobs customers were bringing his way.
At the time of his interview, a 3.5-tonne excavator was also due to arrive. That would take the business to five machines within roughly four months of launching.
For Mick, the approach was practical: start with versatile equipment, get into the market and then look at what customers are likely to need next.
Growing the Range of Jobs He Could Take On
Toodyay is an acreage market, so not every customer needs the same machine.
A micro excavator can suit tighter-access work around a property, while larger excavators can open the door to jobs requiring more digging capacity. The tractor, loader and different attachments give Mick more options again.
Building out the fleet meant Diggermate Toodyay could gradually cater to a broader mix of local jobs rather than relying on one type of machine or customer.
But adding equipment also means taking on more finance, maintenance, transport and utilisation risk. Mick’s experience is one example of how a fleet can develop, rather than a blueprint every new franchisee should follow.
The right fleet will depend on the territory, the customers and the demand owners are seeing on the ground.
Why a Broader Fleet Can Create More Booking Opportunities
Different properties and projects need different equipment. Tight-access work may suit a micro excavator, while larger acreage jobs can require more digging capacity. A tractor, loader or attachment can also solve a different part of the same customer’s project.
A broader fleet can help an owner:
- serve more than one customer at a time;
- respond to a wider range of job types;
- reduce dependence on one machine category;
- test which equipment attracts repeat demand; and
- offer useful attachments alongside the main hire.
Fleet growth also increases finance, maintenance, transport, storage and utilisation risk. The right decision is not simply to buy more equipment. It is to add assets that have a clear role in the local market.
Five Machines Within Four Months
By his fourth month, Mick had built or committed to a five-machine fleet and recorded $14,317.85 in gross booking value across 29 valid bookings.
That early activity reflects the speed to market Mick was looking for when he chose Diggermate.
Rather than building a machinery hire brand, marketing presence and operating systems from the ground up, he could get into the local market and focus on learning what customers wanted and delivering what they needed.
As those first few months unfolded, the fleet grew alongside that local demand.
For someone considering a Diggermate franchise, Mick’s experience shows a practical way to think about fleet growth: start with equipment that makes sense for the area, pay attention to the enquiries coming in and consider expanding when there is a clear reason for the next machine.
Every territory will develop differently, and equipment purchases should be considered against local demand, finance, utilisation, operating costs and professional advise.
What Prospective Franchisees Can Learn From Mick
Mick’s first months suggest a practical fleet-planning process:
- Start with versatile equipment suited to common local jobs.
- Track enquiries that cannot be fulfilled with the current fleet.
- Consider attachments that improve the usefulness of existing machines.
- Model finance, maintenance and transport costs before adding equipment.
- Expand only when demand and cash-flow scenarios support the decision.
For more context, review Diggermate franchise cost and how franchise fees work.
Could Diggermate Be Your Next Business Move?
If you want to understand the Diggermate model, fleet pathways, support and available opportunities, join the next Diggermate franchise webinar.
Disclaimer
This article presents one owner’s experience for general information only. Fleet growth, booking value and business results vary. Prospective franchisees should review current franchise documents and obtain independent legal, accounting, financial and business advise before investing or purchasing equipment.
