Reviewed by Alisa Canama, Marketing Manager
Published 27 August 2026 · Last reviewed 1 September 2026
There Is No Universal Starting Fleet
A machine that performs well in one territory may not be the best first purchase in another. Access widths, soil, property sizes, towing capacity, common trades and local construction activity all affect equipment demand.
Mick’s advice is to begin with a practical range and understand the area. In Toodyay, larger properties and acreage influence the types of work customers request. A mix of tight-access equipment and larger machines can help cover different jobs, but every territory needs its own evidence.
Start With Versatile Equipment
Versatile machines can complete a broad range of common jobs and become even more useful with the right attachments. Before purchasing, a prospective owner should consider:
- the jobs most frequently requested locally;
- property access and transport limitations;
- the owner’s towing vehicles and licences;
- attachment compatibility;
- service and maintenance availability;
- finance repayments under conservative utilisation; and
- whether cross-hire can test demand before purchase.
Use Enquiries as Fleet Research
Every enquiry contains information. If customers repeatedly request a machine the owner does not have, that pattern can guide further investigation. The owner can record the job type, requested dates, customer location and whether the enquiry was lost, cross-hired or fulfilled another way.
Demand should be assessed over time. One enquiry is not enough to justify a major purchase, and a high booking rate does not automatically establish profitability once finance, servicing, insurance, transport and downtime are considered.
Balance Range With Financial Discipline
A larger fleet can increase booking capacity, but idle equipment still carries costs. A starting plan should include conservative, expected and high-utilisation scenarios, plus an allowance for repairs and seasonal variation.
Read how Diggermate franchise costs work and how owners can use network support while evaluating the right fleet.
Could Diggermate Be Your Next Business Move?
To explore the model, equipment pathways and franchise support, join the next Diggermate franchise webinar.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information based on one owner’s experience. Equipment needs, costs and utilisation vary by territory. Prospective franchisees should obtain independent financial and business advice before purchasing assets.
