If you’ve ever watched a neighbour’s backyard transformation and thought, “What is an excavator, and do I actually need one for my project?” you aren’t alone. At Diggermate, we talk to people every day who have never sat in a machine in their life.
Whether you’re a homeowner planning a new pool, a DIYer tackling a retaining wall, or a new apprentice on a worksite, this beginner’s guide to excavators is for you. We’re stripping away the jargon to explain exactly how these workhorses function in the Aussie backyard.
Key Takeaways for Your Project
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Size Your Access, Not Just the Job: For standard residential projects, a mini excavator is usually the best fit. Most 1-tonne micro models feature retractable tracks that slim down to just 700mm–740mm wide, allowing you to squeeze through a standard garden gate or even a front door for indoor renovations.
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Know the 1.5m Safety Rule: According to Safe Work Australia, any trench 1.5 metres or deeper is classified as “high-risk construction work.” If you’re digging deep for a pool or large retaining wall, you’ll need specific safety measures like shoring or a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) before anyone enters the excavation.
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DIY Friendly (No Ticket Required): You don’t need a heavy machinery licence to operate a hire digger for non-commercial work on private property. With a 15-minute briefing and our easy-to-follow controls guide, most beginners can start digging safely and efficiently on day one.
What is an Excavator?
Essentially, an excavator is a heavy machine built to dig, lift, and move material. What sets it apart from a backhoe or a loader is its “house” (the cab), which can rotate a full 360 degrees. This means you can dig a hole in front and dump the dirt behind without moving the tracks an inch.
The Anatomy of a Digger
Understanding how excavators work starts with knowing the main bits:
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The Undercarriage: The base of the machine, housing the tracks or wheels.
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The House: The rotating cabin where you sit—your command centre.
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The Boom: The first large section of the arm attached to the body.
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The Stick (or Arm): The second section that moves the bucket in and out.
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The Bucket: The business end. Buckets come in various sizes for different jobs.
What Does an Excavator Do?
These machines are the Swiss Army Knives of the earthmoving world. Here is excavation equipment explained through the jobs our customers tackle most:
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Trenching: Essential for plumbing, electrical, or installing drainage.
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Landscaping: Re-levelling sloping yards or moving heavy sleepers and rocks.
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Lifting: Using a “thumb” attachment to pick up logs or concrete pipes.
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Demolition: Breaking down old brick BBQs, concrete paths, or timber decks.
According to Safe Work Australia, any excavation deeper than 1.5 metres is considered high-risk, so for deep trenches, you’ll want to ensure you’re following their specific safety codes.
Types of Excavators (The Simple Version)
Choosing an excavator for hire depends entirely on your workspace and how much dirt you need to move.
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Mini Excavators: These are our specialty. Usually under 6 tonnes, mini excavator uses include backyard projects where you need to squeeze past the house without cracking the driveway.
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Crawler Excavators: The big ones on tracks you see on roadworks. They’re built for massive power and stability on rough ground.
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Wheeled Excavators: Great for working on finished roads without scratching the asphalt, though they aren’t as stable in deep mud as tracked models.
How Excavators Work: A Guide to the Controls
Don’t let the joysticks intimidate you. Modern machines are designed to be intuitive. Most use two main controls:
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Left Joystick: Controls the “swing” (turning the house) and the “stick” (moving the arm in and out).
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Right Joystick: Controls the “boom” (up and down) and the “bucket” (scooping and dumping).
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Levers/Pedals: These move the tracks forward and back.
At Diggermate, we use beginner-friendly models primarily from Kubota and Wacker Neuson. We’ll provide video tutorials on machine operation and an on-site briefing so you feel confident before you start.
Should You Hire an Excavator?
If you have a project involving more than a few hours of shovel work, hiring is almost always the smarter move. It’s about saving your back and getting the job done in a fraction of the time.
Why Diggermate is the Choice for Aussies
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Zero Maintenance: We handle the servicing; you just turn the key.
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Flexible Rates: Our daylight rates are designed to protect your project budget.
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Local Experts: With over 80 locations, we know your local soil—from Sydney clay to Perth sand.
If you’re considering a career change or need a formal ticket for a commercial site, you can find the RIIMPO320F training requirements on the National Training Register. For a simpler comparison on how to book, check out our guide on Dry Hire vs Wet Hire.
Conclusion: You’ve Got This!
So, what is an excavator? It’s the ultimate tool for turning a back-breaking “impossible” task into a satisfying Saturday afternoon project.
It’s normal to feel a bit new to this, but remember: every pro operator started as a beginner. With the right gear and a bit of help from your local Diggermate team, you’ll be moving earth like a pro in no time.
Ready to get started? Book your excavator for hire online with Diggermate today and let’s get that project moving.
