Whether you’re planning a home renovation in Redruth, digging a trench in Truro, or preparing to construct a conservatory in Camborne, a mini digger can be one of the most useful pieces of plant hire equipment you’ll ever use. Here at J Keane Plant Hire in Cornwall, we supply a wide selection of machinery – including micro and mini diggers – available with or without an operator to suit your project needs.
Here are 6 jobs a mini digger can make light work of in 2026:
1. Digging Trenches for Utilities and Drainage
One of the most common uses for a mini digger is digging trenches. Whether you need to install drainage pipes, sewer lines, or electrical or water connections, a mini digger makes the job faster, neater, and more accurate than digging by hand.
Trenching is essential in projects such as:
- Connecting a new garden drainage system
- Installing outdoor lighting or irrigation
- Laying cable or utility conduits
With a range of sizes available, we can match the right mini digger to your trenching task – from narrow utility lines to wider channels for drainage.
2. Preparing Ground for a New Shed, Garage, or Outbuilding
If you’re adding a new shed, garage, or outbuilding to your property, the first step is preparing a solid, level base. A mini digger is perfect for:
- Removing turf and topsoil
- Levelling uneven ground
- Digging out soft or waterlogged areas
By preparing your ground correctly at the start, you’ll save time and effort later when you come to lay foundations or base materials.
3. Excavating Footings for Extensions and Conservatories
Projects like home extensions and conservatory builds require carefully excavated footings. A mini digger allows for:
- Precise control in tight spaces
- Consistent depth for concrete footings
- Faster excavation than manual digging
This is especially useful in residential areas where space is limited and accuracy matters. Hiring a mini digger from us gives you the flexibility to complete these tasks efficiently, whether you’re working on a DIY job or with a contractor.
4. Landscaping and Garden Transformation
Garden projects are a popular reason to hire a mini digger. If you’re thinking about:
- Reshaping your garden
- Creating new planting beds
- Installing ponds or water features
- Laying foundations for patios or pathways
…a mini digger will help do the heavy work quickly. It’s much easier than manual labour, and because we offer options with or without an operator, you can choose the setup that works best for you.
We also stock garden machinery such as rotavators, strimmers, hedge trimmers, brush cutters, and more – so your landscaping project can be completed from ground preparation to finishing touches with the right tools.
5. Clearing Site Waste or Old Surfaces
Whether you’re tackling a renovation, clearing an overgrown plot, or removing old landscaping features, a mini digger is ideal for clearing:
- Broken concrete
- Old patios or slabs
- Tree roots and compacted soil
- Uneven garden surfaces
Paired with our other plant hire options – like dumpers, rollers, and road plates – you can revitalise a worn or neglected area and make space for your next phase of work.
6. Groundworks for Driveways, Patios, and Paths
Many homeowners and commercial clients turn to mini diggers when preparing for hard‑landscaping projects like driveways, patios, or garden paths. A mini digger makes it easy to:
- Excavate to the correct depth
- Remove unsuitable soil
- Redistribute aggregates and sub‑base material
At J Keane, we also supply all the aggregates and soils you need, from gravel and sand to topsoil and decorative stone – delivered right to your site. Combined with a mini digger, these materials help you build a durable, long‑lasting surface.
Mini Digger and Driver Hire Cornwall
Not everyone has the time, experience, or certification to operate a mini digger safely. That’s why at J Keane Plant Hire in Truro, we offer mini digger hire with a qualified driver across Cornwall.
Our operated mini digger hire service provides:
- Experienced, professional operators who handle the machinery safely and efficiently
- Precision and efficiency for residential and commercial projects
- Reduced risk of accidents and improved project quality
Hiring a mini digger with a driver is ideal for larger projects or situations where safety and speed are essential. Our team can advise you on the right machine and operator to suit your specific project needs, whether you’re working on groundworks, landscaping, or construction.
Self-Drive Mini Diggers Cornwall
For experienced users who prefer to operate machinery themselves, we also offer self-drive mini digger hire throughout Cornwall.
Self-drive mini diggers are perfect for:
- Home projects such as garden landscaping, shed foundations, and driveway preparation
- Small to medium-scale groundworks where you’re confident in operating machinery
- Projects that require flexibility and control over your schedule
Our team can help you select the right size and type of mini digger, provide guidance on safety, and ensure your hire period and machinery match the requirements of your project.
Whether you need mini digger and driver hire Cornwall or a self-drive option, J Keane Plant Hire in Truro has the right solution to help you complete your project efficiently and safely.
What Our Clients Say
We are proud of our trusted reputation as a growing business here in Cornwall, and we love reading your five-star reviews!
Ashleigh Palmer ★★★★★
“We, like J Keane Plant Hire, are a Cornish family-run business and have been using Jordan for our groundworks and digger hire for many years. We cannot fault the service they provide. From the office staff to the ground workers, nothing is too much trouble. They are all extremely friendly and knowledgeable people who just go the extra mile.”
Getting Started in 2026
Mini diggers are powerful, versatile tools that help with everything from landscaping to groundwork, site preparation to foundations. Whether your project is residential or commercial, big or small, hiring a mini digger can cut labour time, improve accuracy, and make the job more efficient overall.
Contact us today for expert advice, a personalised quote, or to book the right mini digger and equipment for your project. Let us help you get started the right way.
