Whether you’re tackling a garden landscaping project, digging foundations for an extension, installing drainage, or carrying out larger construction work, hiring a digger can save time, effort, and money. At J Keane Plant Hire, we supply a wide range of excavators, diggers and plant machinery across Cornwall and Devon on both a self-drive and operated basis.
To help you choose the right machine, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about digger hire.
What Size Digger Do I Need?
The size of digger you need depends entirely on the project you’re undertaking.
For smaller jobs such as garden clearance, digging trenches, removing tree stumps, or accessing restricted spaces, a mini digger is often the perfect solution. Our fleet includes:
- SANY 1.6 Mini Diggers
- Micro Diggers
- 1.5 Tonne Diggers
For larger excavation projects, groundwork, drainage schemes, or commercial construction work, we also offer:
- 3-8 Tonne Diggers
- 14 Tonne Diggers
- Wheeled Diggers
- New Holland Mini Excavators
If you’re unsure which machine is right for your project, our team can provide expert advice based on your site conditions and requirements.
Can I Hire a Digger and Operate It Myself?
Yes. Many of our machines are available on a self-drive hire basis.
Self-drive digger hire is popular with builders, landscapers, farmers, and homeowners who have experience operating machinery and want flexibility when completing their projects.
Our equipment is well-maintained, reliable, and ready to get to work as soon as it arrives on site.
Before hiring, it’s important to ensure you are confident and competent in operating the machine safely. If you’re not completely comfortable using a digger, we have another option available.
Do You Offer Operated Digger Hire?
Absolutely.
Alongside self-drive digger hire, we also provide experienced machine operators to complete the work for you.
Our operated hire service is ideal if:
- You don’t have experience operating machinery.
- You want the job completed efficiently.
- You are managing multiple aspects of a project.
- You simply don’t have the time to do the excavation work yourself.
Our skilled operators are experienced in a wide range of groundwork and excavation projects and are always “Keane to get the job done” for you.
What Is the Difference Between a Mini Digger and a Larger Excavator?
Mini diggers are designed for projects where access is limited or where precision is important.
They are commonly used for:
- Garden landscaping
- Utility trenching
- Fence installation
- Small foundations
- Driveway preparation
Larger excavators provide greater digging depth, lifting capacity, and productivity. These machines are often used for:
- Site clearance
- Commercial groundwork
- Large drainage projects
- Agricultural work
- Major construction projects
Our team can help determine the most suitable machine for your site and budget.
Do I Need a Licence to Hire a Digger?
There is no specific UK driving licence required to hire and operate a digger on private land.
However, operators should be competent and familiar with safe machine operation. If you have any concerns about using the equipment yourself, our operated hire service provides a simple and stress-free solution.
How Long Can I Hire a Digger For?
We offer flexible hire periods to suit your project.
Whether you need a digger for a single day, a weekend, a week, or a longer-term contract, we can tailor the hire period to meet your requirements.
Many customers choose short-term hire for domestic projects, while contractors often require machines for ongoing construction and groundwork contracts.
Where Do You Deliver Diggers?
We operate from two convenient locations serving customers throughout Cornwall and Devon.
Truro Branch
Our Truro depot is ideally located for customers looking to hire a digger in:
- Truro
- Redruth
- Falmouth
- Newquay
- St Austell
- Surrounding areas
Launceston Branch
Our Launceston depot serves customers across:
- Launceston
- Bude
- Bodmin
- Callington
- Holsworthy
- Surrounding areas
With two strategically located branches, we’re able to provide reliable plant hire services across all of Cornwall and Devon.
Why Choose J Keane Plant Hire?
At J Keane Plant Hire, we understand that every project is different. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of excavators and diggers suitable for jobs of all sizes.
Our customers choose us because we provide:
- Modern, reliable machinery
- Self-drive and operated hire options
- Flexible hire periods
- Experienced operators
- Friendly local service
- Coverage throughout Cornwall and Devon
Whether you’re looking for a compact mini digger for a landscaping project or a larger excavator for commercial groundwork, we have the equipment and expertise to help.
Ready to Hire a Digger?
If you’re looking for digger hire in Cornwall or Devon, our team at J Keane Plant Hire has the machinery and experience to support your project. From micro diggers and mini excavators through to 14-tonne machines and wheeled diggers, we can provide the right equipment on either a self-drive or operated basis.
Contact our team today to discuss your requirements and receive expert advice on the best machine for the job.
