Mini Digger for Driveways: Which Size Do You Need?
Driveway work usually means stripping out old tarmac or block paving, digging out to the right sub-base depth, and often cutting in drainage at the same time. A machine that is too small drags the job out; one that is too large struggles to get onto the drive at all.
What driveway groundworks actually need
Most residential driveways are dug to a depth of 150 to 200mm for the sub-base, which is comfortably within reach of even a 0.6 tonne micro digger. The bigger constraint tends to be access: many UK driveways are approached through a side gate or narrow gap between the house and boundary, which is exactly where a micro digger's narrow width matters more than raw power.
Sizing guide for driveway jobs
- Small residential drive, narrow side access: 0.6 tonne micro digger
- Standard drive with reasonable access, some spoil removal: 1.0 to 1.2 tonne mini digger
- Larger commercial or multi-vehicle driveways: 1.8 tonne compact excavator
A quick-hitch bucket swap lets you dig the sub-base with a standard bucket, then switch to a grading bucket to level and compact without changing machines.
Browse our full mini digger range to compare access widths and dig depths, or get in touch and tell us about your access and we will help you pick the right size.