Mini Digger for Patio Installation
A patio only looks as good as the base underneath it, and getting a consistent excavation depth across the whole area is where a mini digger earns its keep over hand-digging.
What patio groundworks need
Most patios need excavation to around 150 to 250mm depending on the sub-base build-up, which is well within a micro or mini digger's range. The real constraint is usually garden access: rear gardens are often reached through a narrow side passage, over a step, or through a standard gate, all of which favour a compact 0.6 tonne micro digger over anything larger.
Getting an even, level base
Swapping to a grading bucket once the bulk of the material is out lets you level the sub-base accurately before laying hardcore, without needing a separate machine or hand-raking the whole area.
Sizing guide
- Small rear garden patio, narrow access: 0.6 tonne micro digger
- Larger patio, reasonable access, more spoil to remove: 1.0 to 1.2 tonne mini digger
See full specifications across our excavator range, or read our landscaping guide for related garden groundworks.