Mini Digger for Hardstanding and Base Preparation
A hardstanding, whether for a caravan, static trailer, log store or vehicle parking area, depends on even excavation and a properly compacted sub-base, which is where a mini digger does the heavy lifting before the hardcore goes down.
What hardstanding groundworks involve
Most hardstandings need excavation to around 200 to 300mm to allow for a compacted sub-base layer, sometimes more on softer ground. Getting a level, even depth across the whole footprint is what makes the difference between a hardstanding that lasts and one that develops dips and puddles within a year.
Sizing guide
- Small domestic hardstanding, narrow access: 0.6 tonne micro digger
- Larger commercial or multi-vehicle hardstanding: 1.0 to 1.2 tonne mini digger or 1.8 tonne compact excavator
A grading bucket is particularly useful on hardstanding jobs, since getting the final level right before hardcore goes down saves significant time compared with hand-raking an uneven base.
See our full excavator range to compare bucket sizes and dig depths, or read our driveway groundworks guide for similar base preparation work.