What happens when you book The Mini Digger Guy?

What to expect on the day when working with me (Rob, The Mini Digger Guy)

Booking a mini digger and driver hire service for the first time can feel a bit unknown. Here’s everything you need to know so the day runs smoothly for both of us.

Arrival time

I aim to arrive at 8am and work through to around 4pm, depending on how the job goes. If you’d like me to make a start and you’ll be arriving later, just let me know in advance and we can arrange something.

Do you need to be there?

For most jobs, yes — at least at the start, so I can confirm access and check the scope of the work with you. If you need to leave during the day that’s usually fine. Just make sure I have your phone number in case anything comes up.

What about wheelbarrowing the spoil?

I operate the digger throughout the day, which means I’m not able to run a wheelbarrow myself. For most jobs, the spoil stays on site and gets removed afterwards by skip or grab lorry.

If the soil or spoil needs to be moved during the job — for example, barrowed from a back garden to the front for a grab lorry to collect — you have two options:

• Option 1 — Do it yourself. Many customers bring a family member or friend along on the day to barrow the spoil out as I dig. It works really well and keeps costs down. The main thing to remember is that the faster you wheelbarrow or work with me, the more work we get done in the day.
• Option 2 — Book a labourer. I can arrange a labourer to work alongside me on the day for an additional fee,, or you can arrange one yourself. They’ll handle the wheelbarrowing and any manual work needed. Just let me know when you get in touch and I’ll factor it into the quote.

Waste disposal

I’m not able to remove waste from site as part of the service. If you need soil, roots, rubble, or concrete taken away, you’ll need to arrange a skip or grab lorry. I can advise on the best option for your job — see my waste disposal options page for local companies and guidance on what to use.

The best approach is to book your waste removal before the job date, so it’s ready to go as soon as I’ve finished.

Protecting your lawn and surfaces

I can bring thick wooden boards to drive over lawns and soft ground. These spread the weight of the digger and protect your grass. You’d be surprised how little damage there is — check out my portfolio to see for yourself.

Payment

Payment is due at the end of the day, by cash or BACS (bank transfer). If you don’t own the property the work is at – e.g. you’re a landscaper hiring me to do the digging on a job – you’ll need to pay upfront before work starts. Either way, I’ll give you the bank details when we confirm the booking. I’m not VAT registered, so the price quoted is the price you pay.

The price stays the same whether the job takes three hours or a full day — so there’s no incentive to spin it out, and no nasty surprises on the invoice.

Free landscaping advice

I’ve been doing garden landscaping for over 35 years. If you’re planning to lay turf, build a patio, or do anything else after the digging is done, I’m happy to share advice while I’m on site. Just ask — it’s all part of the service.

Any other questions?

Feel free to ask anything when you get in touch. I’d rather answer a question upfront than have anything catch you off guard on the day.