If you have little knowledge about diggers and excavators, the question of 'What is the difference between a digger and an excavator?' is probably something that you're wondering. The simple answer is... diggers and excavators are the same. 'Digger' is the nickname or colloquial name for an excavator and is the most common name for an excavator in the UK. The term excavator is most commonly used in the USA but is also widely used across the UK.

The construction and groundworks industries are so varied that it's common for the same equipment to have multiple names. For example the standard grading bucket is also referred to as a ditching bucket, dyking bucket and even a general purpose bucket, so learning all the terms can take some getting used to. In some regions, the term 'digger' refers to the smaller or compact version of a standard excavator, such as a micro digger or mini digger, which are great for operating in small or tight spaces. But, the term 'digger' can actually be used more widely to describe any size of excavator.

Can anybody hire a digger?

The question 'Can anybody hire a digger?' is usually paired with 'Can anybody drive a digger?' and the answer is typically, yes. When it comes to hiring and operating a digger, the good news is that it's more accessible than you might think. Generally, anyone can hire a digger, whether you're a seasoned professional, a small business owner, or even a homeowner with a specific project in mind. While operating a digger does require skill and knowledge, many plant hire companies will hire out a digger to customers with a wide range of skills, whether that be first time operating or years of experience.

There are some essential considerations to keep in mind. You may need to meet certain age requirements to hire a digger, similarly to when hiring a car. For some plant hire companies this will be standard driving age. If you have no experience operating a digger, we would recommend doing prior research on how to operate a digger as it's not as straightforward as you may expect. Most plant hire companies will provide a basic operations manual with the digger which is recommended to be read before use. It's essential to be responsible and well-prepared before taking the reins of one of these powerful machines.

Do you need a licence to drive a mini digger?

There are a few questions that are commonly asked around mini digger operations and licences, including 'Do you need a driving licence to hire a digger?' and 'Do you need an operator's licence for a mini digger? but the answer can vary.

If you're looking to hire a digger for private use, for example a home diy project, you do not need a licence to operate a digger; unless you are planning to drive on a public road. In this circumstance you will require a standard UK driving licence. However, if you are planning to use a digger for business or commercial use, to operate on a building site for example, you may require an NPORS or CSC card. Although not a legal requirement to possess one of these cards, most employers, including all major contractors, will expect you to obtain one before you are able to operate on one of their sites.

Can you drive a digger on a road?

It is legal to drive a digger on a public road if you hold a valid UK driving licence. Diggers are often allowed on roads when they need to be transported between construction sites, however, you must display proper warning signage and lighting to ensure the safety of both the equipment and other road users. Local laws and regulations can vary, so it's crucial to consult with the appropriate authorities and follow the specific guidelines in your area when considering driving a digger on a road.

One thing to consider is that larger diggers with steel tracks can cause damage to the road surface, due to the weight and power of the machine and the rigidity of the tracks. Specific diggers have been developed with wheels instead of tracks to be used on public roads to avoid causing damage, these are nicknamed 'rubber ducks' and can often be rented from a plant hire company too. So, if you know frequent tracking across a concrete or tarmac road is part of your project then a rubber duck may be the digger you want to consider.