Diggers 1.5 vs 3 ton

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Hello. Just wondered if anyone on here has much experience with diggers. Im thinking of hiring a 3 ton one. Mainly as theres 500mmm thick concrete to break and I assume a bigger digger does it quicker with a breaker fitted? And also theres about 80 m3 of soil to be dug.
Cheers
 
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Bigger the better in my view, the smaller the machine, the more unstable it is, and you can easily find yourself being dragged into the excavation rather than the machine dig anything if the ground is particularly hard going.

Likewise, the bigger the machine the bigger the breaker, the work work you'll get done.
 
Bigger the better in my view, the smaller the machine, the more unstable it is, and you can easily find yourself being dragged into the excavation rather than the machine dig anything if the ground is particularly hard going.

Likewise, the bigger the machine the bigger the breaker, the work work you'll get done.
Thanks for that. I think it must be quicker and easier, Not sure how much more they charge for a 3ton but if its quicker it could pay for itself. Cheers
 
There was a time when your choice was a JCB 3C or a Smalley walking digger, we have the Japanese to thank for the Mini Excavator. If breaking heavy thick concrete, the bigger machine will win hands down. Breakers need a high oil flow, JCB built their 'Hammermaster' model (as opposed to the 'Sitemaster', with that in mind, so the right carrier will make a difference.
 
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3 tonners are the go-to (domestic scenario) digger, as long as you have the room. They are a pleasure to drive unlike micros - which are a bit like being on a Bucking Bronco all day.
 
Thanks. I'm lucky there's room to get down the side of the house for a change. Not that I hire that many diggers.
 
Thanks. I'm lucky there's room to get down the side of the house for a change. Not that I hire that many diggers.
Sweet.

They are incredibly powerful and will hoof out existing foundations no problem as long as you are savvy with the machine. The trick is to get some movement with the bucket by using the powerful (short lever) 'wrist' movement of the front bucket. Once you see the foundation shift, you can then start pulling with the longer lever parts of the digger.
 
Thought id try bumping this thread again to see if there's anyone who has any tips. I had to get a 1.5tonne in the end for unseen reasons. it went through some 100mm oversight in seconds. But on the foundations there are about 500mm its doing nothing. so anyone got any suggestions?
 
Sweet.

They are incredibly powerful and will hoof out existing foundations no problem as long as you are savvy with the machine. The trick is to get some movement with the bucket by using the powerful (short lever) 'wrist' movement of the front bucket. Once you see the foundation shift, you can then start pulling with the longer lever parts of the digger.
I see what you mean it worked a treat on the thinner stuff. This diggers not touching the thick stuff though.
 
I see what you mean it worked a treat on the thinner stuff. This diggers not touching the thick stuff though.
You may need to free at least one edge of the conc with a narrow bucket. It should flip once you can get the bucket underneath and use the wrist to start it moving.
 
Are you just using the bucket, or have you got a Pecker with it? If the concrete is too much for the available power of the machine, then you will have to weaken it first. I'm not particularly surprised a 1.5 tonner is struggling with 500mm thick concrete in fairness.
 
You may need to free at least one edge of the conc with a narrow bucket. It should flip once you can get the bucket underneath and use the wrist to start it moving.
I agree. Its tricky because I have to enter and leave from the front, theres not enough room to access from the sides or back. And if im not careful i'll rip up the ground I need to stand the digger on. I think my first decision is do I off hire it before the weekend which means another delivery charge. Or pay to have it sitting around Saturday/Sunday when I cant use it?
 
Are you just using the bucket, or have you got a Pecker with it? If the concrete is too much for the available power of the machine, then you will have to weaken it first. I'm not particularly surprised a 1.5 tonner is struggling with 500mm thick concrete in fairness.
Yeah got all the buckets and breaker. On a JCB.
 
Then I'd try breaking it out first, swap to bucket if needs be and dig out what you've broken up, before breaking some more. I knows its a PITA but as the Earthmoving Boys say, even with their big toys, 'You can only pi$$ with the Cock you've got. '

Hover cursor over the 'Thanks' at the bottom of the post, and you'll get a choice of a a 'Thanks' or 'Thumbs Up' icon.
 

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