Mini diggers or mini excavators are a good option if your construction project is in a narrow, hard-to-reach area. Because mini diggers are more compact and lightweight than standard excavators, they are easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces without causing too much damage to the ground or the nearby structures, especially when the soil is soft.

In What Situations are Mini Diggers Useful?

Mini excavators are an efficient alternative to larger types of earthmoving equipment, whether you’re planning to carry out a construction or demolition project. They may be compact, but they perform a wide range of functions, including digging up trenches, levelling soil, and tearing down small structures.

You can hire a mini digger for the following projects:

Swimming pool installation

Building a swimming pool, jacuzzi, or hot tub in your backyard may be considered a small-scale construction project. However, manually digging up the ground is laborious and time-consuming. A mini digger can excavate soil fast and efficiently, saving you lots of time and resources when you dig a hole for your pool.

Sewer line or drainage system repair

Excavating dirt is the primary purpose of a mini digger. For projects that involve digging through the ground to access sewer and drainage lines, using a mini digger is a good choice. A mini digger can create holes without applying too much pressure on the surrounding ground. Because mini diggers are compact, they will cause minimal disruption on foot and vehicular traffic.

Road sign installation

Road sign installations will be faster and more cost-efficient with the use of a mini digger. Mini diggers can easily work their way through narrow streets and can even park on roadsides. Attachments such as drills can be fitted to make excavations quicker.

Clearing away debris

A mini digger is efficient in land clearing activities required for construction site preparation. Using a bucket attachment, a mini digger can remove dirt, debris and other unnecessary materials from the job site and transport them to another area. A mini digger can also level uneven ground. Attaching a grading blade to a mini digger lets it prepare the foundation for concrete pouring.

Tearing down structures

Mini diggers can be used in demolishing small structures such as old sheds, stone paths or driveways with a breaking hammer. They can navigate through gates and soft soil without damaging the paving or sinking into the ground. If you’re tearing down an old house and want to stay away from asbestos or other dangerous substances, renting a mini digger is a safer option instead of tearing down the structure yourself using hand tools.

 Various landscaping projects

Landscaping projects like installing fountains and stone walls require earthmoving equipment to transport heavy materials. A mini digger can do this, and more. Mini diggers can also dig and backfill trenches for flag wall installations. If you have a large tree getting in the way of your landscaping renovation, a mini digger can remove the tree stump without disturbing surrounding trees, plants or shrubs. …

Do you plan on giving your front yard a makeover by installing a fountain at the centre? Or maybe your backyard has enough room for a swimming pool?

If you’re thinking about enhancing the look of your outdoor space, expect that it will involve some earthmoving activities. In such cases, you’ll need to hire excavation equipment to make the job easier.

Uses of Excavators in Landscaping Projects

Excavators are a versatile piece of earthmoving equipment. They are not only ideal for large-scale construction projects or in mining operations. Compact excavators can be useful in landscaping projects, whether in residential or commercial properties. The following are the common uses of excavators in landscape construction.

Excavation works

Mini excavators are a suitable alternative to standard excavators if you’re planning to dig a hole in a small lot for the installation or repair utility lines. They can fit and manoeuvre easily through narrow spaces without creating too much noise or applying too much pressure on the ground.

Demolition of old structures

If you have an old shed that you no longer use and you plan to tear it down to widen your backyard space, an excavator is a go-to machinery. Excavators can demolish small structures like a shed and it won’t cause any disturbance or damage to nearby structures or vegetation. Even mini excavators are strong enough to tear down concrete walls and pathways.

Swimming pool installation

Having an outdoor spa right in your backyard is possible with an excavator. Renting an excavator makes digging a hool, whether it is swimming pool excavation, hot tub, or pond, safer and quicker than going the DIY route.

Levelling soil

If an uneven landscape is holding you back from turning your backyard into a flower or vegetable garden, hiring a mini excavator can flatten the soil and make it more suitable for gardening. Excavators can be fitted with a plate compactor for faster and more even compaction.

Land clearing

Excavators prepare your lot for landscape improvements by removing unwanted debris and transporting them to a designated area. They can also move large stones and dig up trees whilst keeping the root system intact. If you want to remove materials from hard-to-reach areas, you can rent an excavator with an extendible arm to do the job. Excavators can also mow and clear excess grass.

Fence installation

Fence installation projects not only increase curb appeal but protect your property from pests whilst giving you an increased sense of security and privacy. You can hire an excavator to dig out trenches for your fence installation. An auger attachment will ensure that the excavator digs at the right depth. Meanwhile, a blade attachment will cut posts to the same size.

Landscape grading

Smooth slopes can help add shape to your landscape, making it more visually attractive. Excavators not only flatten the ground, but they can also create the desired angle and slope.

Paths and driveway construction

Excavators can help achieve the desired shape for walkways and driveways. For spaces …

A soakwell is one of the essential structures in any new or existing property, whether it’s a residential or commercial building. Also called a dry well, a soakwell acts as an underground tank that temporarily holds stormwater or water runoff and then dissipates the water to the surrounding ground soil to prevent flooding and erosion.

Soakwell installation in your property can help prevent many problems including soil erosion, subsidence of the structure, and rising dampness on floors and walls. If your home is made from wood, having a soakwell underground can guide water away from your property, which can help avoid rotting wood, mould growth, and termite infestation. Besides the benefits it’s also required to keep water that falls on your property to stay on your property, making soakwells the go to solution.

What are the Various Soakwell Materials?

Soakwells come in different types and each of them has its advantages. Below are the common materials used in building soakwells:

Concrete Soakwells

Concrete soakwells are by far the most durable option compared to other soakwell materials. If installed properly, a well-made concrete soakwell can last for many years up to 30 years in most cases. Construction of concrete soakwells can be expensive because it requires expertise and the use of heavy machinery, but the long-term benefits outweigh the high upfront costs.

Soakwells made from concrete can withstand high water pressure and expanding soil. They are also efficient in containing large amounts of water whilst slowly dispersing it to the encircling soil. Concrete soakwells are suitable in many soil types, especially to less permeable soil like clay or limestone. They are also ideal in high-traffic areas as they can bear the weight of passing vehicles above ground.

If your property is near a forest or reserve, concrete soakwell installation is a good option because it has a large opening, making it easy to remove fallen leaves or other waste materials to avoid clogging. Because of their hard-wearing properties, concrete soakwells require minimal maintenance, allowing you to save on upkeep or replacement costs.

Polypropylene Soakwells

Polypropylene soakwells are more lightweight compared to concrete soakwells. Polypropylene material is also durable and has a high load-bearing capacity, which makes it suitable for areas with high traffic. This type of soakwell is also an eco-friendly option as it is also recyclable after its service life. Some polypropylene soakwells come in a modular design, which allows you to connect them easily, either vertically or horizontally, depending on the size of the project site.

PVC Soakwells

PVC or Polyvinyl chloride is another material used in constructing soakwells. Like polypropylene soakwells, PVC soakwells are lightweight, which makes them easier to transport and install than concrete soakwells. Because of this feature, PVC soakwells are ideal in tight spaces and hard-to-access areas.

Dobson Excavations Offer Concrete Soakwell Installation Service

Protect your property from foundation damage and other structural problems caused by long-term water retention and soil erosion. Let our team of soakwell installation experts handle your build. Our personnel are …

An excavator or digger is one of several construction heavy equipment that you typically see in a job site. Its primary purpose is to dig up earth, but a digger can also serve several functions, making it an extremely versatile machine.

Types of Diggers and their Uses in Construction

There are various types of diggers you can hire, so it helps to know what features separate one from the others. An excavator typically features a rotating house or cabin where the operator controls the movement of the machine and its parts. Diggers also come with boom, arm and bucket attachments.

If you’re considering hiring one, knowing what diggers are available can help you choose which type of excavator suits your requirements.

Below are common types of excavators.

Crawlers

The distinguishing feature of a crawler excavator is its two rotating track frames that allow it to manoeuvre easily on uneven, muddy or sloped terrain. It moves slower than wheel-type diggers, but this characteristic provides a crawler increased stability. Crawlers are useful in landscaping, trenching, and mining operations.

Wheeled

Wheeled diggers have wheels instead of rolling tracks. This type of digger is suitable for hard, smooth surfaces like concrete. Wheeled diggers are typically used in urban earthmoving projects such as road clearing, scrapyard works, material movement, and installation of buried services.

Long Reach

Long-reach excavators come with an extendible arm attachment that allows the machine to dig up and move materials at a safe distance. Depending on the design, the arm of long reach excavators can range between 40 to 100 feet. Digging up wells, cleaning rivers and canals, and demolishing old bridges or flyover are some projects where long reach diggers are efficient.

Suction

Suction or vacuum excavators come with a suction tube attachment instead of the usual boom, arm and bucket attachments. This type of excavator uses a heavy-duty fan system to suck up debris from a hole or remove materials from buried utility services without coming in contact or damaging them. Suction diggers are common in deep excavation projects and the installation or repair of underground cables and pipes.

Hydraulic Shovel

Hydraulic shovel excavators are the most powerful type of diggers, typically used in large-scale construction and mining projects. Its bucket attachment is larger than that of a standard excavator and it comes with pointed blades. Hydraulic shovel excavators are recommended for coal mining operations and similar projects requiring heavy digging and lifting.

Backhoe

A backhoe is a type of digging equipment that resembles a tractor and is smaller than standard excavators. It also has arm and bucket attachments, but these parts are found both at the front and back of the cabin. Unlike standard excavators, the boom and chassis of a backhoe can only rotate at a 200-degree angle instead of 360 degrees. Construction projects such as laying down the foundation of structures and earthmoving activities like digging up ditches and trenches and installing underground cables use backhoes.

Skid Steer

Skid steers are smaller than standard excavators. …

When hiring machinery for excavation and construction projects, you’ll likely encounter the terms “wet hire” and “dry hire”. If you’re not familiar with these terms or it’s your first time renting equipment, you can easily confuse one with the other.

So, what is wet hire and dry hire, and what are the advantages of these two equipment rental options?

Bobcat Wet Hire versus Bobcat Dry Hire: What’s the Difference?

Bobcat wet hire is when you hire a bobcat machine with a qualified operator. Meanwhile, a bobcat dry hire is renting the equipment alone. Dry hire is also called self-drive hire, meaning you can choose to operate the machine yourself.

However, keep in mind that certain machinery and equipment may require a certification, license, or specific qualifications for a person to operate them. If you don’t meet such requirements, you need to look for a qualified bobcat operator, like skilled bobcat operators from Dobson Excavations, to run the machine or equipment. Besides that there are different sizes as well, from large to regular and even mini bobcats.

Advantages of Bobcat Wet Hire

Below are the benefits of a bobcat wet hire:

 Experienced operator

Operating heavy equipment requires skill and technical knowledge that only highly trained and experienced operators have. If you choose the wet hire option, you can rest assured that the machine is handled properly to avoid any damage.

Fast and Quality Work

Because a bobcat wet hire includes the service of a skilled operator, you don’t have to worry about training them on how to use the equipment. Skilled bobcat operators will immediately start working on your project. They not only work fast, but experienced operators also make sure that they deliver high-quality work.

Increased Safety

With the wet hire option, you have better peace of mind because you get a machine and an operator who is an expert at operating it. Seasoned bobcat operators have spent many years operating the equipment and have worked on numerous different projects, so the likelihood of mistakes or accidents occurring is slim to none.

Advantages of Bobcat Dry Hire

Selecting the bobcat dry hire seems like an interesting option for those who want to stay budget-friendly. Because you do pay for the operator. However because the operator has a lot of experience, he can do the job much more efficient, saving you cost on the time it takes for the project.

Looking for a Bobcat Hire for Your Earthmoving Project?

At Dobson Excavations, we offer bobcat wet hire rentals. You can trust us to provide high-quality equipment and licensed and insured operators for your excavation or earthmoving projects. Contact us here for a quote or to know more about our services.

As seen on https://www.dobsonexcavations.com.au/advantages-of-bobcat-wet-hire-over-dry-hire/…

Building a firebreak is one way you can protect your property from bushfire, especially if you live in a rural-urban area, a farm, near a forest or reserve or if your property is surrounded by vegetation. Based on where you live and the size of your property there are different rules regarding your firebreaks.

A firebreak or a fireguard is a piece of land that surrounds or lines your property that is free from flammable materials such as trees, grass, or bushes. It helps by slowing down spreading fires or preventing a fire from reaching your property. Since a firebreak is clear from any obstruction, it also allows fire trucks and personnel to quickly gain access to your property.

How are Firebreaks Created?

Building a firebreak usually requires the use of a slasher or cutter. A slasher is a type of land clearing equipment that attaches to a loader, excavator, or skid steer. It can quickly slash and clear grass, weeds, and low-level bushes. Besides machinery, firebreaks, especially if the area is small, may also be constructed using hand tools such as axes, hoes, and machetes. Some also use chemicals to remove vegetation.

For firebreaks to be efficient in stopping or slowing down spreading bushfires, they should be in the right width. The width of the firebreak depends on the location and the type of surrounding fuel or vegetation.

Types of Firebreaks

Below are common types of firebreaks.

Natural firebreaks

Bluffs and canyons or bodies of water like creeks, lakes, and streams make natural firebreaks. To make sure fire does not cross over the firebreak, there should be no vegetation or combustible material that can ignite. The firebreak must also be wide enough to prevent fire from spreading quickly.

Existing firebreaks

Pasture roads, gravel roads, and cultivated fields are examples of existing firebreaks. Paved roads are also good firebreaks because they allow vehicles like fire trucks to pass through in case of fire.

 Mowed and Wet Lines

Mowed and wet lines go together to make an efficient barrier against spreading fire. Mowed lines reduce the intensity of fire, whilst wet lines serve as the barrier that prevents fire from crossing over.

Constructed firebreaks

Constructed firebreaks that a bulldozer has scraped are considered the most efficient especially if done properly. Ideally, existing crops or vegetation must be removed to expose the bare mineral soil without disturbing much of the ground to prevent erosion.

Firebreak maintenance is as important as building them. To ensure that firebreaks continuously reduce the risk of bushfire, they must be mowed, grazed, or ploughed regularly. They should be cleared from combustible materials that wood, twigs and fallen leaves. Trees near the firebreak should also be pruned to prevent ground fires from burning the tree crowns.

Firebreaks Protect Your Property and Save the Lives of Your Loved Ones

Dobson Excavations offer a wide range of earthmoving services, including firebreak construction and maintenance, in Perth and metro and rural West Australia.

Contact us here for an obligation-free quote …

Construction projects involve different types of excavation or earthmoving activities. Trenching is one of these.

What is Trenching?

Trenching or trench excavation is the creation of a narrow cut or cavity under the earth’s surface. When you dig a trench, the length of the excavated area typically exceeds the width. If the depth is less than six metres, the trench is considered a shallow trench. Meanwhile, excavations exceeding 6 metres are deep trenches.

When are Trenches Dug?

Trenches are an essential part of the construction activities or maintenance of any site or infrastructure. Below are situations that call for digging trenches:

• Installation or replacement of drainage, gas, power, or sewer lines
• Building strip footing or foundation
• Installation of sprinkler systems
• Formation of retaining walls

Using a trench digger speeds up the process significantly, reducing costs. There are different sizes based on the type of job.

What are the Hazards in Digging Trenches?

Digging trenches poses many safety hazards. These may include the following scenarios:

Cave-in

A trench may collapse because of a poor structure or support system. Cave-ins can trap site workers under the ground and cause serious bodily injuries and asphyxiation.

Hit Buried Services

When support systems are not properly installed, they can hit power cables, gas pipes, or water mains. If such accidents happen, they may cause electrocution, burn injuries, and exposure to hazardous gases. They may also temporarily interrupt utility services in the affected areas, this is why the owner or person in charge of any site must contact dial before you dig or hire a pipe locator before any digging proceeds.

Slip, Trips, and Falls

Lack of proper fencing and safety signage may lead to people, machines, and other objects falling into the excavations. Poorly installed access equipment like ladders can also make it difficult to climb in and out of the trench.

Flooding

A broken water pipe or heavy downpour can flood the inside of the trench. If the trench is shallow, water can reach and flood the construction site.

Collapse of nearby structures

Excavating close to a building can weaken its foundation. If continued, it may cause the structure to collapse.

Falling loads

Excavated dirt may fall into a trench and crush people working underground. It is recommended to disallow working inside the trench during excavation to avoid such instances from happening.

For your excavation and earthmoving projects in Perth and West Australia, hire Dobson Excavations. We offer a wide range of services and high-quality equipment for your next construction project. Our team of experienced contractors will ensure that your project is completed safely and promptly.

Contact us here for a quote or to know more about our services.…

A concrete driveway not only brings a functional element of your property but also has an important visual function impact the curb appeal of your property. Building a new concrete driveway needs to follow a well defined process.

Why Build a Concrete Driveway?

Concrete is a durable and weather-resistant paving material, so it’s a popular choice of material in driveway construction. It also needs minimal maintenance and is easy to repair.

Constructing a concrete driveway on your property allows you to create an attractive exterior on your property. While concrete possesses a basic grey colour, decorative treatments are available to give concrete a fresher and more modern look.

Steps in Building a New Concrete Driveway

If you’re up to the challenge of building your concrete driveway, you can follow these steps.

Plan your driveway’s design.

In creating the design of your driveway, consider the number and size of the vehicles you have and whether you need space to turn or manoeuvre your vehicles. If you’re working on a large space, you might want to add a few enhancements, like greenery or a water feature.

Keep in mind that the size of your driveway affects the cost of the project as it will determine the number of materials you need.

Mobilise materials to the site.

After sorting out your design and budget, gather all the supplies, materials, and equipment you need to build.

Prep the area.

Start by removing existing material like grass, leaves, and trash. Once cleaned of debris, it is easier to for you to create the layout of the garden, firm up the base and lay down the concrete.

Install forms.

Drive metal or wooden pegs at the boundaries and connect them with strings. Doing this will let you see the layout of your driveway and guide you on where to pour the concrete.

Compact the base.

If the ground you’re working on is loose or sandy, a clay base will do. For loamy soil, firm it up with sand or gravel. You may consider adding weed control substances if necessary. After adding material, dampen the base with water to make soil compacting easier.

Install stabilisations sheets and grade pegs.

To strengthen the base, you can install stabilisation sheets. This can be a geotextile fabric that helps reduce materials from sinking. Grade pegs serve as a guide on how much concrete you should pour to achieve the correct height.

Pour concrete.

Lay down the concrete mix from the corner, then spread it evenly using a rake or shovel. If concrete seeps through the edges, remove it with an edging trowel. Keep in mind that the concrete needs to be at a height of at least four inches for it to withstand daily wear and tear.

Level the surface.

Use a trowel to create a flat, level finish. Edges can also be smoothened out with a bullnose to remove rough areas.

Install contraction joints.

As concrete dries, it expands and could crack. You can avoid this by using wood …

Firebreaks in all areas Perth-Metro and Rural

Fire season is upon us again, notices are being mailed out from councils.

Your Legal requirements if you live on 1 acre or less for firebreaks, Cut all grass which has to be less than 25mm in height and maintained until 31st May, 2021. Trim all overhanging trees and bushes which hang over driveways, access ways and firebreaks to leave a 4 metre width clearance and a clear vertical axis. Or Install firebreaks that are inside all external boundaries, Install fire breaks surrounding all agricultural buildings, sheds etc. A minimum of 3 metres width no wider then 5 metres.

If you live on more than 1 acre for firebreaks

Keep grasses below 150mm or if used for grazing ensure rotation of grazed and un-grazed areas. Trim all trees and bushes which are over hanging driveways/access ways and firebreaks, and leave a 4 metre width clearance. Install firebreaks inside all external boundaries, and surrounding sheds etc with a minimum 3 metre width.

For dwellings Maintain 20 metres asset protection zones or as per your approved BAL/FMP assessment. Trim back all tress overhanging buildings.

Contact your local council for advise on firebreaks as some councils have different rules, the above is from Serpentine Council, or read your brochure you council supplies.

We at Dobson Excavations can assist with your firebreaks or fire prevention, with either our Brush cutter slasher, which can cut down to ground level small trees/bushes/scrubs/weeds etc, it can also trim trees that are over hanging driveways access way and firebreaks, plus it slashes grass. Check out our link for a demonstration www.dobsonexcavations.com.au/attachement/ or call Bruce on 0414755306.

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