There are no branches matching your search.
Login to view or create favourites and other benefits.
Register to start speeding up your hire process and keep track of your hire history.
Nice to see you again. We've made a few changes since you were last here.
Pick a colour
Favourites ({{ userFavourites.length }})
Add your frequently hired items to easily view and hire them again.
Keep your contact information with us up to date so you get the latest and best rates with us.
Hire cart - {{ cart.TotalQuantity }} item{{ (cart.TotalQuantity != 1 ? 's' : '') }}
Cart is empty. Add gear you want to your hire cart and review them here.
Mini-excavators, otherwise known as small diggers or mini diggers, can be extremely helpful for small landscaping jobs. However, if you’ve never used a mini excavator before, there are a few things you should know before you get stuck in. One of these key considerations is how to change the bucket attachments on manual quick hitches. We will also go over all the safety gear you’ll need before you hire a digger and begin your project.
At Hirepool, we have a wide range of mini-excavators for hire that can help make your landscaping job a success. Whether you are digging a trench, completing a commercial landscaping project or building a retaining wall, a mini digger might be the solution to your landscaping woes. Plus, when you hire a mini excavator from your local Hirepool branch, you won’t have to worry about dealing with the purchase and maintenance costs.
Here’s what we are tackling in today’s blog:
Safety equipment needed for changing attachments
The difference between manual quick hitch and automatic quick hitch
The attachments that come with a Hirepool mini-excavator
How to change bucket attachment with manual quick hitch
The range of mini-excavators at Hirepool
Other helpful mini-excavator advice
Let’s jump right in.
It is important to remember that we, at Hirepool, are not the experts in excavator usage and regulations. However, we always make sure to follow the safety regulations provided to us by the manufacturer's specific manuals.
Before operating an excavator, we recommend you take the time to read the ‘instructions for use’ sheet found with your contract or by scanning the QR code located on the green tag of your machine. We would also recommend you do your fair share of research, including having a read of our advanced gear guide on excavators.
Although a mini excavator is smaller than a full-sized excavator, it still packs a powerful punch. When changing attachments, you must have all the safety gear required to stay safe and reduce the chance of injury. We recommend you kit yourself out with the following gear:
As well as the above safety equipment, it also pays to do a few safety checks before beginning your work. Make sure there are no children or pets in your surrounding area when operating heavy machinery. You should also only begin your project when you are feeling confident with operating a Hirepool mini digger.
If you are looking to operate an excavator up to 2 tonnes, it is likely your machine will be fitted with a manual quick hitch, which requires specific tools. However, excavators from 3 tonnes and up are often fitted with an automatic quick hitch that can be operated from inside the cab of the excavator. If you’re unsure of the quick hitch option on the machine you’ve hired, our friendly branch staff will be happy to clarify.
When hiring a mini excavator from Hirepool, each machine comes with three buckets at no extra charge. These bucket attachments include a:
There is also the option to hire a mini-excavator trailer for transport if required.
Depending on the task at hand, you may find you need to change the bucket attachment of your mini excavator. Before you try and tackle this task, make sure you learn how to do so safely. Let’s break it down into easy-to-follow steps.
The process of changing bucket attachments will vary, depending on whether the machine you’ve hired has a manual or an automatic quick hitch. Usually, an excavator up to 2 tonnes will be fitted with a manual quick hitch. It is often the excavators above 3 tonnes that have an automatic quick hitch. If you are unsure, reading this manual should shed some light. If you are still uncertain, reach out to the friendly team at Hirepool for clarification on your excavator model.
Before you do anything, make sure you are kitted out with all the correct safety gear mentioned earlier. This can include steel-capped boots, covered clothing, gloves, head protection, ear protection and eye protection. All of this safety gear is essential for prioritising safety during building and construction, reducing your chance of injury.
For the manual quick hitch, set the bucket on the ground firmly, disengage the safety lock lever and exit the cab of the excavator using three-point contact. Place your hands on the safety rails on either side when exiting, with the final point of contact being your foot as you step off the excavator platform.
If you’ve got a tilt bucket attached, firstly, remove the pressure from the hose line. To do this, refer to the operator's manual of the machine you have. Once the hoses are removed, join them together to ensure no damage or contamination takes place.
Locate the tools, which can be found in the compartment within the cab or underneath the operator's seat, depending on the model. Once the tools have been located, find the screw in the centre plate of the manual quick hitch. This needs to be fully unscrewed to the left.
Once the screw has been removed, disengage the red safety locking plate and remove the bucket from the cab of the excavator by curling the arm away from the cab.
To fit the breaker attachment, set the excavator hitch over the pins of the breaker. Then curl the hitch to fit the attachment into place. Use the ratchet to lock the hitch, then insert the locking plates and locking pin. Re-engage the hitch locking system is automatic. To re-attach the hydraulic hoses cleanly and with ease, close off these two valves to stop the oil from seeping out.
At Hirepool, we have a wide range of mini-excavators available to get the job done. Each mini excavator may differ slightly in terms of reach, dig depth and dump height which may affect your job. Our range of mini excavators includes the following:
If you are unsure which excavator is best for you, make sure to get in touch with us. Our Hirepool team are more than happy to help. Alternatively, we have a blog called “What Excavator Do You Need For Your Job”, which may help steer you in the right direction.
At Hirepool, we have a bunch of written guides on mini-excavators to help you choose the right excavator and learn how to operate one safely. Check out the below for more information:
We also have an array of videos to help give you a visual overview of all things excavator related. Some of these videos include:
If you are planning to hire a mini-excavator from Hirepool, it is important to know how to change attachments. However, before you even touch your mini digger, you need to make sure you are kitted out with the necessary safety gear. You can then go ahead and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to change the bucket attachment.
If you need more information on safety tips or guidance on how to operate a mini-excavator, check out our Trade Hub. When you rock up to your local Hirepool branch to hire a mini-excavator, feel free to ask our friendly staff members any questions you may have.
Low Stock Call First
High Demand Product: We suggest making a booking for this item in advance.
Low Stock Call First
High Demand Product: We suggest making a booking for this item in advance.
Low Stock Call First
High Demand Product: We suggest making a booking for this item in advance.
Low Stock Call First
High Demand Product: We suggest making a booking for this item in advance.
