For self-drive hire, you need a valid CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) or NPORS card for the machine category. For operated hire, no — our experienced operator runs the machine on your behalf. If you don't hold the right tickets, operated hire is the straightforward option.

Operated hire means the machine comes with a qualified operator from RW Groundworks. The operator drives the machine, works to your direction on site, and handles all aspects of machine operation. You get the machine and the expertise. This is the standard choice for customers who don't operate plant regularly.

For most domestic jobs — driveways, landscaping, drainage, small foundations — a 3-tonne mini excavator is the right choice. For new builds, large excavations, demolition, and road construction, the 14-tonne excavator is needed. Dumpers are sized to match — a 7-tonne dumper pairs well with the 14-tonne excavator. Call Reuben with a description of the job and he'll recommend the right machine.

Delivery costs depend on distance from our Helston base. Within the Helston and Penwith area, delivery is typically included or charged at a flat rate. Wider Cornwall deliveries are quoted individually. For multi-day hires, delivery and collection are charged once regardless of hire duration.

A deposit may be required for self-drive hire, refundable on return of the machine in good condition. The deposit amount depends on the machine hired. Operated hire does not require a deposit — invoiced on standard terms on completion of the hire period.

A micro digger weighs under 1 tonne and fits through standard doorways — used for indoor work, very tight access, and small garden jobs. A mini digger (like our 3.3T Hitachi) weighs 1 to 6 tonnes and handles most domestic and light commercial excavation. For anything beyond foundations and drainage on a single property, you'll typically need a mini digger at minimum. RW Groundworks can advise on which size suits your project.

Our 3.3-tonne Hitachi is approximately 1.5 metres wide, which fits through most side access gates. Standard garden gates are typically 0.9m to 1.2m wide — too narrow for tracked machines. If side access is tight, we can sometimes track across a front garden or use a smaller attachment. Call Reuben with your access measurements and we'll confirm whether the machine can reach the work area.