Pronto Pick #9: Leon’s Go-To Mini Diggers for Tight Access Jobs
Welcome back to Pronto Picks, where the Pronto Hire team shares the machines they rate for getting jobs done right. This time, we caught up with Leon, Silverdale Branch Manager at Pronto Hire, to find out which diggers he backs for jobs that need compact size, easy access, and solid performance on site.
His pick? Our 1.2T, 1.7T, and 2.5T mini excavators.
“These mini diggers are a great fit for customers who need something practical, versatile, and easy to work with. They’re small enough to get into tighter spaces, but they’ve still got the capability and performance to handle a wide range of jobs without stepping up into a bigger digger.”
Why Leon Rates Our Mini Excavator Range:
1) There’s a machine to match the job:
From backyard projects and side access work through to trenching, drainage, landscaping, and site prep, this range gives customers options without overcomplicating the decision.
The 1.2T is ideal for tight-access jobs and smaller projects.
The 1.7T gives you more reach, more versatility, and zero-tail swing.
The 2.5T steps up again with more digging depth and power for heavier work, while still staying compact enough for smaller sites.
“A lot of people think bigger is better, but that’s not always true. The right machine is the one that gets in easily, works efficiently, and suits the site properly.”
This range covers a wide variety of jobs without making the decision harder than it needs to be. Whether the work is tight access, drainage, landscaping, trenching, or smaller site prep, there’s a machine in the range to suit it. As Leon puts it, “It’s all about matching the machine to the job and making sure the customer gets the right fit from the start.”
2) They’re easy to transport and easy to work with
One of the big advantages of this mini digger range is practicality. The 1.2T and 1.7T are towable options, and the 2.5T is the biggest digger in the range that can still be legally towed on a trailer. That makes them a strong option for customers who want capability without stepping up into the transport and access issues that come with larger gear.
They’re also well suited to customers who want a machine that is straightforward to operate on site. For newer operators, smaller projects, or jobs where a larger digger would be unnecessary, this range offers a practical balance of ease of use, compact size, and solid performance.
“From a branch point of view, these are great machines because they’re straightforward for customers to get to site, straightforward to use, and they handle a wide range of jobs really well.”
3) Compact size, real capability
All three machines give you the same compact excavator advantage, with zero swing and quick hitches across the range. Their size makes them easy to get on site and work in tighter areas, while still giving customers the capability to handle demanding site work.
The difference comes down to the size of the job and the conditions on site.
The 1.2T is best suited to tight-access work and smaller jobs, including trenching, landscaping, foundation prep, and confined site work where a compact footprint matters most.
The 1.7T is a strong all-rounder, giving customers more reach and flexibility for drainage, trenching, earthworks, and drilling, while still staying compact enough for tighter spaces.
The 2.5T is the heavier hitter in the range, with more digging depth, more stability, and more power for house sites, footpaths, rock breaking, drainage, and other demanding excavation work.
“That’s what makes this range so useful. Customers get the access benefits of a compact machine, while still having the capability to handle demanding site work. Once you know the job, the choice becomes pretty straightforward.”
4) Why compact excavators make sense on more jobs
For a lot of jobs, a compact excavator is simply the smarter option. They’re easier to get into tight spaces, easier to move around site, and better suited to smaller work areas where a larger machine would be harder to position and more than the job really needs.
That makes them a practical choice for everything from backyard projects and drainage through to landscaping, footpaths, and site prep. Customers still get the digging performance they need, without taking on the extra size, weight, and hassle that comes with larger gear.
“That’s why this range works so well. Customers can get the machine where they need it, work efficiently on site, and still have the capability needed for demanding work.”
Quick Spec Snapshot
1.2T Mini Excavator
- Max digging depth: 1755mm
- Track width: 750 to 1020mm
- Overall height: 2190mm
1.7T Mini Excavator
- Max digging depth: 2190 to 2310mm
- Track width: 950 to 1300mm
- Overall height: 2300 to 2345mm
2.5T Mini Excavator
- Max digging depth: 2790mm
- Track width: 1500mm
- Overall height: 2530mm
HIRE A MINI DIGGER FROM PRONTO HIRE
If you need a digger for tight access, trenching, drainage, landscaping, or general site prep, our 1.2T, 1.7T, and 2.5T mini excavators give you the compact size, capability, practicality and flexibility you need to get the job done properly.
At Pronto Hire, we offer:
- Flexible hire terms
- Fast delivery across Auckland, Waikato, and Northland
- 24/7 breakdown and maintenance support
- Expert advice to help you choose the right machine for the job
BOOK YOUR MINI DIGGER TODAY
📧 hire@prontohire.co.nz
📞 0800 PRONTO
🌐 www.prontohire.co.nz
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