It's exciting to think about hiring a mini digger. You can save days of hard work with this powerful machine. But you have to be responsible with that power. Modern mini diggers are easy to use, but they are not toys. To keep yourself, your property, and the people around you safe, you need to follow some basic safety rules.

This is a guide for people who are renting for the first time. The goal is to help you feel safe and confident when you drive. (Please note that this is a guide and not a replacement for the safety briefing you will get from the rental company.)

The Walk-Around Check: Before You Start

Take a minute to look over the machine before you even turn the key.

• Tracks: Check out the rubber tracks. Are they in good shape?

• Leaks: Look at the ground under the machine. Do you see any new oil or gas leaks?

• Bucket: Is the bucket (or breaker) firmly attached? Make sure the pins are in the right spots.

• Controls: Before you start, sit down and get to know the controls. Know what each lever does. DCM Hire's staff will help you with this.

Know Your Place

This is the most important step for safety.

• Buried Services: CALL BEFORE YOU DIG. You need to know what's under the ground before you start digging. Hitting a gas line, water main or electrical cable can be very bad. You can get maps of underground utilities in Ireland by using services like Gas Networks Ireland's "Dial Before You Dig."

• Clear the Area: Make sure there are no people (especially kids), pets, tools, or other things in the way of the work area.

• Look at the ground: Is it very steep? Is the ground wet and soft? Know what's going on with you.

How to Use the Mini Digger Safely

You checked everything, and the site is clear. It's time to get going.

• Always wear your seatbelt. This is not up for debate. You don't just wear a seatbelt when you crash. The biggest danger on a digger is that it will roll over. The ROPS (Roll-Over Protection Structure) frame of the machine keeps you safe in the seatbelt.

• Keep the Bucket Low: When you are moving the digger from one place to another (also called "tracking"), always keep the bucket about 30 cm off the ground. This keeps the machine's centre of gravity low, which makes it much more stable.

• The "Golden Rule" of Stability: A digger is most stable when digging straight in front or behind. It is least stable when you are swinging a full, heavy bucket to the side, especially if you are on uneven ground or a slope. Move slowly and deliberately when swinging a load.

• Always follow the rule that you can't swing a load over people. Don't ever swing the boom (the arm) over someone's head.

• Take it Slow: The controls are sensitive. There's no prize for speed. Smooth, slow, and steady movements are safer and produce a much cleaner result.

Stopping and Parking

When you're finished for the day or taking a break, don't just hop off.

1. Put the machine on flat, level ground.

2. Bring the bucket and any attachments down to the ground.

3. Take the key out and turn off the engine.

Being aware is the key to safety. You can make sure your project is successful, efficient, and safe by following these simple steps.

At DCM Hire, safety comes first. We give you a full safety briefing and modern, well-kept machines. You can book a safe mini digger hire in Dublin with us.