Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Diggers
What is a mobile digger?
A mobile digger is a compact excavating machine mounted on a wheeled or tracked chassis that can travel between job sites without a trailer. They combine the digging capability of a mini excavator with the mobility of a wheeled vehicle.
What is a mobile digger used for?
Mobile diggers are used for trenching, foundation digging, utility work, landscaping, and small earthmoving projects. Their compact size and road mobility make them ideal for contractors who work across multiple sites in a day.
How does a mobile digger compare to a mini excavator?
A mobile digger offers the advantage of road mobility — it can drive between sites without needing a trailer or transport vehicle. Mini excavators typically offer deeper digging depth and more power, but require transport between locations.
South African farmers and smallholders use mobile diggers for tasks that recur several times a year but do not justify the purchase or hire of a full-size excavator — post hole boring for fencing and structures, trench cutting for water pipes and electric cables, irrigation channel cleaning and small excavation jobs. A mobile digger towed behind a bakkie or light truck provides this capability at a fraction of the cost of an excavator.
Digging depth and bucket width are the key specifications for a mobile digger. Most models in MCM Group's range dig to 1.2—2.0 metres deep, covering the depth requirements for post holes, service pipes and shallow trenches. Bucket widths typically range from 200 mm to 600 mm, allowing the operator to match the trench width to the pipe or post size.
Mobile diggers require a tow vehicle with sufficient drawbar weight and hydraulic output to power the boom and swing. Most MCM Group mobile digger models require a 30—60 kW hydraulic power supply — compatible with tractors and most agricultural vehicles in the relevant horsepower class.
All MCM Group mobile diggers come with full local warranty, bucket and tooth replacement parts and after-sales service from our branches in Cape Town, George, Gauteng and Bloemfontein.
