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Earthmoving Prices United Kingdom
Prices include VAT. Minimum callout fees of £150–£250 are common. Always get a written quote specifying machine size, hours, and disposal arrangements.
Earthmoving Prices by Service Type — United Kingdom
Prices include VAT. Minimum callout fees of £150–£250 are common. Always get a written quote specifying machine size, hours, and disposal arrangements.
| Service | Unit | From | Average | Up to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚜Mini Excavator Hire (1–3t, with operator) Compact excavator for residential groundworks and tight-access sites | /hr | £50 | £70 | £95 |
| 🚜Standard Excavator Hire (5–8t, with operator) Mid-size excavator for house foundations, drainage, and site preparation | /hr | £75 | £105 | £140 |
| 🚜Large Excavator Hire (12–20t, with operator) Heavy excavator for commercial groundworks and large site clearance | /hr | £115 | £165 | £220 |
| 🚜Bobcat / Skid Steer Hire (with operator) Skid steer for levelling, backfilling, and material spreading | /hr | £55 | £75 | £100 |
| 📏Site Cut / Levelling (per m²) Cut and fill to create a level area for building or paving | /m² | £5 | £10 | £16 |
| ⛏️Trenching (per linear metre) Excavate trenches for drainage, utilities, or foundations | /lm | £13 | £24 | £38 |
| 🧱Bulk Excavation (per m³) Large volume excavation for basements or major groundworks | /m³ | £10 | £16 | £25 |
| 🚛Soil / Rock Removal (per m³ incl. tip) Load, transport, and dispose of excavated material at a licensed facility | /m³ | £20 | £32 | £50 |
| 🧱Retaining Wall Excavation Excavate and prepare foundation for retaining wall construction | /job | £320 | £700 | £1,300 |
| 🏊Pool Excavation Full excavation of a swimming pool hole to specification | /job | £1,600 | £2,900 | £5,000 |
| 🚗Driveway / Pad Preparation Excavate, level, and prepare sub-base for driveway or concrete slab | /job | £950 | £1,900 | £3,200 |
| 🌳Land Clearing (per m²) Clear vegetation and debris from a site ready for construction | /m² | £3 | £8 | £13 |
Earthmoving Prices by City
Click a city for detailed local pricing and tips
London
England · 9.0M
From £7
Manchester
England · 2.8M
From £9
Birmingham
England · 2.6M
From £5
Leeds
England · 800K
Pricing available
Liverpool
England · 900K
Pricing available
Bristol
England · 470K
Pricing available
Sheffield
England · 580K
Pricing available
Newcastle
England · 300K
Pricing available
Nottingham
England · 330K
Pricing available
Southampton
England · 260K
Pricing available
Brighton
England · 230K
Pricing available
Cambridge
England · 145K
Pricing available
Oxford
England · 155K
Pricing available
Reading
England · 175K
Pricing available
Plymouth
England · 265K
Pricing available
Edinburgh
Scotland · 530K
From £14
Glasgow
Scotland · 630K
Pricing available
Aberdeen
Scotland · 230K
Pricing available
Dundee
Scotland · 150K
Pricing available
Cardiff
Wales · 370K
Pricing available
Swansea
Wales · 245K
Pricing available
Belfast
Northern Ireland · 345K
Pricing available
Earthmoving prices in United Kingdom range from £3 for basic services to £5,000 for large-scale excavation and pool excavation. Prices include VAT. Minimum callout fees of £150–£250 are common. Always get a written quote specifying machine size, hours, and disposal arrangements.
The most common groundworks / earthmoving services in United Kingdom include mini excavator hire, standard excavator hire, large excavator hire, bobcat hire, site cuts and levelling, trenching, bulk excavation, soil removal, retaining wall excavation, pool excavation, driveway preparation, and land clearing.
The most effective savings come from having a clear scope before quoting, ensuring good site access for the most efficient machine, batching multiple tasks into one visit, and scheduling during quieter periods. Always get 2–3 quotes for jobs over £2,000. Prices include VAT. Minimum callout fees of £150–£250 are common. Always get a written quote specifying machine size, hours, and disposal arrangements.
Most local councils or authorities in United Kingdom require permits for major earthworks such as deep excavation, work near boundaries, or changes to drainage patterns. Minor works like garden levelling typically do not require a permit. Always check local requirements before starting. Prices include VAT. Minimum callout fees of £150–£250 are common. Always get a written quote specifying machine size, hours, and disposal arrangements.
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