Business Details
42 Years
experience
Trusted Excavation Services in Dorset
Established in 1984, Mini Excavator Services has been a trusted name in excavation and groundwork across Dorset for over 30 years. Founded by Henry Hanwell, whose expertise in small excavator operations revolutionised access to confined spaces, we specialise in delivering tailored solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Our fleet includes mini excavators ranging from 740mm-wide machines to 5-tonne units, equipped with specialist attachments like riddle buckets, screw piles, and crushing equipment to handle diverse tasks efficiently. Fully insured and CPCS-certified, our operators combine technical skill with a commitment to safety, ensuring projects from trenching to driveway preparation are completed to exacting standards.As a Constructionline-registered contractor, we uphold rigorous health and safety protocols, with SSiP accreditation reinforcing our reliability. Clients across Dorset consistently return for our precision, punctuality, and expertise, whether tackling urgent groundwork or large-scale developments. Our reputation for quality, built through decades of client testimonials, underscores our dedication to exceeding expectations in every excavation challenge.
Services
Groundwork Services
Excavation
Trenching
Digger Hire
Driveway Preparation
Concrete Footings
Screw Pile Installation
Land Drainage
Ditch Cleaning
Underpinning
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- Over 30 years of specialist mini excavator experience since 1984
- CPCS-certified operators ensure technical excellence and safety compliance
- Fleet includes niche attachments like screw piles and underpinning buckets
- Constructionline registration demonstrates rigorous health and safety standards
- Proven reliability with consistent client repeat business across Dorset
Associations and certifications
- CPCS
- Constructionline
- SSIP
Services
Groundwork Services
Our comprehensive groundwork services cover excavation, levelling, and foundation preparation. Utilising mini excavators from 740mm to 5 tonnes, we handle residential extensions, commercial infrastructure, and road repairs with precision. Specialist attachments enable efficient material handling and soil processing.
Trenching
We provide trenching solutions for drainage, utilities, and telecom installations. Our narrow excavators access tight spaces, while cable ploughs and precision buckets ensure accurate trench dimensions. Projects benefit from rapid execution without compromising safety or site integrity.
Screw Pile Installation
Specialist screw pile installation offers rapid foundation solutions for unstable ground. Our Constructionline-approved methods ensure compliance with structural requirements. This technique minimises environmental disruption while providing durable support for structures like fencing and signage.
Driveway Preparation
From initial excavation to sub-base compaction, we create durable driveway foundations. Our machinery handles tight access points, while riddle buckets process hardcore materials for optimal drainage. Services integrate seamlessly with paving and surfacing contractors.
Underpinning
Our underpinning buckets excavate beneath existing walls with minimal disruption. This technique reinforces foundations for building extensions or unstable substrates. Precision engineering combined with narrow-machine capability ensures structural integrity in heritage and modern properties alike.
People
Henry Hanwell
Founder
With 30 years in mini excavation, Henry established the company in 1984 after identifying demand for compact machinery in Dorset's heritage buildings. His technical expertise and commitment to client-centric solutions drive the company's enduring success.
Questions
What excavation services do you offer in Dorset?
We provide groundwork, trenching, driveway preparation, screw pile installation, and underpinning using mini excavators from 740mm to 5 tonnes with specialist attachments.
Are your operators certified?
All our operators hold CPCS certification, and we maintain Constructionline registration with SSiP health and safety accreditation.
Can you handle tight access sites?
Yes. Our smallest excavators fit through 26" doorways and narrow pathways, enabling work in confined spaces and listed buildings.
What areas do you cover?
We operate across Dorset including Weymouth, Portland, and surrounding counties like Devon and Somerset.
