Some jobs are simply out of range for a standard excavator. Steep banks, deep watercourses and tight urban plots all call for extra length. A long reach digger can complete deep ditch and riverbank clearance, pond and lake dredging, deep excavations, high-level demolition, and groundwork in hard-to-access areas, all without the machine having to sit on unstable ground.
Whether you are working on a Thames-side redevelopment or a back-garden project, here is what this machine can do for you.
What Is a Long Reach Digger?
A long reach digger is a tracked excavator fitted with an extended boom and arm. Depending on the model, it can reach 15 to 24 metres or more, which lets the operator dig, clear and load from a safe distance. The machine stays on firm ground while the bucket does the work far out in front.
The Key Capabilities of Digger Machines
1. Ditch, River and Canal Clearance
Overgrown and silted waterways are the classic job for a long reach machine. London has plenty of them, from the Lee Valley and the River Roding to the Grand Union Canal and Regent’s Canal. Silt, fallen branches and rubbish reduce flow and raise flood risk, and the long arm can clear them from the bank without anyone entering the water.
2. Pond and Lake Dredging
Ponds in parks and private grounds fill with silt over the years. Think of the lakes in places like Valentines Park in Ilford or Hainault Forest Country Park. Dredging restores depth and water quality, and a long reach digger can remove sediment from the middle of a pond while parked safely on the edge.
3. Deep Excavations and Foundations
London clay is heavy, sticky and slow to dig by hand. For basements, drainage runs and deep foundation trenches, the extra reach lets the operator excavate deeper and load spoil straight into lorries. With so many basement conversions and infill builds across the capital, this saves valuable time on cramped sites.
4. Demolition of Tall Structures
An extended arm can bring down chimneys, walls, garages and multi-storey structures from a safe distance. In busy boroughs like Barking and Dagenham, Newham and Redbridge, where sites often sit tight against neighbouring homes, controlled demolition from range keeps your team and the public safer.
5. Embankment and Slope Work
Railway cuttings, road embankments, and steep banks are dangerous to work on while on foot. The long arm can reprofile slopes, remove vegetation and clear drainage channels without placing machinery or people on unstable ground. This is common work along London’s rail corridors and flood defences.
6. Reaching Over Obstacles
Sometimes the problem is not depth but what is in the way: a fence, a hedge, a wall or a neighbouring structure. A long reach digger can work over these barriers and still place material exactly where it is needed.
How to Choose the Right Long Reach Digger for Your Project
Choosing the right long reach digger depends on the depth, distance and type of work involved. Before arranging long reach digger hire, consider the required reach, ground conditions, site access and material being excavated.
The machine must be positioned safely, particularly on projects involving watercourses, embankments or deep excavations. Bucket size and machine capacity also affect performance.
Discussing these factors with your hire provider can help you select suitable equipment for your site, avoid unnecessary costs and complete the work efficiently.
Tips from Diggers Hire Specialists in Essex
Many contractors working in east and north-east London turn to diggers hire specialists in Essex because the county sits right on the capital’s doorstep. At Turner Site Services, we have been trusted in the plant and haulage industry for over 30 years, and our family-run team is based near Harlow.
A few points worth checking before you book:
• Emissions rules: Greater London applies emission standards to non-road mobile machinery, so ask whether the machine meets them.
• Access and permits: Transporting a large machine on London’s roads may need planning around red routes, weight limits and borough permits.
• Ground protection: Soft verges and parkland may require track mats to prevent damage.
• Operator: Ask whether a trained, certified operator is included, as this affects both safety and results.
Not sure which machine suits your site? Call our team on 01279 877845 or email info@turnersiteservices.co.uk for friendly advice and a quote.
Was let down by a digger hire firm so we called turners site services they had a digger on site next morning great service well recommended very professional – E Radford
Don’t just take our word for it. Read genuine Google reviews from our customers and see why they trust Turner Site Services for their plant hire and haulage needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can a long reach digger reach?
Most machines reach between 15 and 24 metres, with some models going further. The right size depends on the job and site layout.
Can I hire a long reach digger with an operator?
Yes. Many hire companies offer machines with a qualified operator, which is often the safest and most efficient option for specialist work. Ask your supplier what is available.
Is a long reach digger suitable for a small site?
Often, yes. Because it works from a distance, the machine can stay in one spot while covering a large area, though you still need space to position it safely.
Do I need permission to dredge a pond or clear a watercourse in London?
It can depend on who owns the land and whether the watercourse is regulated. You may need consent from the landowner, the local council or the Environment Agency, so check before work begins.
How much does it cost to hire a long reach digger?
Prices vary with machine size, hire length, delivery distance and whether an operator is included. Ask for a written quote that covers transport and any ground protection.
How is a long reach digger delivered to site?
These machines are usually moved by low loader or plant haulage. Your supplier will plan the route and timing around your site access, so give them as much detail as you can when booking.
