What size excavator do I need for a pool?

The right excavator size for pool excavation depends on pool dimensions, access constraints, and soil conditions. For standard residential pools up to 8 metres in length, a 1.7T mini excavator is the most common choice. It fits through standard residential gates (1,300mm wide), has sufficient digging depth for most pool depths (up to 2,400mm), and is manoeuvrable enough for typical residential backyards. For larger pools — 8 metres and above — or for pools with difficult soil conditions such as clay or rock, a 3.5T excavator is more efficient. The 3.5T has a larger bucket capacity (200L vs 80L), greater digging force, and a maximum dig depth of 3,800mm. For pools with very tight access — gates under 1,300mm — the 1T mini excavator (900mm wide) or 0.8T (750mm wide) may be required. These smaller machines take longer to excavate but can access sites that larger machines cannot. BuildHire's pool builder customers typically hire a 1.7T for standard residential pools and a 3.5T for larger or commercial pools.