Demolition is more than just destruction; it’s a controlled process of dismantling a structure safely and efficiently. Whether you’re clearing a site for a new build, removing an old garage, or breaking up a concrete driveway, the success and safety of the project depend entirely on having the right equipment. Using inadequate tools is not only inefficient but also extremely hazardous.

At Breckland Plant Hire, we are Norfolk’s trusted partner for demolition projects of all sizes. We provide the heavy-duty, reliable machinery that contractors and individuals need to get the job done right. This guide will walk you through the core pieces of equipment used in demolition and help you plan your next project.

 

Scaling the Job: Matching the Equipment to the Task

 

The first step is to assess the scale of your demolition project.

• Small-Scale Demolition (e.g., concrete paths, interior walls, small sheds): This often requires powerful but portable tools. A heavy-duty handheld hydraulic breaker is perfect for breaking up concrete slabs.
• Medium-Scale Demolition (e.g., garages, extensions, small outbuildings): This is where powered machinery becomes essential. A mini digger, often with a hydraulic breaker attachment (‘pecker’), combined with a dumper for waste removal, is the standard setup.
• Large-Scale Demolition (e.g., commercial or agricultural buildings): These projects are undertaken by professional contractors and require a fleet of large excavators, crushers, and loaders.

 

Our Core Demolition Hire Fleet

 

We have invested in a modern fleet of machines specifically designed for the rigours of demolition work.

 

Hydraulic Breakers (‘Peckers’)

 

The sound of a hydraulic breaker is the sound of demolition. These powerful hammers make short work of reinforced concrete, tarmac, and rock.

• Handheld Breakers: We stock a range of heavy-duty breakers perfect for breaking up floors, foundations, and paths. They offer immense power in a portable package.
• Excavator-Mounted Breakers (‘Peckers’): For thick concrete or large areas, a breaker attachment on a mini digger is the most efficient solution. It uses the excavator’s hydraulic power to deliver relentless, powerful blows, breaking up huge areas with speed and precision.

 

Excavators & Mini Diggers

 

The mini digger is the workhorse of any demolition site. Its versatility is unmatched. Equipped with a standard bucket, it can pull down walls, sort debris, and load dumpers. When fitted with an attachment like a pecker or a grab, it becomes a specialised demolition tool. Our fleet ranges from compact micro diggers that can fit through a standard doorway to larger machines for more substantial work.

 

On-Site Concrete & Rubble Crushers

 

Sustainability and cost-efficiency are crucial in modern construction. Why pay to have rubble hauled away and pay again for new hardcore to be delivered? A concrete crusher is the smart solution.

• How it works: Our compact crushers can be fed with concrete, brick, and rubble from your demolition. The machine crushes this waste material down to a usable size (e.g., MOT Type 1 aggregate).
• Benefits: Dramatically reduces waste removal costs, eliminates the cost of buying new sub-base, and is far better for the environment. It turns a liability into a valuable asset, right on your site.

 

Dumpers & Loaders

 

Once a structure is down, the debris needs to be managed and moved. A fleet of wheelbarrows won’t suffice. We hire a range of site dumpers, from smaller 1-tonne models for tight access jobs to larger 6-tonne machines for major site clearance, ensuring you can move material quickly and safely.

 

Safety: The First Priority in Demolition

 

There are no shortcuts when it comes to safety in demolition. A controlled and safe site is an efficient site.

• Full PPE: This is non-negotiable. Hard hats, steel-toed boots, hi-vis jackets, gloves, and appropriate eye, ear, and respiratory protection must be used by everyone on site.
• Site Assessment: Before starting, always check for live utilities (gas, water, electricity) and potential hazards.
• Reliable Equipment: Using poorly maintained equipment is a major risk. At Breckland Plant Hire, our machinery is rigorously serviced, inspected, and maintained to the highest standards (LOLER certified where applicable) to ensure it performs reliably and safely.

 

Your Demolition Partner in Norfolk

 

From a simple garage takedown in Dereham to a full site clearance in Thetford or an agricultural building dismantling near Swaffham, Breckland Plant Hire has the equipment and expertise to support you. We are more than just a hire company; we are your project partner.

• One-Stop-Shop: We provide a comprehensive range of demolition tools, from the breaker to the crusher to the dumper.
• Expert Advice: Our experienced team can help you assess your needs and recommend the most efficient and cost-effective combination of machines for your project.
• Delivery & Collection: We offer a reliable delivery and collection service across Norfolk, bringing the right tools to your site, on time.

Ready to start planning your demolition project?

Contact Breckland Plant Hire today. Our team is on hand to discuss your requirements and provide a competitive quote for your demolition equipment hire.