Book it
- Kubota U27-4R1 Mini ExcavatorTight-tail-swing mini excavatorFrom $335/dayBook the Kubota U27-4R1 Mini Excavator
- 7x14 Dump TrailerHaul dirt, gravel and debrisFrom $155/dayBook the 7x14 Dump Trailer
Free pickup in Pierce County; exact location sent after booking. Delivery is $200 each way; your job-site address is checked at checkout.
Drainage jobs a mini excavator handles
French drain
WSU Extension describes a French drain as a shallow trench lined with weed cloth or geotextile fabric, with a perforated plastic pipe surrounded by gravel. The fabric wraps over the gravel and is covered with soil, which keeps soil from filling the gaps in the gravel.
Downspout lines and dry wells
WSU Extension says buried downspouts can connect to a French drain, and a T-shaped pipe at the outlet slows the water and spreads it out. Downspouts can also feed a dry well: a small pit lined with fabric and filled with 1½ to 3 in gravel, placed at least 10 feet from building foundations and at least 75 feet from wells, septic systems and surface water.
Swale and ditch cleanup
WSU Extension describes swales as shallow, gently sloped vegetated ditches that carry runoff away, and advises doing upkeep when the soil is not saturated, to avoid compaction. Pierce County lists swales, ditches, roof gutters and downspouts among common private stormwater systems and says property owners must inspect and maintain the systems on their property.
Sources: WSU Clark County Extension: Improving Drainage and Pierce County: Maintaining your private stormwater system. Pierce County also offers free technical assistance visits for private stormwater systems.
Plan the job first
Request a utility locate
- WA 811 says Washington law requires you to notify utilities before any excavation. Contact 811 at least two, but no more than ten, business days before you start. The day of the notice, weekends and holidays do not count.
- Mark the boundary of your dig area in white paint first (“whitelining”).
- Utilities do not mark private lines, such as power to an outbuilding, invisible fences, pool heating or septic systems. WA 811 suggests a private utility locator for those.
Decide where the water goes
- WSU Extension says French drains can collect water and direct it on your property where it will not do any damage.
- Slope the trench between 0.5% and 1% toward the outlet. A one-foot drop over 100 feet is a 1% slope.
- French drains work best above the groundwater table. Keep heavy machinery off a finished drain; it can crush the pipe.
Check permits
- Pierce County's Fill and Grade page says a permit is required for grading more than 50 cubic yards, or more than one cubic yard in critical areas.
- Its site development FAQ lists more triggers, including altering a stormwater drainage system or drainage course, and clearing or grading within 25 feet of a ditch, creek, stream, river or drainage course.
- Inside city limits? Check your city's rules. Area pages: Puyallup · Bonney Lake · Sumner · Auburn · Enumclaw.
Summaries for planning only; follow the linked official text: WA 811 homeowners page, WSU Extension.
Why the Kubota U27-4 fits
The Kubota U27-4 is a tight-tail-swing mini excavator on rubber tracks. Kubota lists its overall width as 4 ft 11 in and max digging depth as 9 ft 5 in (Kubota U27-4 brochure, PDF). Our listing names trenching, utility lines, drainage, footings and grading among the jobs it is good for.
Measure your narrowest gate or side yard on the way to the dig before you book. More in the mini excavator rental guide.
Haul spoil out, bring gravel in
A drain trench makes a pile of dirt, and a French drain needs gravel. The 7x14 dump trailer hauls away dirt and rock the mini excavator digs out and brings in drain rock or topsoil. It is not for hazardous waste; please return it emptied and swept.
- Extra dirt? The Pierce County Transfer Stations page lists locations, hours and what each station accepts.
- Cover dirt, sand or gravel on paved roads unless you keep six inches of freeboard in the bed (RCW 46.61.655).
Towing checks and rates: dump trailer rental guide.
Day, weekend or week?
Mini excavator: At the day rate, 3 days is $1,005 and 4 days is $1,340, vs $1,050 for a week. The weekend rate is $490 (Friday 9 AM pickup to Monday 3 PM return).
7x14 dump trailer: $155 a day or $575 a week.
Prices are before WA sales tax and the 1.25% heavy equipment rental tax where it applies. Your exact total shows at checkout.
Questions
Can I dig a French drain with a mini excavator?
Yes. A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe, as WSU Extension describes it. The Kubota U27-4 digs the trench, and the 7x14 dump trailer hauls spoil out and brings gravel in.
How far ahead do I contact 811?
WA 811 says to contact 811 at least two, but no more than ten, business days before you start digging. The day of the notice, weekends and holidays do not count.
Do I need a permit for a drainage trench in Pierce County?
It depends on where you dig and how much you move. Pierce County's Fill and Grade page says a permit is required for grading more than 50 cubic yards, or more than one cubic yard in critical areas. Its site development FAQ also lists altering a drainage system or drainage course, and work within 25 feet of a ditch, creek, stream, river or drainage course. Inside city limits, check your city's rules.
How much does it cost?
The mini excavator is $335 a day, $490 a weekend or $1,050 a week. The 7x14 dump trailer is $155 a day or $575 a week. Prices are before WA sales tax and the 1.25% heavy equipment rental tax where it applies. Your exact total shows at checkout.
Where can I take extra dirt?
Check the official Pierce County Transfer Stations page for locations, hours and what each station accepts before you haul.
More guides: all rental guides. Which guide fits your job? Piping a water line or side sewer: water and sewer line trenching. Running power to a shop: underground conduit trenching.