☎ 437-907-0671Get a Quote
A septic system excavation is a precise, equipment-driven job. You need to dig a level hole for the tank, excavate the leaching bed, trench for pipe runs, place gravel, and backfill cleanly. Choosing the right machines makes the difference between a smooth installation and a frustrating, drawn-out one. This guide breaks down exactly what equipment you need for a septic excavation on properties across Georgina, Durham Region, Simcoe, Kawartha Lakes, and York Region.
The excavator is the heart of any septic excavation. Pick one that is too small and the job drags on; too large and you cannot manoeuvre it on a typical lot or work close to structures. For most residential septic systems, the sweet spot is a compact excavator.
The Kubota U35 (around 3.7 tonnes, from $350/day) is the ideal machine for most septic excavations. It has the digging depth, reach, and breakout force to excavate a tank hole and leaching bed efficiently, yet it is compact and manoeuvrable enough for rural residential lots. Its near-zero tail swing helps you work close to wells, trees, and existing buildings without damage. When you have a permit window and a crew to manage, the U35 gets the dig done quickly.
The Kubota U17 (around 1.7 tonnes, from $250/day) shines on tight sites and for the finer trenching that septic systems require. It fits through gates as narrow as about three feet, so it can reach backyards and confined areas a larger machine cannot. On many jobs, the U17 works alongside the U35 — the U35 handles the big digging, while the U17 handles trenching in tight quarters.
| Job Component | Recommended Excavator |
|---|---|
| Tank excavation | Kubota U35 |
| Leaching bed excavation | Kubota U35 |
| Pipe trenching (open sites) | Kubota U35 or U17 |
| Pipe trenching (tight access) | Kubota U17 |
A septic installation involves a lot of material handling. You are moving stone for the leaching bed, soil for backfill, and topsoil for final restoration. This is where a track loader earns its place.
The Kubota SVL75-3 (around 74 hp, from $350/day) is built for material handling and grading. Use it to carry and dump clear stone into the leaching bed, move backfill, and grade the finished surface. Its tracks distribute weight, so it works on the soft, disturbed ground of a septic site without getting bogged down. For finishing larger areas, the Kubota LX2620 compact tractor (from $300/day) is a great grading machine.
Septic systems require trenching — for the line from the house to the tank, and for distribution piping in the leaching bed. Clean, controlled trenches at the right depth and slope are essential for the system to drain properly.
Both the U35 and U17 excavators handle trenching well. The U35 gives you more reach and speed on open runs, while the U17 is better in tight spots. Maintaining a consistent grade in your trenches is critical — effluent moves by gravity in a conventional system, so the slope has to be right.
Once the bed is dug and piping is laid, you place clear stone around the distribution pipes, cover it with filter fabric, and then backfill. Use the SVL75-3 track loader to move and place stone and backfill material efficiently. The excavator can also help spot stone and backfill precisely around the tank and piping. Finally, grade the surface so it sheds water away from the bed — a job for the track loader or LX2620 tractor.
Here is the complete picture for a typical residential septic excavation:
We deliver across the region, and operated rentals are available if you would rather have an experienced operator handle the excavation.
Not sure which excavator you need? Use these general guidelines:
For most residential septic excavations, a Kubota U35 compact excavator (around 3.7 tonnes) is the right size. It has the digging depth and power for the tank and leaching bed while staying manoeuvrable on rural lots. For tight access or trenching, a Kubota U17 mini excavator is ideal.
A Kubota U17 mini excavator can handle smaller systems, tight-access sites, and trenching. For a full residential tank and leaching bed, a Kubota U35 is usually faster and more efficient, and the two machines often work well together.
You will also want a compact track loader like the Kubota SVL75-3 for moving stone, backfill, and grading, and a compact tractor such as the Kubota LX2620 for finishing larger areas. Trailers are available for hauling material.
If you are experienced with machinery, renting and doing the work yourself can save money. If precision or efficiency matters and you would rather not run the equipment, operated rentals let an experienced operator handle the dig.
Planning a septic excavation anywhere in Georgina, Durham Region, Simcoe, Kawartha Lakes, or York Region? Titanium Equipment Group can supply the Kubota U35, U17, track loaders, and tractors you need, delivered to your site with operated rentals available. Call or text 437-907-0671 or request a quote.
Tell us your project and postal code - we will quote the machine, delivery and pickup, all in.
☎ Call or Text 437-907-0671