Ideal is 8–10 feet of clear path for full-size equipment. Compact excavators work through 5–6 foot gates. Under that, mini machines and conveyors carry the dig — and for truly landlocked backyards, a crane lifts the machine over the house. Access determines cost and duration, almost never feasibility.
| Clear width | Equipment | Cost/time impact |
|---|---|---|
| 8–10 ft + | Full-size excavator, standard trucks | Baseline |
| 6–8 ft | Mid-size machine or removed fence section | Modest premium |
| 5–6 ft | Compact excavator, smaller haul cycles | +20–50% |
| Under 5 ft | Mini excavator + conveyor off-haul | Significant premium, +2–4 days |
| None | Crane-assisted dig over the structure | Priced per job |
Measuring-tape shot across a side gate + compact excavator squeezing through
Not sure what you have? Send us gate photos and a rough measurement — we'll tell you what it means before anyone rolls a truck.
Fence sections, commonly yes — we pull and re-set panels or coordinate a fence contractor. Block walls are a bigger conversation: sometimes opening a wall section is still cheaper than a crane, and we'll price both honestly.
No — the crane lifts over the structure with engineered rigging and certified operators; nothing touches the house. It's routine in the hills of LA. The driveway or street staging area is protected and permitted as needed.
Free site visits and same-week estimates across Ventura & Los Angeles counties. Call, text, or send the job details.
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