Three things to know
- Measure clear width along the entire route.
- Photograph turns, height restrictions and the surface.
- Assess excavator access, working space and truck access separately.
Contents of this guide
- Clear width and height
- Turns and the surface
- Working space
Illustrative overview. We confirm access and suitable equipment from the actual measurements and site conditions.
Measure the narrowest point of the whole route
Measure the narrowest clear point along the whole route from the road to the work area. Include hinges, open gate leaves, kerbs and fixed obstacles. SORTI uses a 2.5 t JCB mini excavator and a 5 t JCB excavator; weight class does not specify machine width or the clearance needed. We confirm suitable machinery and access for your particular route.
Check height and turns separately
Photograph low points, shelters, branches and the space before and after the gate. Straight access and turning can involve different constraints. Mark changes of direction and slope that a close-up gate photo cannot show.
Electrical lines are not ordinary height restrictions. ČEZ Distribuce warns about vehicle and machinery movements in protection zones. Requirements for a particular line must be addressed with its operator; this guide gives no universal safe clearance. Do not alter obstacles without an agreed method.
ČEZ Distribuce – work within utility protection zones (Czech) ↗
Explain what lies below the surface
Tell us about paving, soft lawns, wet areas, access chambers, tanks and known structures below the route. A photo of a hard surface does not establish its bearing capacity. We need to know what machinery will cross, where it may move and which areas need protection.
Include surface protection in the discussion. Tracks or protective layers alone do not guarantee access without marks. If weather or ground conditions change, reconfirm access before machinery arrives.
Allow working space beyond the gate
Mark the excavation, proposed material storage and areas that must remain accessible. Space around the machine, manoeuvring and site organisation all matter. Fitting between gateposts does not establish that the working area is suitable.
Clarify pedestrian access to the house and activity nearby. Temporary closure of a gate or path belongs in the work plan. Prepare the site as agreed, rather than guessing from bucket size or machine reach.
Assess truck access separately
Show where the truck can stand for loading and the route between that area and the excavation. Direct loading, movement across the garden and loading from temporary storage are different arrangements. If a dumper is needed, include its full route.
Describe known transport restrictions and space for standing and manoeuvring. A garden gate width says nothing about machine delivery or truck access. Transport and actual payload are confirmed for the specific vehicle and material.
Send a photo sequence that supports a decision
Instead of similar close-ups, show a clear sequence from the road to the work. Mark direction and measurements. Explain uncertain areas, such as missing information about a structure below the path.
For example, a wide gate may be followed by a tight turn and low shelter. A wider photo reveals this before machinery selection. Photos support an initial assessment; they do not themselves confirm access.
Swipe sideways to see all columns.
| Photo or document | What it should show |
|---|---|
| Approach from the road | Machine unloading and truck standing areas. |
| Gate with measurements | Minimum actual clear width and height. |
| Each turn | Space before and after the change of direction. |
| Surface and known structures | Sensitive areas, chambers, slope and available information. |
| Whole working area | Excavation, handling and proposed soil storage. |
Frequently asked questions
Is gate width enough?
No. Height, turns, surface conditions and working room beyond it also matter.
Does excavator weight establish its width?
No. Confirm actual access dimensions and space for the specific machine.
Can you guarantee access without damaging paving?
Access and protection need assessment for the site. This cannot be promised without knowing the base and agreed method.
Should I include a second possible route?
Yes. Identify both and send comparable access, surface, availability and transport information. This does not itself confirm either route.
Assess machinery for your location
Send the location, measurements of narrow points and photos of the whole route. Include the working area and loading space.