How to Level Your Backyard with a Mini Excavator
If you have an uneven backyard and need it properly sloped for drainage, a manual rake won't do the job. A mini excavator is perfect—it can access backyards to move large amounts of dirt quickly.
Check the Rules and the Ground
Call 811 to locate underground utilities. Do not skip this—hitting a utility line is dangerous and expensive.
Handle Permits: Check with local planning department. If you're building a retaining wall, you may need a permit.
A mini excavator is the ideal tool for residential backyard grading
Set Your Reference Grade
Use a Laser Level: Set up a rotating laser on a tripod. Use a grade rod to measure existing ground levels. Mark high and low spots with spray paint.
Operating the Excavator Blade
The dozer blade is your primary leveling tool. The bucket is for digging, but the blade is for grading.
A. Cutting High Spots
Take thin, smooth passes. Don't try to move too much dirt at once. Overlap your passes like mowing a lawn.
B. Filling Low Spots
Push cut dirt into low spots. Then back up slowly—this "feathering" blends new soil with old.
For precision, a grading bucket gives the perfect finish. Use a mechanical quick hitch to swap attachments quickly.
Final Grading and Compaction
Verify slope with your laser level. For compaction, drive the excavator's tracks over the entire surface in slow, overlapping patterns. The machine's weight provides adequate density for lawn preparation.
✓ Pro Tips for Success
- Spend 80% of time on preparation. Accurate reference marks make grading much faster.
- Work in thin layers. Multiple light passes produce a better finish.
- Keep the machine level. If your tracks are level, your work will be level.
- For regular machine maintenance, check our guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What slope do I need for proper drainage?
2% slope—a drop of about 2 inches for every 10 feet away from the house.
Do I need a permit to level my backyard?
Check with your local department. Significant grade changes may require a permit.
What size mini excavator is best?
1 to 3.5 tons is typically sufficient for residential backyard leveling.
Why is soil compaction important?
Moved dirt is fluffy and full of air. Without compaction, it settles unevenly over time.