Yard Grading Equipment Rental in Metro Detroit
If water runs toward your house instead of away from it, your yard needs regrading. A mini skid steer moves and shapes soil far faster than a shovel and rake. C&W Equipment Rentals rents mini skid steers from $100 a day across Metro Detroit.
Which machine for which grading job
| Job | Best machine | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Regrading around the foundation | Ditch Witch SK800 with bucket | Moves and back-drags soil to a smooth slope |
| Filling low spots, leveling for sod or seed | AGT YSRT14 ($100/day) | Light and easy on the lawn around it |
| Big cut-and-fill jobs, moving lots of soil | Ditch Witch SK800 ($300/day) | More power and lift for heavier loads |
| Cutting a swale or drainage channel | CFG H13R mini excavator | Shapes a precise channel |
| Bringing in topsoil or fill | PJ 7x14 dump trailer | Hauls several yards per trip |
How to regrade a yard
- Find the problem: watch where water goes in a heavy rain, or run a string line and level from the house outward.
- Aim for the right slope: a common guideline is at least 6 inches of drop in the first 10 feet away from the foundation.
- Strip and stockpile topsoil if you're making big changes, so it can go back on top.
- Move fill soil with the skid steer bucket to build up low areas near the house.
- Back-drag to finish: drive in reverse with the bucket down to smooth the surface.
- Top with topsoil, then seed or sod.
Clay soil tips
Metro Detroit's clay soil is easiest to grade when it's damp but not wet. Soaked clay smears and ruts, and bone-dry clay won't break up. If you can squeeze a handful into a ball that crumbles when poked, it's a good day to grade.
Delivery, hours and service area
Free delivery and pickup within 10 miles, then $5 per mile. We serve all of Metro Detroit, including Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties, plus Ann Arbor, Brighton and Howell. Open 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday, 7am to 2pm Sunday.
Book online or call (248) 303-8515.
Yard grading FAQ
What equipment do I need to grade a yard?
A mini skid steer with a bucket handles most residential grading. Add a dump trailer if you need to bring in topsoil or fill.
How much slope should a yard have away from the house?
A common guideline is at least 6 inches of drop over the first 10 feet away from the foundation.
Can I regrade my yard myself?
Yes. Many homeowners regrade with a rented mini skid steer in a day or a weekend. We'll show you how to run it, including back-dragging for a smooth finish.
Book the equipment for this job
Ditch Witch SK800 mini skid steer · AGT YSRT14 mini skid steer · PJ 7x14 dump trailer · Full inventory