The accident happened in Pitmedden at about 0800 GMT.
The digger broke loose, swerved across the road and careered into the front of the Pitmedden Bar, demolishing the frontage.
Kenny Florence, the pub's landlord, told the BBC Scotland news website it was lucky no-one was inside the building at the time.
'A blessing'
He said: "It has taken out the front door and wall and there is debris everywhere.
"I normally clear the beer lines on a Friday morning but did it on Thursday. Fate may have played a hand.
"It came off the main road, across the pavement and into the pub. Kids are starting to go to school at that time, it's a blessing no-one was injured."
He did not know how long the pub would have to remain closed.
Grampian Police confirmed a structural engineer was assessing the damage.
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