How to Use A Trencher: Everything You Need to Know
When digging a trench, there are a few machines that you can use, including excavators, mini excavators, or trenchers. While there are specific use cases for both types of excavators, trenchers are designed to make trenching as simple and efficient as possible.
Whether digging for irrigation systems, French drains, utilities, electrical lines, cables, piping, or even cutting tree roots, trenchers give you power for small and large-scale projects. In this blog, we'll highlight the different types of trenchers and how to operate them.
What Is a Trencher Used For?
A trencher's primary function is to create narrow trenches in the ground. On utility projects, trenchers help lay underground pipes, cables, and conduits for water, electricity, telecommunications, and sewage systems. In landscaping, they are used to dig trenches for sprinkler systems, drainage pipes, and landscape lighting cables. The construction industry also uses trenchers for foundation work, pipeline installation, and road construction.
Types of Trenchers
There are two primary types of trenchers - the walk-behind trencher and ride-on trenchers. Each has its own use case, which we will cover below.
Walk-Behind Trenchers
Walk-behind trenchers are compact machines designed for smaller-scale projects and tight spaces. They are operated manually while walking backward and are ideal for tasks such as installing irrigation lines, laying cables, and creating trenches for landscape edging. These models offer ease of control and are suitable for both residential and commercial applications.
Because they are small trenchers, they create less damage to the ground. However, ride-on trenchers have greater digging depths. For example, a walk-behind trencher has up to 32 horsepower and can dig up to 4 feet (48 inches) while a ride-on trencher has up to 132 horsepower and can dig up to 6 feet.
Ride-On Trenchers
Ride-on trenchers are larger, more powerful machines than their walk-behind counterparts, capable of handling heavier-duty trenching projects. Equipped with operator seats and cabs, this allows operators to control the trenching process while staying protected from the harsher elements. Because of this, trenchers are used on larger construction sites that demand more power like cutting through rocky ground or pavement, reducing the need for physical labor.
While ride-on models have more power and can dig deeper than the smaller walk-behind models, they aren't always the optimal choice. The walk-behind model is better for working in small spaces where damage to the ground is a concern.
Trencher Attachments
Lastly, there are also trencher attachments that are designed to be mounted onto existing machinery such as skid steers, compact track loaders, or tractors. These attachments are similar to walk-behind depth with most attachments capable of digging 4' deep. Essentially, a trencher attachment is the perfect mix between the dig depth of a walk-behind machine and the comfort of a ride-on machine.
Should I Use a Wheel or Chain Trencher?
Trenchers can cut using two different methods: a toothed metal wheel or a chain. Toothed metal wheel trenchers are used when cutting harder terrain like rocky soil and pavement. Chain trenchers look like massive chainsaws and are used for cutting roots and soil.
How To Use a Ride-On and Walk-Behind Trencher
While walk-behind trenchers are suitable for smaller and medium-sized jobs and ride-on trenchers are used for larger projects, they operate in mostly the same ways. Whether you're installing irrigation lines, laying cables, or creating landscape features, using a trencher efficiently requires attention to detail and adherence to safety guidelines. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use either trencher effectively
Preparation and Site Inspection: Inspect the trencher to ensure it's in proper working condition. Check the engine oil, and hydraulic fluid levels, and inspect the cutting teeth or chain for wear. Survey the work site to identify any obstacles, underground utilities, or other hazards that could impact trenching operations.
Safety Gear and Precautions: Put on the necessary safety gear, including a helmet, safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots, before operating the trencher. Ensure that bystanders are at a safe distance from the work area. Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency stop buttons and other safety features on the machine.
Starting the Trencher: Start the trencher according to the manufacturer's instructions. Familiarize yourself with the controls, including throttle, depth adjustment, and forward/reverse motion. Engage the parking brake and ensure the trencher is in a neutral position before starting the engine.
Setting Depth and Width: Adjust the depth and width settings of the trencher to match the requirements of the job. Use the controls to set the desired trench depth, ensuring it's adequate for accommodating the utilities or other materials being installed. Adjust the trench width as needed to achieve the desired trench size.
Trenching Operation: Slowly advance along the planned trench path, maintaining a consistent speed. Use the controls to guide the trencher and navigate around obstacles or changes in terrain. Keep a close eye on the trench depth, adjusting as necessary to maintain uniformity and speed throughout the process. And remember, when using a trencher, go in the right direction (walking backward for a walk-behind model and forward for a ride-on).
Finishing and Cleanup: Once complete, disengage the cutting mechanism and lift it out of the ground. Fill the trench with soil or other suitable material, ensuring proper compaction to prevent settling. Turn off the trencher's engine and engage the parking brake before leaving the machine unattended.
By following these steps and exercising caution throughout the trenching process, operators can use trenchers safely, completing a wide range of projects with precision and efficiency.
Trencher FAQs:
What types of projects are best suited for ride-on trenchers?
Ride-on trenchers are ideal for heavy-duty trenching tasks in construction, utility installation, and infrastructure projects.
How do I transport a ride-on trencher to and from the job site?
Ride-on trenchers are often transported on trailers or flatbed trucks using specialized loading and tie-down equipment. Ensure proper securing of the trencher during transport to prevent damage or accidents.
What safety precautions should I take when operating a ride-on trencher?
Always wear appropriate safety gear, including helmets, safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots. Follow manufacturer guidelines for safe operation, and be aware of hazards such as moving parts, underground utilities, and unstable terrain.
How deep can a walk-behind trencher dig?
The maximum trench depth varies depending on the specific model and manufacturer. Most walk-behind trenchers are capable of digging trenches up to 4 feet deep, but it's essential to consult the equipment specifications to determine the maximum depth for a particular model. Ride-on models are better when looking to dig deep trenches.
What maintenance is required for a walk-behind trencher?
Regular maintenance tasks for walk-behind trenchers may include cleaning, lubricating moving parts, inspecting and tightening bolts, and sharpening cutting teeth or blades as needed. Refer to the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines for specific recommendations.
Can trenchers cut through roots?
While they are strong enough to dig through some roots, they are not suitable for working with large tree trunks or dense areas.
Can trenchers cut through rock and concrete?
Wheel trenchers can cut through materials like rock, pavement, concrete, and hard earth. Chain trenchers should not be used for these harder materials
Ready to start digging? Call our team of equipment experts to find the right equipment for the job or search DOZR for other excavating equipment.
